Talking the talk: Putin expounds on foreign languages

MOSCOW (AFP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday jokingly compared his learning of German to training a circus bear, and said he studied English regularly to have "normal" conversations with other leaders.

"Before I went to Germany and lived surrounded by the language, I did not possess it," said Putin, who lived in Germany as a KGB officer before returning to Russia and becoming involved in politics in the early 1990s.

"But I lived there for nearly five years, in direct contact with our German colleagues and friends," Putin said, responding to questions from Russians during a live television appearance.

"In five years, even someone with average language ability can master a foreign language -- like the bear that goes to the circus and learns to ride a bicycle," Putin said.

The Russian president said he studied English "fairly regularly" in order to carry on conversations with foreign counterparts without the help of translators.

"Why do I do this?... It is necessary to have a normal working regimen with colleagues, so that there is no language barrier. You can't always talk about everything in the presence of translators," he said.

Putin said he had also made an effort to utter a few words in French during his speech before the International Olympic Committee in Guatemala last July.

"This was a request from several members of the IOC, as a sign of respect for French-speaking countries, including Francophone African countries," Putin said.

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5i52KvT6MmTabQMeeGBwFZGgg8JDg

MOVIE TALK

The Students from Russia, Brazil and Argentina working together

1.
Getting to know the Brazilian cinematography.
Making the Presentation about the Russian Cinematography.
Discussing on our Blog
http://ruslatproject.blogspot.com

Working together with Lueli Ceruti, lueli.ceruti@gmail.com

2.
Writing an essay:
FILMS: Path to War or Path to Peace?

Working with Prof. Nelba Quintana, Argentina
Blog:
http://jovenes4ma.motime.com

3.
Composition and discussion. My Favourite TV program, film or cartoon

Commenting the other students’ essays , sharing opinions, expressing your own one.

Working with Ronaldo Lima Júnior ronaldoj@thomas.org.br
Blog http://my3b.blogspot.com

Also the Blog
http://ruslatproject.blogspot.com