How do I ask someone to speak slower? I want to learn Russian, but it seems that in spoken Russian syllables from one word tend to join onto those of the next word. Until I saw it written, I thought "до свидания" was "dos vidanya"! The friends that I have met tend to talk too quickly, so I want to know how to ask them to slow down - until I can cope! Спасибо!

Russian names If it is normal to use the diminutive form of Russian names, is it considered rude to use them before you have confirmed how a person prefers to be addressed? e.g. Anya (from Anna), Nadya (from Nadezhda), Tanya (from Tatyana), Katya (from Ekaterina), Vitya (from Victor), Vova (from Vladimir)

In Russian, using first name and father's name If I wanted to address someone by their first name and father's name, but I do not know either, or I may know the first, what are the options? These are examples: I have a friend called Tania (Татьяна) but I do not know her "family name". I have a friend who's is known by her married name, (Oxsana Elchaninova) but I do not know her "father's name". Maybe this is not current anymore?

Propose a toast... examples appropriate to circumstances In a restaurant or in a bar, time to raise a glass and make a toast. Please give examples. (In Russian, with English equivalent) and if necessary, circumstances appropriate for use. "To a positive future" / "На позитивное будущее" "To a happy family." / "К счастливой семье" etc.,

Russian tips about 'normal' responses in conversations. I was told yesterday that where I would normally reply to "Thankyou" with "You're welcome", the reply in Russian to "Спасибо!" is often "Не за что!". This is something I want to know, so please tell me of other examples!

Please correct errors and show me the less formal version.(e.g. Ты) #3 Intention: I have ridden a horse for the first time. It was in Odessa last week. Result: Я ездил верхом впервые. Он был в Одессе на прошлой неделе.

Please correct errors and show me the less formal version.(Ты) #2 Intention: It is not necessary to pass an English test in order to visit the UK. Context: Male to female friend. Result: Не надо сдавать тест по английскому языку для того, чтобы посетить Великобританию.

Please correct errors and show me the less formal version.(Ты) #1 Intention: I hope that you sleep better tonight. Context: Male to female friend. Result: Я надеюсь, что вы лучше спать сегодня вечером.

Я намерен посетить Россию в июле. Я прилечу в Москву Я останусь в Москве на два или три дня. Следующий этап моей поездки в Минеральные Воды. Пока я остаюсь в Пятигорске я должен встретиться с друзьями и возможно посетить спа-центр. Мой путь домой будет через Стамбул. (I am expecting grammatical errors, but I hope to learn from the corrections! Please explain errors!)