English (ESL) in Russia
A congenial gathering – a group lesson at the engine preheater plant – and a full day of private lessons. Three wonderful engagements, all in English (or, mostly). Music to my Anglo ears. And fun too – as teacher Nina Kuznetsova (who just turned 75) provides her students “the rarest of opportunities to communicate with a native speaker.”
Nina never fails to make these “rarest of opportunities” delightful experiences for me and for her students. Over the course of the past ten or eleven years, I’ve met dozens of bright young professionals who represent both Samara’s present and future. Even the shy beginners manage to ask a question or two in English and overcome the terror of using their fledgling language skills in front of an American.
Others, who are fluent, engage me in conversation on any imaginable topic. And I truly enjoy the short glimpse inside their brains and hearts.
Again, thank you, Nina, for your hard work and your generous hospitality to me. Thank you for making a difference.
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