Week 70, Lesson 140, Thursday
Customs and superstitions
Many Russians still keep small customs: no handshakes across the threshold, a moment's sitting before a journey. B1 asks you to describe them, fairly.
1Recap 5 minutes
Three questions from Monday, before anything new.
2Goal 1 minute
I can describe customs and superstitions, fairly and without stereotypes.
3The lesson 20 minutes
In this lesson
- Small customs
- Saying it fairly
Small customs
Three small customs.
| Russian | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Че́рез поро́г не здоро́ваются. | People don't greet across the threshold. |
| Пе́ред доро́гой присе́ли на доро́жку. | Before the journey they sat down for a moment. |
| Не́которые счита́ют, что свисте́ть до́ма нельзя́. | Some believe you mustn't whistle indoors. |
Saying it fairly
| Russian | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Мно́гие ру́сские … | Many Russians … |
| Не́которые лю́ди счита́ют, что … | Some people believe that … |
| Говоря́т, что … | They say that … |
мно́гие, не́которые, говоря́т describe a custom; все and никогда́ make a stereotype.
4Listen and say 5 minutes
Sound of the lesson: приме́та
приме́та: pri-MYE-ta, a superstition.
- приме́та [pri-MYE-ta] Hear it on Forvo (opens in a new tab)
- поро́г [pa-ROK] Hear it on Forvo (opens in a new tab)
5Phrases and words 5 minutes
Phrases to learn whole
Learn each one as a single unit, the way you would learn a word. They come back in your Daily 10.
- Мно́гие ру́сские …Many Russians …
- Не́которые счита́ют, что …Some believe that …
- Говоря́т, что …They say that …
Words to read aloud
Read each one aloud, then open it to check.
приме́та
superstition, omen
Hear it on Forvo (opens in a new tab)поро́г
присе́сть на доро́жку
to sit before a journey
нечётное число́
odd number
мно́гие
many (people)
Hear it on Forvo (opens in a new tab)счита́ть, что …
to believe that …
с пусты́ми рука́ми
empty-handed
6Class exercises 15 minutes
Checked instantly. Get one wrong and you can try it again.
Role-play
Take one card each. Swap roles for a second round.
You
- Explain two customs from your country to a Russian friend.
Екатери́на
- Ask which Russian custom surprised you most.
7Your turn 5 minutes
Describe a custom fairly.
See a model answer
Мно́гие ру́сские снима́ют о́бувь до́ма, а не́которые не здоро́ваются че́рез поро́г.
Saved as you type. It goes to Екатери́на together with Homework 140.
8Mini questionnaire required, 80% to pass
9Feedback 5 minutes
10Check your goal 1 minute
I can describe customs and superstitions, fairly and without stereotypes.
Can you do this now? Be honest: the answer decides your next step.
11Homework
Homework 140 on Friday: customs.
I can describe customs and superstitions, fairly and without stereotypes.