neofight78 wrote:rdearman wrote:When I travelled to Italy I carried a notebook which I marked down the number of Italian conversations and people I spoke to. I had created myself a target and held myself accountable. I'm not an extrovert by nature, but this type of thing forces you out of your shell if you're going to hit your targets!
I'm going to be in Russia for the first time in October. One of the things I want to do, is to start using the language outside the safety net of talking with tutors or Russians who are learning English. I was thinking of setting up a series of "missions" that will involve me talking to real people in real situations to help tackle this problem (any suggestions welcome). Striking up conversations with strangers and small talk are not really my strongpoint, so having some kind of plan is essential.
That is a really good idea. I had a couple of missions I thought you might like to try, don't know your language level, so...
1) Find a book you don't have, but want written in Russian. Then go through bookstalls asking for the book, ask if they've read it, what their opinion of the book is.
2) Ask people to play leapfrog with you in the park, see how many you can talk into it.
3) Find someone who can juggle 3+ objects. Ask them to teach you to juggle.
4) Apply for a job in a restaurant.
5) Order food in a restaurant and negotiate your bill when it comes. See what happens, obviously don't annoy or get arrested!
6) Haggle at the grocery store.
7) List 25 unusual things you might find in a city, then ask people to help you find them. aka, Scavenger hunt. Pink bicycle rack, or Green church.
8) Start a band. Try to find people who can play guitar, drums, etc. Ask people if they know anyone.
9) Try to speak to everyone you meet for 1 hour. Perhaps standing outside a metro station.
10) Call in to a local radio show and request your favourite song. Use the opportunity to get some publicity and to say hi to your mum.
11) Volunteer your time and assistance at a local church, animal shelters for a day.
12) Try to organise a game of softball, basketball, football or some other sport.