ABSTRACT
Russian in Plain English enables complete beginners to acquire the skill of reading words written in Cyrillic independently, with no English transcription or imitated pronunciation, within a short period of time.
This book introduces the Cyrillic alphabet gradually, feeding in the letters and their various pronunciation aspects one by one over its ten units, thus building a complete picture of the Russian sound and writing systems. It also highlights the interrelationship of the two systems and helps learners to see the logic behind the use of the Cyrillic alphabet. In addition, the book teaches learners to produce Russian word stress on a marked syllable, contributing to stress acquisition.
Furthermore, the book explains the basic grammatical features of Russian words and the rules of how to put them into sentences, enabling learners to start saying things in Russian from Unit 1. It employs some findings of research in language processing, helping learners to start building their speaking and reading skills.
This book is an essential guide for all beginners, including students and independent learners.
CONTENTS
Preface
Preface for Teachers
Acknowledgements
First things first
UNIT 1. Getting Started
Something Old, Something New (Revision of Unit 1)
UNIT 2. Questions and Answers
Something Old, Something New (Revision of Unit 2)
Unit 3. Mine or Yours
Something Old, Something New (Revision of Unit 3)
Unit 4. Excuse me. Have you got a pen?
Something Old, Something New (Revision of Unit 4)
Unit 5. Say "please"
Something Old, Something New (Revision of Unit 5)
Unit 6. Where are you?
Something Old, Something New (Revision of Unit 6)
Unit 7. Work or play?
Something Old, Something New (Revision of Unit 7)
Unit 8. Where do you live?
Something Old, Something New (Revision of Unit 8)
Unit 9. Is Red Square big?
Something Old, Something New (Revision of Unit 9)
Unit 10. What is he/she up to?
Final revision
Russian alphabet
Cultural and historical background
Dictionary
Grammar index
Pronunciation index, including letter-sound correspondence