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> Heck, the majority of Russians doesn't even bother to learn elementary English! I'm not necessary disagreeing, but why should they? I mean, it is obviously u

> Heck, the majority of Russians doesn't even bother to learn elementary English! I'm not necessary disagreeing, but why should they? I mean, it is obviously useful, but it doesn't directly translate to quality of life improvement.

kovrik 10y ago
You are right, English is almost useless in Russia. It IS useful if you work in IT and have to read docs, but basic English is enough for that.
- sqeaky 10y ago
  Knowing more languages allows you to get perspective and info from more people. English has the most diverse perspectives because it is the de facto language of business around the world. Russian is spoken in... Russia. Knowing only Russian limits you to Russian information sources and perspectives.
  - simongray 10y ago
    While English is indeed very useful, Russian is spoken in quite a bit of countries as a first or second language (mainly in the former USSR).
- catuscoti 10y ago
  "Basic English is enough for that" ? I am amazed at the simplicity of the work you are referring to. Do they still pay a salary for that, or are these people supposed to work for free? Maybe they get paid through something like a Russian fiverr?
vacri 10y ago
It certainly indirectly translates to it though. English + internet = tons more information. English + travel = far more destinations. English + business = far more international opportunities. For example, want to open up some business in Germany? You're going to have an easier time speaking either German or English than if you just speak Russian. Swap in Chinese/French/Spanish/Arabic if you like, but all of these still take a back seat to English (at the moment).
- magic_quotes 10y ago
  That's true, but learning a foreign language takes money and incredible amount of time (hundreds or thousands of hours). Potential opportunities by themselves are not going to keep many people motivated enough to push through. Internet is indeed very beneficial in a sense that it provides a tangible reward path at least for learning basics.

kovrik 10y ago

You are right, English is almost useless in Russia. It IS useful if you work in IT and have to read docs, but basic English is enough for that.

sqeaky 10y ago
Knowing more languages allows you to get perspective and info from more people. English has the most diverse perspectives because it is the de facto language of business around the world. Russian is spoken in... Russia. Knowing only Russian limits you to Russian information sources and perspectives.
- simongray 10y ago
  While English is indeed very useful, Russian is spoken in quite a bit of countries as a first or second language (mainly in the former USSR).
catuscoti 10y ago
"Basic English is enough for that" ? I am amazed at the simplicity of the work you are referring to. Do they still pay a salary for that, or are these people supposed to work for free? Maybe they get paid through something like a Russian fiverr?

vacri 10y ago

It certainly indirectly translates to it though. English + internet = tons more information. English + travel = far more destinations. English + business = far more international opportunities. For example, want to open up some business in Germany? You're going to have an easier time speaking either German or English than if you just speak Russian. Swap in Chinese/French/Spanish/Arabic if you like, but all of these still take a back seat to English (at the moment).

magic_quotes 10y ago
That's true, but learning a foreign language takes money and incredible amount of time (hundreds or thousands of hours). Potential opportunities by themselves are not going to keep many people motivated enough to push through. Internet is indeed very beneficial in a sense that it provides a tangible reward path at least for learning basics.