Encouragement for Russian Language Learners

by Akhmatova, which is very fitting, um, for your situation

and for the situation in general, that has arisen in the world today.

Um,

and you, who will study in Russian.

We know what is now at stake and what is happening

now. The hour of courage has struck on our clocks,

and courage will not abandon us.

We are not afraid to lie dead beneath bullets, nor are we bitter to be left without

a home. We will preserve you, Russian speech,

the great Russian word.

We will carry you freely and purely.

And give you to our grandchildren and save you from captivity forever.

You guys will be the ones who will carry the Russian word, who will carry

the Russian word and pass it on.

And this is a very great right. This is a very important privilege

that has been given to you. Cherish it.

May your studies be peaceful, may peace come soon, may they

stop shooting soon. I wish for all of you to stay alive,

that everything will be all right with your parents, that things will get back on track soon—

that trade here will get back on track, that communications will be restored,

that everything will be all right soon and

that you can study in peace. God bless you, kids, with all the very best.

Thank you.