The Challenges and Joys of Learning Russian & Ukrainian for Turkic Speakers Learning Russian or Ukrainian as a Turkic speaker can be both exciting and challenging. Challenges: Different Alphabet: Moving from the Latin alphabet to Cyrillic can feel like learning to read all over again. Pronunciation: Sounds like "ы" in Russian or "ґ" in Ukrainian don’t exist in Turkic languages, which can make them tricky at first. Grammar: Cases, verb aspects, and gendered nouns are often new concepts and may seem overwhelming. Joys: Vocabulary Connections: You might be surprised to find Turkic loanwords in Russian and Ukrainian due to centuries of cultural contact. Expressiveness: Both languages are rich in idioms, poetry, and emotional expression, giving you new ways to share your thoughts and feelings. Cultural Discovery: Learning the language opens doors to the traditions, literature, music, and history of Slavic culture. With patience, practice, and a good sense of humor, Turkic speakers can achieve fluency — and enjoy the journey along the way. If you’re a Turkic speaker curious about Russian or Ukrainian, I’d be happy to guide you step by step. Let’s make it easier together!