Unconventional Russian Language Textbooks

2 books
'Rasskaz-Sensatsiya: v pomosh izuchayushim russkiy yazik (ne tolko dlya Gvadeluptsev)' (The Story Sensation: for learners of the Russian language (and not only for Guadeloupeans!) is the first in the series of sarcastic stories, detective lines, written as an aid to making the Russian language study process a little bit more bearable for adult learners. This story contains approximately 800 Russian words from such topics as clothes, food, politics, office, sports and gym, transport and business that are required for everyday communication.

The audio-version can be ordered on http://gumroad.com/russian or via email audio-book@russialocal.co.uk.

The story is completely fictional, with fictional characters and scenery, full of sarcasm and jokes with a mockery of stereo-types. Ignaty Dyakov, professional Russian teacher, wrote it as an aid to making the Russian language study process a little bit more bearable for adult learners. By no means can it be seen as a substitute for the classical language textbook but the author's humble hope is that it can become a useful and enjoyable supplement to the course materials for Elementary & Pre-Intermediate levels.

'Rasskaz Sensatsiya' contains approximately 800 words that are required for everyday communication. Every word appears in the text several times so that the learner can become accustomed to its meaning in the context. The author tried to include words from such topics as clothes, food, politics, office, sports and gym, transport and business. He also tried to use some common Russian set expressions and proverbs and quotes from famous songs. There are many dialogues in the story. There are lists of new words in every chapter. No translation is provided so that the learner can make a note of the meanings in their own language. At the end of the book, one can find a concise Russian-English dictionary.

The story is written in slightly simplified Russian. Thus, the learner will find it easier to recognise and memorise grammar structures. At the end of each chapter there are questions and/or grammar exercises.

The book is published in association with Russia Local Ltd, Russo-British Chamber of Commerce and ctms Travel Agency. Illustrated by Gregg Ink.

Praise for the book:
A brilliant debut! No doubts this textbook will be extremely useful to the learners of the Russian language who are also interested in the current state of Russia, its history, culture, and people. /Dr Alexander Zdanevich, Director, Russian Centre of Science and Culture, Tanzania/

This is a very unique and original approach to language learning, it gives the reader useful everyday words and phrases in the context of a compelling story that makes you want to read and learn more. A real change from the norm of formal boring language books. /Richard Royal, Chairman, Conservative Friends of Russia, UK/

An entertaining read. Gives a nice impression - easy to grasp, a thriller and a series of exercises./Arthur Matikyan, Head of UK, Ireland & Iceland representative office of Rossotrudnichestvo/

Unconventional material... Specifics of the pedagogical technology suggested by the author are based on the text principle and oriented at active learning and development of the creative language personality... The work laudably impresses and can be used as a textbook for foreign learners. /Prof Lyudmila Verbitskaya, President of the International Association of Teachers of the Russian language and literature, President of St Petersburg State University/