When и sounds like ы

Russian spelling is pretty regular, but there are times when the letter и will sound more like ы! This intermediate tutorial explains when to listen for this change, and explains a few minor mysteries: why шил and был rhyme; why играть becomes сыграть in the perfective; and why a name like Иванович can sound like Иваныч. Be sure to listen to the end for examples from Бэлла Ахмадулина and Даниил Хармс. Links for the examples: Бэлла Ахмадулина, В тот месяц май... Read by Анна Чиповская: Read by Айнур Ниязова: Иван Иваныч Самовар Read by Артём Долгобородов: Read by Даниил Хармс: