Sometimes students that learn Russian realize that despite the continuous learning process, they still cannot speak fluently, build complex sentences in Russian or clearly understand the speech of native speakers. Why is this happening? In fact, there are several common mistakes that are often made by language learners. We have compiled a list of top 4 major mistakes that usually prevent one from moving to the target in the process of mastering a foreign language.

Mistake # 1. Memorizing individual words.
This mistake has rightfully earned the title of most common among students that learn Russian. In schools and universities we are usually forced to learn words on one or another topic, to write tests and dictations. In the end, this leads to the assimilation of individual words with absolute inability to apply them in speech. 

Mistake # 2. Separate study of grammar and vocabulary.
The study of grammar is necessary. Mastering lexis extends the vocabulary. However, the study of these two components of language separately complicates the process of using language in everyday life. If you are about to start a dialogue in a foreign language, you automatically begin to formulate sentences in your mother tongue, then pick up the required equivalents in mind, then reminisce the rules. As a result, you get long-lasting sentences formulation, the lack of fluency, inability to percept partner’s speech by ear and general dissatisfaction with communication. Much more effective way is to learn not individual words, but words and phrases in context, which helps to master grammar and vocabulary together and develop fluency.

Mistake#3. Reading complex texts and viewing films that do not meet your level of proficiency.
Many language learners believe that the more complicated material they choose, the faster they will learn Russian. This is a misconception. You should select the materials that are tailored to your level of Russian in order to understand what the whole story is about and not to look for the translation of every phrase in the dictionary. In addition, the reading of adapted literature is a fascinating process and can significantly increase the motivation to learn. The same applies to a spoken language. At the moment of perception, it is important to hear a coherent speech and not the scraps of words and phrases that you don’t understand.

Mistake#4. Belief that there exists a magic tool for quickly mastering the Russian language.
Let’s dispel the myth – it is impossible to quickly raise the level of language proficiency. Learning Russian  is the work that requires time and effort. Remember how the mastering of the mother tongue took place. For a long time, while being in the language environment, we caught snatches of conversations of our loved ones and gradually started to speak. So when you are offered a couple of months to significantly raise the foreign language skill, it’s probably just a marketing trick. You will be able to learn grammar rules, but language proficiency cannot be reduced to this. It involves the ability to communicate fluently, to perceive the speech of native speakers by ear and, of course, a large vocabulary. Learning Russian, as well as any other language, always includes practicing, training and bringing your skills to automaticity.