Rob Sings....In Ukrainian!

I am not a singer. I know this. I have always known this. But I understand that songs and music are a great way to learn a new language. Therefore, when my Ukrainian language teacher, Natalya, taught me this song, I learned how to sing it. It's far from perfect but that's mainly because of my voice. So I hope you enjoy the song, 'Несе Галя Воду'. It is a typical Ukrainian folk song about a boy and a girl meeting in the village. The girl (Галя) is carrying the water buckets with a yolk. Along comes Іван, looking for a drink of water. She invites him to come over to the orchard where the well is located. Lots of flirting and misunderstanding but still sparks fly. If any Ukrainians need to correct my version of the story, please feel free.

Несе Галя воду,

Коромисло гнеться,

За нею Іванко,

Як барвінок, в"ється.

- Галю ж моя Галю,

Дай води напиться,

Ти така хороша – You’re so beautiful

Дай хоч подивиться!

- Вода у криниці,

Піди тай напийся,

Як буду в садочку – When I am in the garden

Прийди подивися.

- Прийшов у садочок,

Зозуля кувала,

А ти ж мене, Галю,

Та й не шанувала.

- Стелися, барвінку,

Буду поливати,

Вернися, Іванку,

Буду шанувати.

- Скільки не стелився,

Ти не поливала,

Скільки не вертався,

Ти не шанувала.

One Half of "Несе Галя воду"

Press to Play

 Dyed Easter Egg

Natalya and Rob and Wizard's Hat

HELLO From RELO

RELO is the Regional English Language Office (https://www.facebook.com/relokyiv/?pnref=story) which is part of US embassy (therefore a part of the State Department). I'm not sure how many embassies they are in worldwide but there is a very active RELO office in Kyiv. From what I can see they encourage the teaching and use of English as a second language in host countries. As with anything, the success of the organization depends upon leadership and staff and, boy, does RELO Ukraine have a winner with Kevin McCaughey. He is one of these people who was born to teach. I was lucky to see him at a TESOL Ukraine conference in Lviv in March. As with me, Kevin loves music and music history. I saw him teach how to use music in the classroom. He had his trusty ukulele present and got all of us singing. He also made a very good case for Ukraine and Eastern Europe as a catalyst of American popular music. Watch the video and enjoy. Also feel free to like the following American English for Educators Page (https://www.facebook.com/AmericanEnglishforEducators/)

Tea For Two

 Swinging Low

Singing Low

A Celebration of Learning

At the end of Winter School each group was required to create a skit or a song to demonstrate what they had learned. Ukrainians love to show off their theatrical skills and with good reason. Most events, educational or otherwise, will feature some sort of singing and dancing. In this case, participants did not sing traditional Ukrainian songs, rather they showcased their talents in English. The ideas were unique and clever. I only wish my knowledge of Ukrainian can be that sharp some day.

Getting Rocked!

Cadence Call

Marching Off

Bedtime Story

Imploring You to Listen

 Excellent Feedback

Old Style Soviet Teacher