What if, for the remainder of your Russian journey, you were only able to spend time only one of the following:
Grammar
Vocabulary
Listening
Speaking
Which one would you choose? Think not just about what you think would be good for you right now, but 6 months, 1 year, 4 years, 10 years into the future.
Would you want to be the Master of Russian Grammar? Knowing all the rules, where each comma is supposed to go, the spelling of the words, endings, prefixes, all of that. But, not knowing a lot of words, not knowing what people tell you, because your listening and vocabulary are sufferring.
Would you want to continually working on your vocabulary day by day, reaching C2-level vocab and more? But now knowing how to put it together well, not understanding spoken Russian, etc.?
This is a great question that puts utility of each of those pillars into perspective. What is the most important one? Why exactly am I learning this versus that?
If I were to choose just one, I'd go for vocabulary. Because the other 3 are useless without words. Vocabulary is the material, while all the rest are there to help shape the material. Additionally, you can study vocabulary for much longer, than the rest. Grammar, speaking, and listening are kind of finite, while vocabulary is (almost) infinite!
HOWEVER!
Each part of the Russian language is essential for a great conversation. There's no "more important" aspect of it. I'd say that the issue lies in something different - overindulgence. Students, maybe you included, spend too much time on one or the other (by far, most students spend too much time on grammar), which then creates imbalance. You know grammar very well, but can hardly speak on more than 5 basic topics. You know a lot of words, but make the simplest mistakes in conjugation.
To avoid this, create a specific test that fits your needs. Speak to a friend, say a monologue, write a text, up to you. But it has to be something challenging, and it has to be connected to the final desired outcome of your learning. Keep your goal in mind when making such a test.
Then you complete the test and analyze. Highlight one or two points where you can improve and just hack away at it!
Think your grammar was the most limiting? - Study grammar more!
Think you could find the right words? - Study vocabulary more!
The person you spoke to didn't understand what you were saying? - Spend more time on pronunciation!
It's really that simple! But if you want some help with this, click the image below! We will help you out :)
