Why Learning the Local Language is Important
Moving to a new country is often painted as a grand adventure, new friends, and exciting food. However, as any international student at the Higher School of Economics (HSE) will tell you, the reality behind the “cinematic” version involves a lot of trial, error, and linguistic gymnastics.
The single most important factor that determines whether you merely “survive” or truly “thrive” in a new country is your command of the local language. It is the invisible key that unlocks every door, from the administrative office, government offices like “мой документ” in Russia, to the deepest levels of cultural friendship.
The Bridge to Adaptation
When a foreigner arrives in a new land, they are essentially entering a world where the “operating system”" is different. Language is not just a list of words in a dictionary; it is the primary tool for social integration. Without it, the most basic tasks like, buying groceries, asking for directions, or understanding a bank statement or any document become monumental hurdles.
When you speak the local language, you move from being an “outsider”" to being a “participant.” Adaptation is not just about physical presence; it is about psychological comfort. Knowing how to express your needs reduces the “anxiety of the unknown.” It allows you to navigate the city with confidence, making you feel less like a guest and more like a resident. For instance, when I want to communicate with the dormitory administrator, or ask a stranger on the road for direction, I become so nervous because I am not sure how patient they will be to read what I have written on my Yandex translator.
Language and the “Second Identity”
One of the most fascinating aspects of linguistics is how a language can actually shift your personality. Fluency in a language allows you to tap into the humor, the sarcasm, and the emotional nuances of a culture. For example, when you speak Russian, you might find yourself becoming more direct or expressive in ways that English does not quite allow. When you master a language, your identity expands. You are not just “you” in a foreign place; you are a version of yourself that can connect with the locals on their terms. This shift in identity is a powerful tool for self-growth, helping you see the world from multiple perspectives simultaneously.
My Russian Reality Check: A Lesson Learned
If I could go back in time and give my younger self one piece of advice before boarding the plane to Moscow, it would be this: “Start learning Russian immediately.” Before I arrived at HSE, I did not see the need to get some basic knowledge of the language because my course at the University is English-taught. I imagined that everyone would be able to communicate with me in English. Obviously, I was wrong.
The reality of living in Russia is that while the youth and academic circles are increasingly bilingual, the heartbeat of the country, the streets, the shops, the government offices in Russian. My first few weeks were a blur of “using sign language and demonstrations” and the uncomfortable silence that follows when you realize you cannot explain a simple problem to a helpful stranger. I spent a lot of time feeling isolated, not because the people were unfriendly, but because I was could not properly communicate. I could not share a joke, I could not argue my point, and I could not understand the small talk happening around me. I truly wish I had invested even just three months of intensive study before arriving Moscow. It would have saved me a significant amount of stress and helped me feel “at home” much faster.
Advice to New Foreign Students
To all the new foreign students, do all you can to learn the Russian language. Learning a language is a sign of respect for your host country. It shows the people around you that you value their culture enough to try and speak their tongue. Even if you only know the basics, how to say “please”, “thank you,” “my name is…”, and “I am a student”, it changes the way people interact with you.
If you are not enrolled in a Preparatory Course, use apps like Duolingo or Mango and websites like “Russian for free” or YouTube lessons. Get your ear used to the sounds of the language and the unique alphabets. You can also watch Russian movies with subtitles, listen to Russian music. Even if you do not understand everything, you are absorbing the rhythm of the speech. Speak the language, make mistakes, and laugh at yourself. The faster you fail, the faster you learn.
Knowing a language is about more than just passing an exam or getting a degree. It is about human connection. In a country as vast and culturally rich as Russia, the language is the only way to truly see the “soul” of the place. It turns a foreign city into a home and a stranger into a friend. Invest in the language today, and I promise you, the country will open up to you in ways you never thought possible.
Shared by
Lois Ojile
