Learning Pronunciation Through Russian Songs (RUS 209)

Last semester's RUS 209 class singing Russian folk songs at International Night

Before I came to UH-Manoa as a Russian major, I knew some Russian. Not a lot, mind you, but I did have a beginner knowledge of the language. But the one thing I knew for sure- my pronunciation was not the best. (And that’s being nice to myself.) I was nervous but excited to take the Russian Phonetics class (RUS 209)- also known as “the class where you sing all those songs.” I remember watching the students of RUS 209 singing Russian songs last semester in front of everyone at one of the “end of the year” Russian parties. I thought there was no way I would be able to do that anytime soon- but here I am in RUS 209, on my way to doing just that. =)

Singing to a melody, it turns out, is not “just for fun.” I mean it is fun, but there is more to it. Singing is an important tool to help with pronunciation. Plus, once you do learn the song (and thus, the correct pronunciation) it’s almost impossible to forget. Just think of all the songs you know from childhood. We’ve all had that experience where we haven’t heard a song in ages, but once we hear the melody, we have no problem belting out the words like no time has passed.

Some lyrics from "Katyusha," one of the songs we are learning in class

I initially thought we would “ease” into singing a whole song ('Cause how could I possibly know how to sing a whole Russian song correctly??) HA! WRONG. We start singing in class from DAY ONE. And it’s not just one song guys, its several. I think we are currently singing about 6 different popular Russian songs. I have about 2-3 of those songs nearly memorized already. (We sing them almost every class, so you just can’t help to start to memorize them. There’s not even that much effort required- it just happens). It’s exciting for me because I can see my pronunciation improving every week, which is so encouraging! Encouraging X 1000, actually.

I highly recommend the class for anyone who is looking to improve their pronunciation in Russian. And all levels can take the class. Our class is a mix of total newbies (me), to those in the 200 level, and there is one student in the 300/400 level too. To give you a preview of class, I'll write out the lyrics to Katyusha below, one of the first songs you will learn:

Расцветали яблони и груши, Поплыли туманы над рекой; Выходила на берег Катюша, На высокий берег, на крутой.

Выходила, песню заводила Про степного, сизого орла, Про того, которого любила, Про того, чьи письма берегла.

Ой, ты песня, песенка девичья, Ты лети за ясным солнцем вслед, И бойцу на дальнем пограничье От Катюши передай привет.

Пусть он вспомнит девушку простую, Пусть услышить, как она поет, Пусть он землю бережет родную, А любовь Катюша сбережет.

Расщветали яблони и груши, Поплыли туманы над рекой; Выходила на берег Катюша, На высокий берег, на крутой

And here's a link to the actual song- over 11 million views