Pushkin's Descendants Study Russian

Each year Mary and Alexander Pushkin, the great-grandchildren of the great Russian poet Pushkin, travel from Belgium to Russia. They speak Russian, but they want to learn their native language even better. Our reporters met them in St. Petersburg.

The descendants of the great Russian poet Pushkin visit the poet’s homeland, to learn more about the Russian language. His great grandchildren are touring St. Petersburg, and are more than welcome here.

[Alexander Pushkin, Direct Descendant of Pushkin]
"We are coming with our Belgian friends to show Russia as it is, how people live here."

Trips to Russia help them learn the native language better. Alexander was born and grew up in Belgium, Maria - in Paris.

In their childhood they were brought up in the Russian language. But as adults, they were forced to speak only French. Now they are filling in the gaps in their knowledge of the Russian language.

[Alexander Pushkin, Direct Descendant of Pushkin]
"We inherited Russian traditions, Russian culture. We have all this left. But, of course, we have forgotten the language a little bit, because we have not practiced. If there is no practice, it is always very difficult."

They even had to learn the works of their great-grandfather in French.

[Maria Pushkina, Pushkin's Descendant on the Female Side]
"For us it is very difficult to read, and the poetry of Pushkin is not simple. We learn the Russian language to be able to read.”

The Pushkins consider it their duty to promote the culture of Russia abroad.

They organized the International Pushkin Foundation in Brussels.

According to Maria and Alexander Pushkin, it is not so easy to be a descendant of their great-grandfather. Russian evenings and work in the fund consume time and energy.

[Alexander Pushkin, Last Direct Descendant of Pushkin]
"It is very difficult to be a Pushkin. We are much honored, of course, a great name, a great man, great man. "

NTD, St. Petersburg, Russia