Modern Russian, Vol. 1 (Book/Cassette Course)

Rating:
Summary: fantastic kit for self-learning as well as classroom use!
Review: This is the combo package of book and 24 audiocassettes for Modern Russian 1 (equivalent to an intensive first-year university Russian course meeting three to five hours per week). Developed by the Geogetown University School of Languages and Linguistics, and marketed by Audio-Forum, this is a comprehensive first-year course.

With an emphasis on the modern spoken language, the 18 lessons contained in Modern Russian 1 present a total vocabulary of approx. 2700 items. The course is founded on the principle that fluency in a foreign language is acquired less by intellectual analysis than by intensive practice. The student using this book does not memorize rules and paradgims constantly but imitates and repeats basic language patterns through drills.

Each lesson is structured in this way: (1) preparation for conversation: the words, phrases and idioms used in the conversation are explained; (2) the conversation: a dialogue illustrating not only the words & phrases but incorporating cultural information; (3) grammar & structure; (4) drills & exercises.

The voices on the audiocassettes include several different people, both male and female, speaking in a really clear, superbly crisp, native accent.

A really fine course, whether for self-study or classroom use.