Factors that make Russian relatively difficult:
* Cyrillic Alphabet: While learning the Cyrillic alphabet isn't overly challenging, it's an extra hurdle compared to learning languages that use the Latin alphabet.
* Grammar: Russian grammar is notoriously complex. It features multiple grammatical cases, verb conjugations, and aspects.
* Pronunciation: Russian has a relatively complex sound system, with sounds that don't exist in English (like the "hard" and "soft" signs).
* Vocabulary: Russian vocabulary is not very closely related to English, so you'll need to learn a lot of new words.
Factors that can make Russian easier to learn:
* Resources: There are many resources available for learning Russian, including textbooks, online courses, apps, and language exchange partners.
* Immersion: Immersing yourself in Russian culture and language through movies, music, and literature can greatly help with learning.
* Motivation and dedication: Like any language, Russian takes dedication and consistent practice to master.
In comparison to other languages, Russian is generally considered a "harder" language to learn, particularly for native English speakers.
Ultimately, the difficulty of learning Russian is subjective and depends on your personal experience and effort. If you're interested in learning Russian, don't be discouraged! With dedication and the right approach, you can achieve fluency.