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Whether you’re learning alone or attending classes, you’ll find this complete Russian language course for beginners both accessible and indispensable. Designed to provide the student with an excellent command of basic Russian (the equivalent of A’ level standard) the book features thirty lessons punctuated by revision exercises to ensure you have fully understood what you have learned. The emphasis is on acquiring vocabulary, experiencing conversational language and learning useful grammar. The book also includes a vocabulary of 1,500 words and a glossary of grammatical terms.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
103 of 105 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
As the title of this review indicates, I have very mixed feelings about this book.
I studied Russian at school (many years ago) and used the original Penguin Russian Course as a text book, finding it excellent. For this reason, I had no hesitation in buying the New Penguin Russian Course a few months ago, when I dedided to renew my acquaintance with the language.
At first glance, I felt the new course would be every bit as good as the original; the explanations of the grammar points are easy to understand and are written in such a way as to be not only informative and interesting but even, on occasion, entertaining. I am quite sure that, in a classroom context, with the back up of a teacher, this would be a first class course book.
However, as a self-study tool, I feel the book leaves a lot to be desired. There is too much material crammed into each lesson, to the extent that the student may feel not only daunted at first glance, but also discouraged by the seemingly slow progress, because it takes so long to cover each chapter from beginning to end. In addition, I found that, even with prior knowledge of the language, I was having to turn back the pages frequently to go over a point covered earlier in the chapter, or in a previous chapter, because there are not enough practical exercises of each grammar point to allow the student fully to consolidate the knowledge acquired. I think a complete beginner, studying alone, would find this extremely discouraging.
I now find myself in the situation whereby I feel the need to acquire a separate workbook with exercises to practice the grammar points covered in just the first few chapters of this book.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend this book as a text-book for a classroom situation, but would definitely not recommend it for those studying alone, especially if they are complete beginners.
I studied Russian at school (many years ago) and used the original Penguin Russian Course as a text book, finding it excellent. For this reason, I had no hesitation in buying the New Penguin Russian Course a few months ago, when I dedided to renew my acquaintance with the language.
At first glance, I felt the new course would be every bit as good as the original; the explanations of the grammar points are easy to understand and are written in such a way as to be not only informative and interesting but even, on occasion, entertaining. I am quite sure that, in a classroom context, with the back up of a teacher, this would be a first class course book.
However, as a self-study tool, I feel the book leaves a lot to be desired. There is too much material crammed into each lesson, to the extent that the student may feel not only daunted at first glance, but also discouraged by the seemingly slow progress, because it takes so long to cover each chapter from beginning to end. In addition, I found that, even with prior knowledge of the language, I was having to turn back the pages frequently to go over a point covered earlier in the chapter, or in a previous chapter, because there are not enough practical exercises of each grammar point to allow the student fully to consolidate the knowledge acquired. I think a complete beginner, studying alone, would find this extremely discouraging.
I now find myself in the situation whereby I feel the need to acquire a separate workbook with exercises to practice the grammar points covered in just the first few chapters of this book.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend this book as a text-book for a classroom situation, but would definitely not recommend it for those studying alone, especially if they are complete beginners.
45 of 46 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
One year ago when I began to devote myself to learning Russian, I didn't know one solitary word of this beautiful and sometimes grammatically complex language. I followed the good advice of previous reviewers and purchased this text book immediately. I can say one year later on, it was a very wise choice.
This book is layered in a very logical and easy to understand manner. The six grammatical cases in Russian are excellently explained, as are all the chapters on the basic essentials, such as the alphabet, handwriting, verb conjugations, numbers etc.
The one thing any newcomer to learing Russian must remember: You need dedication, practice, time and then more practice. If you have these ingredients then this book will be a perfect guide and will help you immensely in your quest to learn this remarkable and fascinating language.
The only downside to this book is that it can't pronounce the words for you, and believe me there are many instances when pronouncing a Russian word using english letters is near impossible to sound correctly. What you might think is the right sound for a Russian word, can sometimes be quite embarrassingly off the mark.
But don't let this put you off, you can't get any more from a beginner's guide. I can boast that after learning seven or eight hundred words and six grammatical cases (N.A.G.D.I.P or (L))in one year, with limited time spent in Ukraine is quite an achievement(as I have never studied any other language!) and I owe it to this remarkable book. By the way your knowledge of English grammar will also benefit from reading and studying this text.
40 of 41 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
As a student of Russian language I have found, and continue to find, this book incredibly useful. It's ideal for all levels of learning, from absolute beginner to advanced. It explains the complexities of Russian grammar clearly using plain English, and provides a more than adequate vocabulary base. A must for anyone wishing to learn or improve their Russian skills.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Just the ticket if you want a refresher - but maybe a bit tough for...
I bought this book because I studied Russian way back when and also spent a year there and achieved quite a good level by the end of it. Read more
Published 3 days ago by Jonni O.
Thorough and interesting guide to the Russian tongue.
I purchased this book on the strength of the reviews here. The book does a marvelous job of introducing the Cyrillic alphabet, which is one of the biggest hurdles to a new learner. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Iki Thomozi
Not for The "Tourist"...
No doubt that for the very serious and dedicated student of languages it would be a good companion.
For a relative novice, or a tourist, this book goes far away from the... Read more
For a relative novice, or a tourist, this book goes far away from the... Read more
Published 8 months ago by jackdaw
Russian Course
As it says, this is a complete course for those beginning to learn something of the Russian Language. Read more
Published 8 months ago by White Van Man
Very good
For someone who wants to learn the language just from a book, it is great. However, when learning a language, I think a CD would come in useful, especially when it comes to... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Jo
What I exactly wanted
I like Amazon for it gives paperback purchases a preview. it helps you choose what you want from the purchase.I got my book before time and in good condition. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Dakshwanth kumar
Russian language learning
This is an excellent introduction to Russian for someone who has no prior knowledge of the language. It is well presented, with useful vocabulary and follows a natural progression.
Published 15 months ago by jimsimpson
The New Penguin Russian Course: A Complete Course for Beginners...
it may appear old, because the russian language always changes some letters in the pronounciation, but the grammar explanation is excelent and perfectly understandable, you have to... Read more
Published 15 months ago by PablitoBD
The best beginners book.
I've tried a few Russian Courses (including the BBC Talk Russian), but they didn't seem quite right. Read more
Published 15 months ago by ric03
Russian for adults
This book is not like other Russian books which seem to teach you what you need to know as a tourist, but instead teaches you the Russian you need to know in order to become a some... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Edna85
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