Getting Started: 2 December, 2006

I had the idea of learning Russian a few weeks ago.
Why?
Firstly, my daughter is doing Russian from scratch at University and I thought it might help and support her if I tried to learn it, too.
Secondly, I was intrigued by the possibility of learning a language online - and I mean solely using resources available on the internet. So, that means no local teacher, no books, not even a dictionary - just materials and ways of practising I can find online.

I was originally assuming that I would just find explanations, maybe some lessons and a dictionary online, but my cyber chums on the 'ilearn' list opened my eyes all kinds of interactive posibilities like chatrooms for learners, forums, virtual classrooms and using VOIP. Then a few people sent messages to put me in contact with people locally who are Russian or who have studied Russian.

Question: If my learning is online, and I got these contacts via online sources, am I allowed to use them? Or could I only use them over the phone or net rather than in person?
My answer: I haven't decided yet!

So, what have I done to prepare for this?

1. I posted a message on the CTEFL list about the alphabet and difficulties with learning Russian, just to find out people's opinions on problems encountered by English speakers when learning Russian.
They told me the alphabet wasn't too difficult, but 'aspect' in verbs seems to be a problem.
2. I posted a message on 'ilearn' asking if people thought it was possible to learn a language just using online sources.
Like I said earlier, respondants came up with lots of good ideas about online possibilities. Some were a bit skeptical and others were worried about the lack of oral input and communication practice, but online solutions were found. Everyone was very encouraging.
3. I started collecting links to sites with Russian practice on them.
4. I spoke with a friend who has been learning Russian on his own for a while to sound him out about online Russian resources, but he confessed to having lost interest in Russian a bit. I had hoped he'd have a go as well so we could exchange ideas and help each other. Maybe I'll send him the weblinks and see if he is willing to look at them.
5. I looked at some links, but decided they needed organising a bit as they were links to sites of links. So, I extracted some of the links and organised them into different categories like alaphabet, dictionaries, courses, tourism and so on and made them into a webpage - http://hmbaba.googlepages.com/home
6. Then I started writing this blog...

There has been a delay since the initial idea and doing something about it due to various factors:
general mulling over of the idea, Eid holiday, work, TESOL Arabia stuff, and the fact that, at this stage on a personal level due to a family crisis, I should perhaps be learning some Hungarian instead. I wonder if I can do both at the same time?
I aready know the alphabet and pronunciation and some words of Hungarian and have a bit of an idea about the grammar...