Foreign languages have long gone beyond the boundaries of everyday communication. In the 21st century, the world is moving towards multipolarity. International and transnational companies, trade relations, and cooperation between countries — these are things we see every hour and even every second.This motivates people from different continents to study languages.
A language, whether it is English, Spanish, or Russian, is not only a way to communicate with people from other countries, but also an opportunity to build an international career, travel, and develop professionally. Knowing another language is a prestigious and very important skill.
THE RUSSIAN LANGUAGE OPENS UP OPPORTUNITIES
Africa holds a special place for the Russian language. In recent years, cooperation between Russia and the African continent has been increasingly active. Economic, educational, and cultural projects are developing. This opens up prospects for young people who want to work in an international environment and build a career outside their home country.
In the photo: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Ghana Sergey Berdnikov with John Dramani
There are examples of well-known politicians who know Russian. For example, this is the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama. In 1986-1988, he studied for postgraduate studies at the Department of Social Psychology at the Institute for Social Sciences(ISS) in Moscow. In 2024, he presented the book “My First Coup D’etat and other true stories from the lost decades of Africa” in Russia.
– In my book, the chapter about the era of perestroika in Russia under Mikhail Gorbachev is of great interest, then there was “restructuring” of Russian society and economy. I am very grateful for the knowledge I gained from my philosophy teacher, Mr. Gudoshkin, – John Dramani Mahama noted.
The former President of Namibia (2005-2015), Hifikepunye Pohamba, also knows Russian fluently, in 1981 he graduated from RUDN (the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia). He often visited Russia on state visits.
– There is also a number of other areas of cooperation which is not limited to economic ties only. As I said to Mr. President, we are ready to cooperate in tourism and education too. Our people were denied education, and the agreement that has been mentioned by the President covers the field of education. It covers the field of education, we want our people to come to this great country, to further receive education, – said Hifikepunye Pohamba in 2010 during a meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
Meeting of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Hifikepunye Pohamba in Moscow, 2010
WHEN LANGUAGE BECOMES A PART OF LIFE
If a family cannot afford to pay for studies at a university in Russia, it is possible to learn Russian not only through an app like Duolingo, but also in real life. For example, in Russia, the employment programme Alabuga Start has been operating for several years.
This international initiative allows girls from different countries to come to Russia and get a job in one of the most efficient special economic zones – Alabuga. It is not a study programme or a university. The main goal of the programme is employment and gaining professional experience.
However, alongside their work, participants have the chance to learn Russian through daily use in real life. The girls communicate with colleagues every day, solve work tasks, hear native speech in stores and on the street, and immediately put new words into practice.
This is called immersion in a language environment: the language ceases to be just theory and becomes a work tool. Understanding develops faster, the fear of speaking disappears, and true conversational practice is consolidated. This is the format that many linguists consider the most effective for learning a language.
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AND ONE COMMON LANGUAGE
Upon arrival, the girls are accommodated in corporate hostels. They live in comfortable conditions – with household appliances, furniture, and other amenities. Eight girls from different countries of the world live in one apartment at once. This is not done by chance; everyone has different native languages. But they use one common language for communication – Russian. This is the language they use at home, at work, and during Russian lessons with their teacher.
Rahel, a participant in the programme from Ethiopia, says that such an international environment helps to learn the language faster:
– Even in my dorm there are some French speaking girls, I can’t speak French. So we speak in our common language – in Russian. We speak to each other in Russian. That’s good to improve our language, – notes the girl.
Screenshot from a podcast with the Alabuga Start participant
When the language is used every day in ordinary situations, it gradually becomes a natural part of life.Through the common language, the girls become closer to each other. They walk around the city together, work together, and celebrate birthdays together.
After the repeated medical examination, which is already being conducted in Russia, the participants begin to work in their chosen field. The programme includes seven professional fields. These are Logistics, Catering, Service and hospitality, Finishing and Installation works, Production operator and Road transport shop (drivers).
The working environment becomes an important part of language practice. The girls communicate with colleagues, receive assignments, and learn to understand professional vocabulary. Many participants note that it is work that helps to overcome the language barrier faster. When you need to communicate with people and solve work tasks every day, the language begins to be memorized naturally.
In addition to daily practice, the participants learn Russian in classes with teachers. These classes help them better understand grammar, expand their vocabulary, and learn to construct sentences properly.
Olivia, a participant in the programme, says that the Russian language has become a real bridge between people from different cultures:
– Some of them understand their own languages, and some of them, they do understand Russian. So we have only one language that connects us all – that’s Russian. So we make sure that we have to learn the language and make more friends, – says the participant of the Alabuga Start programme.
Screenshot from an interview with the Alabuga Start participant
According to the girls, within a month they begin to use Russian fluently in everyday life. After a few more months, the conversation becomes confident and natural.
Adapting to a new country is eased not only by work and study, but also by new acquaintances. The participants of the programme quickly find friends among other girls and among local residents. Over time, it feels like a new country is becoming a part of their lives.
A participant of the programme, Vyonna, says that she learned the language and, after being promoted, teaches new employees in Russian herself:
– Yes, I have two, or three, or four students that I teach. It’s nice because I also get to practice my Russian, as I teach other Russian people how to work. It’s also nice because I’m getting the skills, the hard skills. I have to help other people because that’s literally my job. Yeah, it’s a challenge, but it’s a welcome one because of the skills you get to learn, – the girl shares.
Screenshot from an interview with the Alabuga Start participant
The girls also get acquainted with the culture of the country and travel through Russian cities. Many participants visit Kazan, Moscow and Naberezhnye Chelny. They walk along historic streets, admire the architecture, visit museums and get acquainted with local traditions.
Such trips help to understand the country and people better. When girls see the culture, history and daily life of Russia, the language becomes even closer and clearer. This makes learning more vibrant and interesting, because every new word is immediately connected with real impressions and events.
LANGUAGE AS AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE
At the end of the programme, participants receive documents: a certificate of completion of the Russian language course and a certificate of profession. For some fields, obtaining a driver’s license of various categories is provided.
But the main result for many is confident command of the Russian language. This is a skill that opens up new opportunities in an international career.
Photos from the participants’ personal archive
After completing the programme, the girls can return home and use their skills in their homeland. Many participants save money to apply to prestigious Russian universities. Others may try working for international companies, where knowledge of Russian becomes a major advantage.
The stories of the girls show that learning a foreign language can begin with a single application on the website. Sometimes this step leads not only to new knowledge, but also to a new life, new friends and new opportunities.