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Russians struggle with pronunciation despite rising literacy and linguistic pride

From stubborn mispronunciations to dictionary debates, Russia’s language obsession grows. Why do some words still defy even the most literate speakers?

In this picture there is a bottle of cool drink and RISK word is written at the top of the bottle...
In this picture there is a bottle of cool drink and RISK word is written at the top of the bottle and a posture of the man who is wearing a red shirt and a hat on the bottle.

Russians struggle with pronunciation despite rising literacy and linguistic pride

Russians are becoming more conscious of correct pronunciation, according to a new study by Yandex analysts. While literacy levels continue to rise, certain words, names, and places still pose significant challenges. The research highlights which terms trip up speakers the most—and when they seek help.

The study revealed that 97% of Russians believe following linguistic norms matters. Over half think dictionaries and linguists should set the rules. Yet despite this focus on accuracy, some words remain stubbornly difficult.

The findings reflect a nation increasingly attentive to language, even as certain words resist easy mastery. With literacy scores climbing and tools like Yandex providing guidance, Russians continue to refine their speech—one tricky term at a time.

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