VDM Verlag Using The Music of Vladimir Vysotsky in Teaching Russian: Teaching Russian Language and Culture--A Cross-Cultural Approach

Using vocal music in the classroom to teach language and culture can encourage students to take charge of their own learning. Most students who study languages have elevated expectations and the problem is exacerbated by commercial products which promise that, ¿You will speak like a native in months!¿ When these high expectations are not met, many students stop trying long before they approach their goal.One way to help students not lose hope is to help them improve their language skills themselves¿beyond that usually attainable in the classroom. By introducing students to the music of the Soviet bard Vladimir S. Vysotsky early in their language learning, the Russian language teacher can provide versatile, authentic language material. The songs by Vysotsky are similar to the blues, purported to be the outgrowth of suffering and unique to the USA. Jim Crow and Communism shared a trait¿a large number of citizens without power or enforceable rights. The author contends that Vysotsky¿s style of music arose from such a situation in the USSR. The historical similarities and the music which arose from them are the foundation for one approach to teaching Russian language and culture.