I hadn’t planned to start this new chapter of my acquisition journey by learning to read Ukrainian. I don’t think I really had a clear idea of when I would pick up the alphabet, compared to understanding what I hear. I was also aware that there are debates as to when to start reading a new language, especially one in a different alphabet, and was not sure where I stood.

But then …

I recently had my first tutor session, which was quite tricky for me. I chose my tutor because she teaches using Krashen’s theory of comprehensible input—and we did end the half hour trial lesson with a story told through comprehensible input.

However, her lesson plans begin with learning the alphabet, which was a bit more school-ish than would be my preference. I struggled with this; I have a processing delay and memory problems, and it didn’t feel particularly natural to me.

My solution for this—other than making a note to discuss my cognitive issues in our next session so she’s aware—is some self-assigned homework:

Acquire the alphabet!

The alphabet alone is not enough—though I am watching this video at least once a day—so I have utilised the LingQ importer tool and a Youtube channel of songs for children in Ukrainian. (Technically translations of English songs, judging by some of the channel content, but it’s so hard to find material with Ukrainian subtitles!)

For the moment, I’m reading the lyrics as I listen to the songs, focused on the reading rather than gauging meaning (though I have picked up a few words from the context provided by the animation). It’s working pretty well! Looking back at the sheet my tutor gave me, I’m remembering the letters without looking at the Romanisation.

(I am aware that words don’t necessarily get pronounced exactly the same way when sung as opposed to spoken—something my mum pointed out when I mentioned a specific French word I’d acquired from a song. However, catchy tunes have proved very effective with my French, and this is definitely a good way to start. I do intend to move onto spoken input later on.)

It turned out to be serendipidous!

It only just occurred to me that this has probably worked out for the best, as I’m quite a visual person—seeing words as I hear them helps me take them in. I’m rubbish with audiobooks! This way—tackling reading first—will help me focus later on.