a bearded man in medieval Russian clothes
Culture, Russia, Soviet Union

More Than Just Facial Hair

In Russia, the beard transcends style, embodying cultural and political significance. Rooted in Proto-Indo-European bhar-dha, борода symbolized sacred tradition after 988, with shaving fines. Peter the Great’s beard tax aimed to modernize, possibly due to hygiene or insect fears. By the 19th century, beards marked Russian identity for Slavophiles. In Soviet times, they evoked outdated peasantry, yet 1960s intellectuals embraced them.

Podcast, Russian language, Vocabulary

Пять минут. Выпуск 31. Возраст и Фазы Жизни

In this episode of “Пять минут,” I, Евгения Власова, explore the timeless topic of age and life phases. From newborns to the elderly, I discuss terms like “toddler,” “teenager,” and “matured,” alongside cultural stereotypes about age. Reflecting on my IELTS exam experience, I debate ageism, realizing talent, like Mick Jagger’s, defies age. Happiness, it seems, depends on the person, not their years.

Wiktionary personalized as a teacher in a classroom
Language learning, Resources, Russian language

Eight Things Wiktionary Teaches for Free

Wiktionary, a multilingual dictionary by Wikimedia, is my daily go-to for language learning and teaching. Beyond translations, it offers pronunciation (IPA and audio), grammar tables for Russian words, stress markers, multiple meanings, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, etymology, and categorized word lists. Explore these features to deepen your Russian vocabulary and understanding effortlessly.

Podcast, Soviet Union

Пять минут. Выпуск 30. Советский Новый год

In this episode of “Пять минут,” I, Евгения Власова, speak about the Soviet New Year. Once overshadowed by Christmas, it became Russia’s main holiday post-revolution, replacing bourgeois traditions with Soviet cheer. By the 1960s, ideology faded, leaving vibrant school celebrations with spinning Christmas trees and lavish feasts. Despite shortages, people created joy with loved ones, proving a holiday needs heart, not abundance.

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