Unless the study of Russian begins early, in grades below high school, students will not have developed enough vocabulary resources to undertake major research projects, read and analyze long classic literary texts or engage in complex discussions with native speakers by grade 12. Nonetheless, from the beginning of their Russian career they will be alert to instances of Russian cultural, historical, political, linguistic references they encounter beyond the classroom. When they overhear emigres conversing in the supermarket, for instance, they will be eager to try to understand some of the conversation and even try out their conversational skills. When political and economic events in Russia appear on the evening news, they will help their families understand the geography or the history involved. If they become captivated by the study of Russian, they will go on to develop areas of personal enrichment that involve the language and culture at the post- secondary level.
Students use Russian both within and beyond the school setting.
Sample Progress Indicators Students sing Russian songs for others in the school or community. Students draw pictures of aspects of Russianculture to show to others. Students present information about Russian language and culture to others.