Description:
Though a bit disjointed and somewhat confusing at times, Transparent Language's Learn Russian Now! is an intriguing, multifaceted two-CD package that educates in an entertaining yet fully immersive environment. The program presumes that its students have had at least minimal exposure to the language and the Cyrillic alphabet, or are otherwise immediately ready to undergo its stiff learning curve; however, those who are serious about understanding Russian in its written form and speaking it with a moderate degree of proficiency should find the software quite enlightening. At the heart of the program is a group of four increasingly advanced sections--Fundamental Russian, Getting Around Russia, Survival Phrases for Russian, and St. Petersburg: A Window on Europe--each of which includes several diverse sub-elements. Getting Around Russia, for example, features a circa 1980s mini-movie chronicling the misadventures of an American businessman trying his best to adapt to the country and the language. The video quality is grainy and the audio portion marred by a mid-frequency hiss, but the tale is both funny and instructive. After watching the movie, students are encouraged to access various exercises, including word and sentence pronunciation drills, online quizzes, and edutainment games such as crossword puzzles and word scrambles. The program also offers numerous visual and practical aids, including a nifty waveform display that compares the pupil's version of a particular word or syllable with that of the original Russian-speaking instructor. Unlike a virtual school, Learn Russian Now! does not chart overall progress or grades, yet many of its elements feature high score tallies and visual indicators based upon aptitude and performance. The program isn't structured linearly, and therefore may frustrate those who like to follow a set path, but for those ready to speak and recognize the characters, words, and common phraseology of the Russian language, Learn Russian Now! is a fine educational enhancement. --Gordon Goble
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