Russian language abroad: "RussoMobile" on German roads

An unusual automobile is running across the roads of Berlin and Brandenburg (Bundesland, Germany). It is called "RussoMobile" and it is a joint Russian-German project, which aims to arouse interest to Russian language and boost the number of German pupils, who learn it.

According to Mikhail Vladimir, Head of Rossotrudnichestvo in the Federal Republic of Germany – it is a small institute of Russian language and culture on wheels". Young Russian lecturers, graduates of pedagogical departments visit schools where they attend festivals of foreign languages, open doors’ days, festivals of Russian language in order to tell about Russia, Russian customs and history, carry out mini-lessons of Russian language, familiarize the youth with music, films and culture of Russia. This project is announced to attract a keen interest among German pupils, Russian language teachers in Germany, as well as head teachers. The official start of the “RussoMobile” project is scheduled for April 2010. Although an official registration hasn’t been mounted, over 20 schools and gymnasiums have already invited “RussoMobile” and are looking forward for its arrival.

Within the framework of the “pilot project” representatives from Russia have already visited schools and gymnasiums of Zelendorf, towns of Wilhelmshorst, Erkner and Kleinmachnow. Pupils participated in mini contests of Russian language and quizzes, familiarized themselves with the Russian alphabet, enjoyed Russian magazines and geographical maps, and were carried away by Russian cuisine and music. Parents, teachers and principals claim that such actions bear fruit: many children display motivation and interest in the language of A. S. Pushkin and L. N. Tolstoy.