From our blog
News, developments and articles from Regina Coeli
What is your language challenge for 2026?
Better collaboration, more persuasive communication, smarter networking. You may not realise it, but it all starts with language. Especially if you work in a language you did not grow up with, it is a good idea to consider how you come across in that language. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's easy to neglect your language skills. So choose your language challenge for this year now and make a plan.
Politeness, respect and status in the Russian-speaking world: Why language is never just language
Learning Russian is about more than just mastering grammar and vocabulary. If you really want to communicate well in Russian—or with Russian speakers across Eastern Europe and Central Asia—you need to understand how culture shapes language. Politeness, respect and status are deeply intertwined in the Russian-speaking world, from Russia and Belarus to Ukraine, Kazakhstan and beyond. What’s considered polite, respectful or appropriate in conversation often differs quite a bit from what we’re used to in the West. Let’s take a closer look.
Why people are learning Russian right now
The Russian language doesn’t have the best reputation at the moment. After all, it’s the language of a country that’s in the international spotlight for the wrong reasons. But Russian is still a global language. It’s spoken in dozens of countries, from the Baltic states to Central Asia. Millions of people use it every day—for work, education, or just on the street.
A solid foundation in the Russian language
That Russian is not a language you simply learn overnight can be confirmed by Veronique Jourdain. Russia and its language are part of this French artist manager's life. "Now I wanted to finally build a solid foundation in the Russian language so I can speak Russian with the musicians I support. Regina Coeli came highly recommended by the director of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of the Netherlands. And for that tip, I thanked him wholeheartedly after the training.”
‘To be able to manage, it’s useful to speak Russian’
Paul van Deuren took a Russian course at Regina Coeli about a year and a half ago. Because of COVID-19, he spent less time in Russia than he would have liked. But, now that the Russian lockdown is over, he’s working at the McDermott office in Moscow again. We reflect with him on learning the Russian language.
Learning Russian: How hard is it?
Read or listen to Russian without any previous knowledge, and chances are you won’t be able to make heads or tails of it. But does that also mean that Russian is a difficult language to learn? There are two essential keys to understanding the Russian language.