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In a world that has begun realizing it is a
global village, where communication is immediate via telephone, electronic
mail, and fax and where advances in technology have dramatically reduced
flight times, foreign language skills have become an absolute necessity.
They are vital keys to achieving the new global order that is humanity's
dream for the new millennium. To speak, read, write and understand another
language is to begin understanding other people, and this understanding
is increasingly recognized as crucial for harmony and prosperity in the
world today.
The study of Russian is particularly important in a world where major powers are increasingly linked economically, scientifically and politically. The world now rejoices in the diminishment of the tension between Russia and the United States, but it is important to recognize that despite a declining international role in the last few years, Russia remains one of the world's most powerful nations. The faculty and staff of the Department of Slavic and Central Asian Languages welcome you to the study of Russian and hope that you will find the material assembled in these pages both interesting and useful. Please send your comments to Prof. Gary R. Jahn at gjahn@tc.umn.edu or visit his homepage. Click here to hear an audio welcome message from Professor Jahn. The copyright law of the United States--Title 17 United States Code--governs the use and reproduction of copyrighted material. The text, sound, and images, contained on the following pages may be protected by copyright. It is provided here for your private study and no other purpose. Any reproduction or other reuse without permission of the copyright owner is prohibited. |
