How do you all get around the languages

[DaveR]

As the subject says,
How do you guy all get around the problem when your girl speaks mainly Russian any your English ? The languages are not even close.
I know of a web site that intrepet english to russian but thats only for e mail in one direction. Just curious.
I have two ladies I'm communicating with but both need a interpreter.
Dave

[RusWife]

... in response to How do you all get around the languages, posted by DaveR on Oct 31, 2001

Well, she has to learn English - plain and simple. Or you select women who have language skills already.
Though I do help many guys with translation - I still don't get it how any girl can go through communication for such a long time without learning English, or at least giving it a good try. After all she will have to move over and live in US. Her well-being and success of the marriage will depend a LOT on how well and how quick she can learn English.

I agree that it is important for a guy to learn about culture and history of Russia, but I think it's not even close to being as critical as girl's English. It's nice and sweet if he can speak Russian to her, but it's not going to be as essential as her English skills.  

On the other hand, honestly - I don't get ANY idea how it's possible to build successful marriage if there is communication missing - for me it's a pure gamble.. I don't think I would be the one taking chances.

[WmGo]

... in response to Re: How do you all get around the langua..., posted by RusWife on Nov 1, 2001

RW,

I agree. I think that trying to develop a relationship with a woman that you cannot even talk to is a complete waste of time. Without communication there cannot even be a real relationship.

I have said it before and I will say it again: I simply don't understand why so few FSUW who seek an AM ever bother to learn English. I place no credibility (in terms of sincerity) in such a woman. If they are not at least spending an hour a day learning English, I think that a man's time and expense is better invested elsewhere.

Just my 29.5 rubles worth.

WmGOknowAnglo

[BrianN]

... in response to Vi gavareetee pa Angliski?, posted by WmGo on Nov 1, 2001

In view of the fact that such a small percentage of men actually travel to the fsu to meet these ladies, there may not be very much incentive to learn english.

I tend to disagree with the idea that you shouldn't have to learn russian, at least some of it, just to at least show your own sincerity in being interested in a ladies culture and life, after all, I've talked to some quite good russian interpreters that think my russian for a "starter" is great, but yet, they are scared to death of what I think of their english skills.  (Wow, give one of these interpreters a nice compliment on their english and they'll go nuts over you).

Personally, the rw that I'm pursuing at the moment, I prefer her russian voice over her english version (presently in training) simply because the vocal inflections change tremendously between the two, and her natural spoken language is incredibly sexy.  But, if I had not continued the sincere interest (including learning some russian) that I had, she never would have began to learn english (again).

So, there's a lot to be said for what matters, and what's important to an RW day to day.  Even their superstitions may stop them dead in their tracks from making major "plans" for a substantial change in life, simply because it can be a bad omen to even plan on such a thing.

I'm not the greatest dude on the planet, and I don't think I'm the cat's meow to rw either, no matter my age, looks, income, or ability to make a woman happy, so, I simply try to learn and understand things, including some of the language, so I can understand them better, and that they, will view me as being just as serious in them, as I expect them to be, in me.  It really is a two way street.

[Oatmeal]

... in response to A lot of this can be gauged on AM sincer..., posted by BrianN on Nov 1, 2001

To hear my gal speak her native language rather than English.  I think maybe because it just rolls more easily off her tongue and also that it just facinates me to listen to her speak a language that I am still trying to learn.  I especially love it when she is carrying on a conversation with another person when we were together and I would pretend not to be listening but I was very intent on trying to pick up on what they were saying.

We can communicate in English but she still needs lots of work so I am having her take English lessons now.  I would really like to continue to speak some Russian with her here in the USA but will encourage and support her in her English language development as well.

[WmGo]

... in response to A lot of this can be gauged on AM sincer..., posted by BrianN on Nov 1, 2001

Brian,

I agree that all relationships
are two way streets.
And I do agree that the AM
has a responsibility
to learn at least the basic
history, geography, culture and
language of the FSU.
As with the FSUW who fail
to study English, I likewise question
the sincerity (and the sanity) of an AM who does not do
his FSU homework. What is good for the goose
is good for the gander.

Regards,
WmGO

[BrianN]

... in response to Da,da, da, posted by WmGo on Nov 2, 2001

Had a nice long conversation with my primary rw this morning and it was phenomenal.

Of course, WM, I agree with you, that if a lady cannot have the balls to learn english, with reasonable motivation, then the relationship is in the sewer; (as well as anything that could ever happen stateside).

My only point was, that where I was successful, (because I'm such a LOSER to all of the lovely fat a55 trolls here), was that I gained a certain level of confidence from my rw because I made attempts at learning some russian.  Nope, no where near close to fluent, but I can at least "yawn" in russian... lol!

Ok, so I put it to the test and paid for english lessons for 3 months, (about 4 weeks ago).  150 bucks.  big deal.  based on what I heard this morning, it was worth the price of admission.... even her 3 yo son answers the phone with the right "english" words to me when he knew I was going to call.  Well, if she's putting on a show, instead of learning, then she's doing one heck of a job at it, and I'm loving every minute of it.

At least if a lady's going to bs me, she has at least worked at it.  (And a 150 dollar fantasy, that works, is quite cheap in this economy). Of course you know that's really a joke, and I prefer to think that all of this is sincere... and God help me for saying this, ya I know she is.

The one thing that I do know that helped to get things jump started, was that I was learning Russian travel and communication phrases, and if I was serious enough about learning that much, then I guess she might figure that I might be serious enough about travelling there to meet her.

All is working well... and getting better with time.

I hope, for the both of us, that when we meet, that the chemistry will just continue as it has in phone and email for the last 5 months.  If not, then well, there's always Vodka, a new reality, and maybe a new city...

wish me luck.

[KenMan]

... in response to A lot of this can be gauged on AM sincer..., posted by BrianN on Nov 1, 2001

What percentage of men that write over the internet actually visit these women. Does anyone know? My game plan was to write for 2 to 3 months with the intension of a visit. I will go to the Ukraine for the first time starting next Sunday. If all goes well I will go back for 3 to 4 weeks if I see serious potential in one of the girls I will meet. I had no problems helping with some internet or translation fees. I also am not adverse to English lessons. I just felt that if I was looking for someone that spoke fluent English. Someone that I expected to have a good paying job that could easily afford her own expensives ( internet - translation ) I greatly limited the potential of good girl available. I agree that her sincerity and willingness TO LEARN English will be very important. I have a friend from Romania that has lived in this country for 4 years. She knew no english when she came and is FLUENT today. I think a patient 3 to 4 year wait is worth having a LIFETIME friend. Again as I have stated if you are adverse to dishing out the cash and time why are you pursuing this? It makes no sense to me!

[tim360z]

... in response to Re: A lot of this can be gauged on AM si..., posted by KenMan on Nov 2, 2001

....I communicate with maybe 7-8 RW/UW's.  Only 1 know almost no English and she just does not,  at the moment have the time to learn it.  It is a very good point that only a small %%% of guys actually do go there.  But,  English is the language of "power" especially for the girls who are in a city and can easily improve their jobs pay with knowing English.  A couple girls have great English and they have all types of jobs from private company translator/secretaries to News reporters and on camera talent.  English definitely gives the girls a leg-up in the world and most smart ones know it and spend the time very studiously learning the language.  If you are Russian and you can learn English---French is just a block away...actually any 'romance' or latin/franco/germanic language is.  Tim

[BubbaGump]

... in response to Vi gavareetee pa Angliski?, posted by WmGo on Nov 1, 2001

A lot of the women don't know what country they're moving to.  On one web site women listed their preferences of when to move and half wanted to stay in Europe.  

I don't bother to learn another language because all business has to be done on English since so many people are from different countries.

[Dan (forgot my PW)]

... in response to Maybe for this reason, posted by BubbaGump on Nov 1, 2001

Sorry Bubba,

I don't mean to pick a fight with you here - but I've lived in Germany and Taiwan and for practical purposes in Ukraine - and have worked in more than a dozen other foreign countries. Except for one notable exception - Singapore - there is not a single country that is non-native English speaking that insists on business being conducted in English. Quite the contrary really. Working for a local firm in Hong Kong or Taiwan (or Germany or Italy, for that matter) will quickly teach you how important it is to be conversant in other languages.

While it is true that English is gaining momentum and foothold as "the language of business" - it is owing more to the fact that businesses and governments want to do business with American companies and they find it possible only if they have some English skills. Business within the borders of those countries is still conducted almost entirely in the native language.

Just a small correction. Your other point about the ladies not knowing if they might be moving to a country in Europe or to America is well-stated. In fact, my guess is the vast majority of women you see listed on introduction sites will never relocate at all.

- Dan

[BubbaGump]

... in response to "All business has to be done on Eng..., posted by Dan (forgot my PW) on Nov 2, 2001

In international business situations what other language are they going to speak?  It's one language that almost everybody learns.  I didn't really mean for local business situations.  My friends from France said that the engineers at work all had to speak English because they came from all over Europe and English was the only language they all knew.  One of my friends has learned 5 languages well.  If you get people together from 3 countries then they almost certainly have to speak English.  

What surprises me more are people that live in other countries that never bother to learn any of the dominant language.  Like Canadians that live in Quebec for years but never learn French.  Or Russians that live in Latvia but they never learn more than 30 Latvian words.  They say they just don't like the majority and don't want to learn their language.  

Yeah, I wish I could look at those web sites and figure out who was serious and who wasn't.  I'll bet RW/UW say the same thing.  When only a small number of people on each side are actually committed to anything, that lowers the probability of ever getting connected.  I've gotten some weird letters and don't know what to think about the ladies.  

[Richard]

... in response to Maybe for this reason, posted by BubbaGump on Nov 1, 2001

I don't remember seeing too many profiles that specified europe or a european man but I do remember seeing some profiles where the woman wanted to live in a particular european country and these women seemed to know an appropriate language for the country specified.  For example, on the latin board I have often seen a link to the web page of a RW that knows spanish and is interested in moving to latin america.

[BubbaGump]

... in response to Re: Maybe for this reason, posted by Richard on Nov 1, 2001

I've only seen maybe one web site where the woman's country preference was listed.  A few others just put it in the women's profile if the woman cared.  I think some women just want to stay close to home and others are braver and want the better standard of living and opportunities in America.  Europe has those long vacations and national health care that some people want.  If you move to the USA, that's a long trip home.

[Go2Rus]

... in response to Re: How do you all get around the langua..., posted by RusWife on Nov 1, 2001

And I forgot to mention to Dan below that I really am interested in culture of Russia, etc.  And, when possible, I spend time on that DIRECTLY rather than doing it indirectly through language study.  When I was in SPb, many of the ladies were amazed that I knew more about some of the attractions we visited than they did.  I had, of course, read several travel guides, etc. to gain this knowledge.  Also, I like maps and was able to find streets and places quicker on the maps than the ladies could.