Pushkin and the Legends: Celebrating Russian Language Day
On June 6, we celebrate Russian Language Day, choosing this year to honor Aleksandr Pushkin, the literary giant who shaped modern Russian. Yet, Pushkin’s linguistic journey is filled with irony and legend—some true, some perhaps embellished over time.
Truth: Pushkin’s First Language Was French
Pushkin was born into Russian aristocracy, where French was the language of the educated elite. He spoke French before Russian, a fact that adds poetic irony to his role as the father of modern Russian literature. Despite his fluency in French, Pushkin’s deep engagement with Russian folklore and his nanny, Arina Rodionovna, nurtured his love for the Russian language. Eventually, he pioneered a writing style that blended classical and vernacular Russian, making literature more accessible to the people.
Legend: Pushkin Mistakenly Used Feminine Verb Endings
A persistent legend among some linguists (and students at the University of Moscow/MGU when I was a student there eons ago, it now seems) suggests that because Pushkin was raised primarily by women, he initially used feminine grammatical forms, sometimes referring to himself with feminine verb endings when he first started studying at Moscow University (MGU). While this idea is fascinating, there is no concrete historical evidence supporting it. However, his exposure to female speech patterns could have influenced his literary choices, particularly his fondness for feminine rhymes in poetry.
Legend: Pushkin Survived on Free Bread at MGU
Another university tale claims that Pushkin, struggling financially, ate only the free bread available in dining halls because he had no money for other food. While Pushkin did experience financial difficulties, he came from an aristocratic family and maintained connections that likely prevented him from complete poverty. Still, he was known to borrow money, gamble, and spend lavishly, making financial woes a frequent theme in his life.
Truth: Pushkin’s Influence on Language Learning
Pushkin’s journey—from French-speaking aristocrat to the icon of Russian literature—mirrors the challenges faced by modern language learners. MSI Press, which publishes materials on language learning, including Russian, encourages readers to embrace new languages as Pushkin did with Russian. His story proves that mastery of a language isn’t just about grammar—it’s about cultural immersion, storytelling, and expressive communication.
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