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tips4russian

for people who really want to learn the language

для тех, кто действительно хочет выучить русский

Verbs of Motion

If you've had a few months of Russian already, you may be ready for my courses on Russian verbs of motion. Try the first three lessons of the introductory course for free!

Russian Grammar Channel

My Russian Grammar Youtube channel has over 100 videos on topics in Russian grammar and pronunciation.

Resources

Get access to my free resource library for materials on pronunciation practice, tricky grammar points, study tips, and more.

Meet your teacher

Dr. Curtis Ford

I'm Curt Ford, creator of the Russian Grammar channel on Youtube. With over 15 years of full-time teaching experience, I love introducing learners to this subtle, expressive language in a friendly, low-stress style.

I became addicted to studying Russian while still in high school. After majoring in Russian and German at Pomona College, I earned an MA in Russian from Middlebury College and a Ph.D. in Slavic Linguistics at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Along the way I studied in St. Petersburg, at the Pushkin Institute in Moscow, and lived and worked in Russia for several years.

I later taught 1st- through 4th-year Russian at the University of South Carolina, guiding students from their first steps with the alphabet through readings of Pushkin, Tolstoi, Ulitskaia, and others.

I now keep busy with online projects to help serious students of Russian and advanced students of English achieve their goals.

Testimonials

Dr. Ford was a great professor. Having him for Russian 121 made all of the difference for me. His enthusiasm sparked mine for Russian and now its my minor.

Dr. Ford is one of the best teachers I have ever had. Made Russian fun to learn.

Dr. Ford is very passionate and animate about Russian making class very fun.

Dr. Ford is by far the best and most effective language professor I have ever had.

Dr. Ford was continually helpful and enthusiastic about teaching Russian. He teaches a difficult language clearly and efficiently, and tries to make class fun as well. He obviously cares about his students...

Dr. Ford is extremely knowledgeable about Russian. He has a very clear and concise way of explaining even confusing aspects of Russian grammar, and always checks to make sure that every student understands. I very much enjoy taking Russian classes with him as a professor, and feel that he truly cares about the success of his students.

He knows how to make challenging material very easy to understand.

Dr. Ford is extremely knowledgable about Russian linguistics and it’s always a pleasure to take his courses.

Easily one of the best instructors I’ve ever had. He makes it very to follow along without sacrificing the quality of the material.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are these resources for?

Do I have to work on grammar?

Grammar isn't everything in language learning. But...

Learning Russian as an adult without studying any grammar is like trying to climb a mountain with no map and no guide: you might reach your goal someday... but you'll also get lost, frustrated, and you'll waste a lot of time.

Spending some time on grammar gives you the structure you need to express what you want to express. It's an essential tool for reaching your goals as efficiently as possible.

Can you make me fluent in 30 days?

No. And when you hear a promise that Method X will give you fluency with little or no effort, run away. As fast as you can.

The goal of this website is to help you make solid progress, one step at a time. I do this by following best practices for video instruction: brief, clear explanations of specific points, with examples and attention to common trouble spots. These are followed opportunities for practice with audio exercises and quizzes.

No gimmicks, no inflated promises – just a clear path with guidance from an experienced teacher.

Get in touch!

121 Barmount Dr.

Columbia, SC 29210

curt@sonasoftware.com