This blog post is AI-generated by Claude and inspired by the original PolyTripper video linked below.
Hi Language Buddy!
I hope you had a productive week. Today I want to give you an update on my Russian progress because I've been doing this for exactly one year, and I want to share the results of "eating my own dog food."
I'm filming this on July 2nd, 2021—exactly one year after I started Russian from absolutely zero. I knew nothing except "da" and "nyet" when I began.
I'm an older language learner, and I wanted to prove my method of taking lessons immediately from day one actually works. I started taking lessons from the moment I began self-study.
One year later, I'm happy to report that I'm conducting my lessons 100% in Russian. Occasionally the teacher uses a word I don't know and I ask for clarification, but aside from that, everything happens in Russian.
The "magical crossover" I've talked about in previous videos has happened. I've crossed over to conducting entire lessons in my target language.
I devote about four to five hours per week to Russian study. Some weeks I skip entirely due to other commitments. I'm not a twenty-something with infinite time and no responsibilities—this method works for busy adults with real constraints.
The progress has been slow but steady, which is exactly what I expected and what I teach.
I'm living proof that this method works because I've done it transparently, in front of your eyes, over the past year. This isn't theoretical advice—it's a documented case study.
My experience aligns with research on adult language acquisition:
Age factor studies: While children have advantages in pronunciation, research by Dr. Donna Lardiere shows adults can achieve high proficiency in grammar and vocabulary through consistent practice.
Time-on-task correlation: Studies consistently show that total time spent in meaningful practice (not just exposure) is the strongest predictor of language proficiency, regardless of age.
Immediate output benefits: Research by Dr. Merrill Swain demonstrates that early speaking practice accelerates overall language development, even for beginners.
Consistency over intensity: Dr. Robert DeKeyser's research shows that distributed practice (regular, moderate sessions) is more effective than massed practice (intensive cramming).
My approach combines:
• Regular self-study with quality materials
• Immediate speaking practice from day one
• Consistent schedule (4-5 hours weekly)
• Professional instruction rather than just apps or self-study alone
• Focus on communication over perfection
This isn't revolutionary—it's just systematic application of proven language learning principles.
In business, this phrase means using your own product to prove it works. I believe language learning advisors should demonstrate their methods personally, especially when teaching adults.
Too many language learning "experts" either learned languages as children, have natural talent that skews their perspective, or teach methods they've never personally tested as adult beginners.
I chose Russian specifically because:
• It's Category III difficulty (FSI classification)—genuinely challenging
• I had zero background in Slavic languages
• I'm learning it at an age when many claim adult language learning is "too hard"
• It tests my method under realistic conditions
This wasn't a stunt—it was a legitimate experiment in adult language acquisition.
The transition to 100% Russian lessons didn't happen gradually. It was relatively sudden—one week I realized I could understand and respond to everything my teacher said without needing English support.
This confirms what I've experienced with other languages: proficiency emerges in leaps rather than smooth progressions.
My results suggest several key principles:
Start speaking immediately: Don't wait months to begin conversation practice. Start from day one with patient teachers.
Combine methods: Self-study plus professional instruction works better than either alone.
Maintain consistency: Regular practice beats sporadic intensity.
Set realistic expectations: One year of part-time study can achieve functional conversational ability, not fluency.
Trust the process: Progress often feels slow until it suddenly accelerates.
When I say my lessons are 97-98% in Russian, I mean:
• All explanations happen in Russian
• All conversations happen in Russian
• Only occasional vocabulary clarifications require English
• Grammar concepts are explained using Russian examples
• Cultural discussions happen entirely in Russian
This is functional, working proficiency—not perfection, but genuine communication capability.
If you have specific questions about my materials or methods, write me. I've already helped people choose self-study resources and can recommend teachers on PolyTripper.
The method works: start taking lessons right away, do self-study, maintain consistency, and you will make progress. It will be slow and steady, but it will be real.
That's my one-year Russian update. The proof is in the results: this approach works for busy adults who apply it consistently.
Take care, and I'll talk to you next week!
