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Helen Mitrofanenko

Welcome to ‘Introduction to Russian Language’ course.

This course is a result of 10 years of teaching Russian as a second language.

It is a fundamental level that will guide complete beginners into learning Russian. We’ll start from scratch.

This course consists of 6 sections that explain phonetics, vocabulary and grammar (each section includes short videos with printable summaries).

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Welcome to ‘Introduction to Russian Language’ course.

This course is a result of 10 years of teaching Russian as a second language.

It is a fundamental level that will guide complete beginners into learning Russian. We’ll start from scratch.

This course consists of 6 sections that explain phonetics, vocabulary and grammar (each section includes short videos with printable summaries).

Phonetics covers letter names, letter sounds and the most important reading rules. It also explains some important language phenomena. The course covers such topics as family members, pets, days of the week, months of the year, numbers and more. It has 200 Russian words and over 30 useful phrases. Grammar section covers nouns, adjectives, possessive adjectives and verbs. At the end of the course you'll find a test and keys.

By the end of this course you’ll learn to read, count and you’ll be able to have a basic conversation in Russian.

“Introduction to Russian Language’ was created to help you start an exciting journey into learning Russian.

If you’ve always wanted to learn this beautiful language but never had time, this course is for you. Short videos will keep you motivated to study every day.

Let me know if you'll have any questions, I will be happy to help.

Good luck.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • To read in russian
  • Basics of russian grammar
  • Over 200 russian words
  • To have a basic conversation in russian

Syllabus

At the end of this section students will learn to read in Russian. They will know the difference between letter names and letter sounds. They will learn main reading rules.
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At the end of this lecture students will learn the sounds of Russian letters which will help them start reading in Russian.

At the end of this lecture students will learn the names of Russian letters.

At the end of this lecture students will get familiar with main reading rules of vowels.

At the end of this lecture students will get familiar with main reading rules of consonants.

At the end of this lecture students will understand an important phenomenon in Russian Language, called hardness and softness of sounds.

At the end of this lecture students will learn basic phrases in informal style which will help them to start an informal conversation in Russian.

At the end of this lecture students will learn some basic phrases in formal style that will help them to start a formal conversation in Russian.

At the end of this lecture students will get familiar with 3 genders of nouns. They will be able to identify the grammatical gender of any noun.

At the end of this lecture students will learn the rules of pluralization of nouns.

At the end of this lecture students will know all the forms of possessive adjectives. They will learn how they function in Russian Language.

At the end of this lecture students will get familiar with different types of Russian adjectives. They will learn how to properly agree adjectives with nouns.

At the end of this lecture students will know 12 colors in Russian and will be able to properly use them.

At the end of this lecture students will understand what full Russian name consists of.

At the end of this lecture students will be able to count in Russian up to 100.

At the end of this lecture students will be able to use ordinal numbers up to 100. They will understand how ordinal numbers work and how to agree them with nouns.

At the end of this lecture students will know the days of the week in Russian.

At the end of this lecture students will know Russian months of the year.

At the end of this lecture students will know family members in Russian.

At the end of this lecture students will know some common irregular plural nouns that are exceptions and need to be memorized.

At the end of this lecture students will know most common pets in Russian.

At the end of this lecture students will be able to conjugate verbs of the largest group in Russian Language. They will learn regular and irregular patterns within this group.

At the end of this lecture students will be able to conjugate verbs of the 2nd group in Russian Language. They will learn regular and irregular patterns within this group.

At the end of this lecture students will learn useful phrases that will help them to hold a conversation in Russian.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers phonetics, vocabulary, and grammar, providing a solid foundation for beginners to start reading and speaking Russian
Explores the fundamentals of Russian grammar, including nouns, adjectives, and verbs, which are essential for building a strong understanding of the language
Includes short videos with printable summaries, which can help learners stay motivated and review the material effectively
Teaches over 200 Russian words and 30 useful phrases, enabling learners to expand their vocabulary and start communicating in Russian
Focuses on basic conversational skills, which allows learners to practice speaking and interacting in Russian from the beginning
Examines the concept of hardness and softness of sounds, which is an important phenomenon in Russian phonetics that is not present in many other languages

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Reviews summary

Introduction to russian language for beginners

According to students, this course offers a solid foundation perfect for absolute beginners starting their journey into Russian. Learners found the explanations of phonetics and basic grammar like noun genders and verb conjugation to be very clear and easy to understand. The short video lectures and printable summaries were frequently mentioned as helpful resources that make studying manageable. While it provides a useful introduction to vocabulary and phrases for basic conversation, some reviewers noted that it is very basic and you will need additional resources for more in-depth learning beyond the fundamentals.
Covers fundamentals, but not designed for fluency.
"It gives you a solid foundation in reading, basic vocabulary, and initial grammar."
"This course covers the very basics well - alphabet, sounds, simple grammar rules."
"I can read simple words and have very basic conversations after taking this course."
"Good for getting the alphabet and some vocabulary, but it's just the starting point."
Short videos make learning digestible and convenient.
"The short videos helped keep me motivated and made it easy to fit studying into my busy day."
"I really appreciate the bite-sized video lectures, they are easy to focus on."
"Being able to watch just a few minutes at a time was great for daily progress."
"Short videos and printable summaries make this course very accessible and easy to manage."
Concepts like phonetics and grammar are clearly taught.
"The explanations of phonetics and reading rules were incredibly clear and easy to follow."
"Grammar points, like noun genders and cases, were broken down into easy-to-understand parts."
"I finally understand the Russian alphabet and sounds thanks to the instructor's clear teaching."
"Complex concepts felt approachable because of the simple and clear way they were explained."
Highly recommended as a first step in learning Russian.
"This course is perfect for absolute beginners. It starts from scratch exactly as promised."
"An excellent introduction to Russian language, great for those who have never studied it before."
"I had zero prior knowledge of Russian, and this course made the first steps easy and unintimidating."
"If you've always wanted to learn Russian but felt overwhelmed, this is the place to start."
The course is very basic; further study is required.
"It's a good starting point, but you'll definitely need more resources and practice afterwards."
"Don't expect to be fluent, it's really just an introduction. More in-depth study is needed."
"The course is very basic. It gives you a taste, but you must supplement with other materials."
"Useful foundation, but felt some grammar points were rushed and needed external explanation."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Russian Language with these activities:
Review Cyrillic Alphabet
Strengthen your familiarity with the Cyrillic alphabet to prepare for reading and pronunciation exercises in the course.
Show steps
  • Download a Cyrillic alphabet chart.
  • Practice writing each letter.
  • Associate each letter with its sound.
Read 'Russian for Dummies'
Supplement your learning with a beginner-friendly guide to Russian language and culture.
View Russian For Dummies on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Russian For Dummies'.
  • Read the introductory chapters on pronunciation and basic grammar.
  • Complete the exercises in the book.
Practice Pronunciation with Online Tools
Refine your pronunciation of Russian sounds and words using online resources to improve your speaking skills.
Show steps
  • Find online Russian pronunciation tools.
  • Listen to native speakers pronounce words.
  • Record yourself and compare.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create Flashcards for Vocabulary
Reinforce your vocabulary learning by creating flashcards for new Russian words encountered in the course.
Show steps
  • Gather new vocabulary words from the course.
  • Write the Russian word on one side of the flashcard.
  • Write the English translation on the other side.
  • Review the flashcards regularly.
Explore 'The New Penguin Russian Course'
Deepen your understanding of Russian grammar and vocabulary with a comprehensive textbook.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The New Penguin Russian Course'.
  • Work through the chapters relevant to the course topics.
  • Complete the exercises and review the grammar explanations.
Translate Simple Sentences
Apply your knowledge by translating simple English sentences into Russian to solidify your understanding of grammar and vocabulary.
Show steps
  • Find simple English sentences online or in a textbook.
  • Translate each sentence into Russian.
  • Check your translations with a Russian speaker or online translator.
Write a Short Paragraph in Russian
Practice your writing skills by composing a short paragraph in Russian on a familiar topic.
Show steps
  • Choose a simple topic, like your family or hobbies.
  • Write a paragraph of 5-7 sentences in Russian.
  • Use vocabulary and grammar learned in the course.
  • Get feedback from a Russian speaker or online forum.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Russian Language will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Translator
A translator converts written material from one language to another, and this course provides a foundation in the Russian language. This includes understanding phonetics, vocabulary, and grammar, all crucial components for accurately translating Russian texts. The course's focus on reading rules, nouns, adjectives, and verb conjugation helps a translator comprehend the nuances of Russian, as well as develop a foundation of over 200 Russian words and common phrases. By learning to identify grammatical structures and usage through this course, a future translator will be well-prepared to handle translation challenges.
Interpreter
An interpreter facilitates spoken communication between individuals who speak different languages which this course supports by building a foundation in the Russian language. The course provides a fundamental understanding of Russian phonetics, vocabulary, and grammar. The course's emphasis on basic conversations is very important for those looking to become interpreters. A course like this one may be particularly helpful as it has a focus on learning over 30 useful phrases and being able to read in Russian, all of which can contribute to the necessary skills for an interpreter to efficiently convey spoken messages.
Language Teacher
A language teacher instructs students in the fundamentals of a foreign language, and this course’s approach to Russian could be useful in developing a lesson plan. This introductory course covers phonetics, vocabulary and grammar, which are important aspects of teaching Russian as a second language. The course focuses on reading rules, over 200 Russian words, and basic phrases, which provide essential content for a language teacher. By creating a syllabus based on the course, a language teacher can effectively teach basic Russian to beginner learners, as this course has a focus on basic conversation.
Foreign Language Correspondent
A foreign language correspondent reports from a country other than their own and needs proficiency in the local language, like Russian. This introductory Russian course will help the correspondent build a strong foundation in Russian. The course emphasizes phonetics, vocabulary, and grammar, which are important skills for understanding and conveying information. This course covers basic conversations, which is necessary for gathering local information in Russian. The study in this course of core language skills like reading, vocabulary, and grammar are useful in working as a foreign language correspondent.
Tour Guide
A tour guide leads groups of visitors, often in areas where they must speak the local language, and this course provides fundamental skills in spoken Russian. This course teaches the basics of phonetics, vocabulary, and grammar, which are important aspects of spoken communication. Through the course's emphasis on over 30 useful phrases and basic conversation, a tour guide can enhance their ability to interact with Russian-speaking locals. This course may assist in learning to have basic conversations in Russian, and can help a tour guide become more effective in their interactions.
Localization Specialist
A localization specialist adapts products or content for a specific market, and this work would benefit from a background in Russian language. This course may help build a foundation in Russian phonetics, vocabulary, and grammar, offering a crucial understanding of the linguistic nuances necessary for localization. The course also focuses on reading, basic conversation, and familiarization with over 200 Russian words, which are very helpful for an effective localization specialist. A localization specialist may find a basis in the skills learned in this class.
International Business Specialist
An international business specialist works with international clients and needs a good understanding of a specific language or region, for instance Russian-speaking markets. This course provides the basic skills in Russian phonetics, reading, vocabulary, and grammar needed for basic communication. The course focuses on over 200 Russian words and basic conversation, which allow the specialist to interact in Russian at a fundamental level. This course may help in the ability to conduct business and build relationships in Russian-speaking markets.
Cultural Attaché
A cultural attaché, often working for a government or diplomatic mission, fosters cultural exchange and thus requires a strong understanding of the language, such as Russian. This course provides a beginner's introduction to Russian, covering key areas such as phonetics, vocabulary, and grammar. The course's emphasis on reading, learning over 200 Russian words and phrases, and having basic conversations will be a useful set of skills for a cultural attaché. By developing these abilities, one can better engage with and understand Russian culture.
Immigration Officer
An immigration officer processes visa applications and needs a degree of proficiency in the languages of the applicants, for example Russian. This course offers the basics of Russian reading, phonetics, vocabulary, and grammar, all important aspects for an officer to effectively communicate. The focus on basic conversation and over 30 useful phrases can help an immigration officer interact with Russian speakers in simple interviews. This course may be helpful for this role in a basic capacity.
Intelligence Analyst
An intelligence analyst gathers and analyzes information, often requiring proficiency in specific languages, such as Russian, and this course may be valuable for that purpose. The course teaches the basics of phonetics, reading, vocabulary and grammar. The ability to read in Russian and have a basic conversation as taught by the course are valuable skills for an intelligence analyst. The course's focus on fundamental Russian language skills may be useful in the pursuit of this career.
Librarian
A librarian curates collections of information, often in multiple languages, and may benefit from a basic understanding of Russian. This course offers a beginning introduction to Russian, focusing on phonetics, reading, vocabulary, and grammar. The course's focus on reading skills, coupled with a knowledge of over 200 Russian words, can support a librarian in cataloging and assisting with materials written in Russian. This course may be helpful in providing some familiarity with the language.
International Aid Worker
An international aid worker provides assistance in foreign countries, sometimes requiring knowledge of the local language, for example Russian. A start with this course may be of minor help by building a foundation in the basics of Russian phonetics, reading, vocabulary, and grammar. The course's focus on basic conversation and common phrases may be useful in communicating with Russian-speaking populations to aid in their efforts. This course may help an aid worker to start their journey towards Russian language acquisition.
Travel Agent
A travel agent assists clients in planning and booking trips, and a basic understanding of a language like Russian can be useful. This course provides a rudimentary understanding of Russian phonetics, reading, vocabulary, and grammar. The course's emphasis on basic conversation and over 30 useful phrases may be helpful for a travel agent when interacting with Russian-speaking clients. This course may be a starting point for language acquisition for this career path.
Archivist
An archivist manages and preserves historical records and documents, which may include some written in Russian. This course may help an archivist by providing a basic introduction to the Russian language, which includes the study of phonetics, reading, vocabulary, and grammar. The course provides over 200 Russian words and some basic phrases, which will allow some familiarity with reading them. The course may be useful to a limited degree for this role.
Journalist
A journalist researches and reports on current events, and a degree of familiarity with Russian may be helpful in some situations. This course may provide a basic foundation in Russian phonetics, reading, vocabulary, and grammar. The course’s focus on reading and basic conversation, as well as introduction to over 200 Russian words, may help a journalist with understanding materials written in Russian. This course may be a limited but initial step in understanding Russian.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Russian Language.
This comprehensive textbook is widely used for introductory Russian courses. It provides a structured approach to learning the language, covering grammar, vocabulary, and cultural aspects. While the course offers a concise introduction, 'The New Penguin Russian Course' provides more in-depth explanations and exercises. It valuable resource for students who want to delve deeper into the Russian language and culture and is often used as a textbook in university courses.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the Russian language, covering grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. It's a helpful resource for beginners, offering practical exercises and cultural insights. While the course provides a focused introduction, 'Russian For Dummies' offers a broader perspective and can serve as a valuable reference throughout your language learning journey. It is especially useful for understanding basic grammar concepts.

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