Foreign Languages in My Family

We live in Russia and speak Russian. There are a lot of countries in the world. People in these countries speak their native languages. But most of them can also speak English because it is the most popular language in the world.

All my family is interested in foreign languages. My grandmother Yelena Davidovna learned French at school. Her teacher was strict and very talented. She taught her pupils to read books by French writers in the original. My granny entered the university after finishing school. She could speak, read and write French so well that the professors were amazed at her thorough knowledge of the French language. Nowadays she sometimes reads French books, newspapers and magazines and watches French films. She also enjoys English very much. She attended English courses after graduating from the university. English attracted her because of its wonderful pronunciation and mysterious word combinations. My granny sometimes helps me to do my homework.

My grandfather’s name is Vladimir Osipovich. He learned German at school but he didn’t like it at all. After graduating from the university he got interested in English. He was a great success. He started translating poems by some English poets and writing his own poems in English.

My mother’s name is Lyudmila Vladimirovna. She is a doctor. She learned English at school and knows it well enough to read medical articles published in foreign journals. Last year she was lucky to attend a scientific seminar in Greece. She used English to speak to her colleagues from other countries and discuss different problems.

As for me, I have been learning English for four years already. I like it. It is one of my favourite subjects at school. I usually speak English when I go abroad with my mother.

By Ilya Dubrovsky,

Form 6, School No. 381, Moscow

Nowadays it is very important to know foreign languages. Some people learn them to use them at their work, others learn them to read foreign authors in the original. Many people try to communicate with people from other countries and when they go on holiday abroad. English is an international language and most nations all over the world use it as their native, second or foreign one.

My parents are fond of travelling. They’ve been to Turkey, Egypt and Tunisia. Their English is not very good but they try to improve it by learning more words and phrases. I always help them because I’m keen on English. It is my favorite subject at school.

Learning any foreign language is not an easy thing. It is a long process that takes a lot of time and patience. This year I’m pleased to have English lessons 3 times a week. Earlier I had them only once a week. It was a great pity. But now I am quite happy. I have discovered a wonderful world of great English literature. I have read two books. They are Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe and Treasure Island by Robert L. Stevenson. I couldn’t translate some expressions and phrases (mainly idioms) but my teacher helped me overcome these difficulties.

English is necessary in my life. I work on my computer and use the Internet. Most of the websites are in English. After finishing school I’ll try to enter the university and graduate from it successfully. And I’ll study French by all means. I am sure if I know foreign languages well I’ll get an interesting job and earn a lot of money in the future. I’d like to visit the UK, the USA, Australia, France, Spain, Japan and learn more about these countries, their people and culture.

By Nastya Daniltsina,

Form 9, School No. 381, Moscow