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Русский • Russian

Unlock Global Connections

Learn Russian for cultural enrichment, global communication, and career growth. Mastering Russian unlocks iconic literature from Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Chekhov in their original form. Spoken by over 260 million people, Russian enhances travel, cultural immersion, and connection with diverse communities. It also boosts job prospects in global politics, business, and the arts. Explore one of the world’s most influential languages and gain deeper insight into Russian heritage and international relations.

Why Study Russian?

Learning Russian opens doors to a globally influential language spoken by over 250 million people. From cultural brilliance to strategic global relevance, Russian fluency offers unique academic, professional, and personal advantages.

Global Reach and Influence

Russian is one of the world’s top ten most spoken languages, with 145 million native speakers and another 110 million second-language speakers. As the official language of the world’s largest country spanning two continents and eleven time zones, Russian is key to understanding a vast and complex region.

Rich Cultural and Literary Legacy

Russian literature, music, ballet, and visual arts are globally celebrated. Reading Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Pasternak, and Solzhenitsyn in the original Russian deepens appreciation of a profound literary tradition.

Strategic and Political Importance

Russia’s historical and current role in global affairs—from tsarist times through the Soviet Union to today’s Russian Federation—makes Russian critical for careers in international relations, political science, cybersecurity, and global security.

Expanding Career Opportunities

Russian fluency opens careers in U.S. government agencies (State, Commerce, Justice, Intelligence), international business, and non-profits. With increasing global interaction, the demand for professionals with Russian language and cultural expertise continues to grow.

Explore Our Minor

Discover how a Russian Minor at Miami University can enrich your academic journey, connect you with a globally influential culture, and open doors to high-impact careers in government, business, and international affairs.

Beyond the Classroom

Russian Language Table

Offers any student with an interest in the Russian language and culture the opportunity to meet informally and practice speaking Russian, as well as study the culture outside of the classroom. 

Contact  Dr. Brendan Mooney for more information.

Contact the Department

Irvin Hall South Entrance

Department of German, Russian, Asian, and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures

Irvin Hall 172
400 East Spring Street
Oxford, OH 45056-3645
United States
(513) 529-2526
 

Dr. Mila Ganeva, Chair
General Inquiries: gramelac@MiamiOH.edu