Easy Russian for English Speakers Vol. 3: Speak Russian in Colour; Express Emotions; Discuss Weather, Art, Music, Film, Likes And Dislikes

ISBN  9781907832222

This Russian language audio course includes elements of Russian grammar, vocabulary and cultural content complete with dialogues and texts recorded by native Russian speakers together with English guide in every module. Each lesson focuses on specific theme and in this volume we cover colours, emotions, likes, dislikes, seasons, weather, art, music. Grammar and phonetics include difficult Russian sounds, gender of Russian nouns, use of pronouns, adjectives and introduction into Russian case system. Cultural content includes short poems, listening to Russian weather forecast, use of weather talk as conversation filler, reading popular fairy tales in original, basic table manners, and social etiquette.

Contents

01 Gender of Russian Nouns

In this lesson we will discuss Russian grammar and specifically gender of Russian nouns. A noun is class of words associated with objects and names mainly. It is anything from apples to cats and chocolates. In Russian nouns can be of 3 genders - masculine, feminine and neuter. We will discuss how to establish gender through specific endings, and learn several phrases, dialogues and vocabulary. Download PDF>

02 Russian Pronouns, Utensils, and Table Manners

Introduction to Russian grammar continues here. Pronoun are special words that can used in place of other words, objects or individuals. These words include I, you, he, she, they, them, me and other similar such descriptors. Conversations include invitation to a dinner, plates, spoons, glasses and other tableware, and wishing bon appétit in Russian and a discussion about Russian table etiquette.

03 Speaking Russian in Colour

In this lesson we will discuss colours and how Russian differs from English when colours are used. We already leaned that Russian objects or nouns all have grammatical gender. This affects how attributes and adjectives are used, including colours. We cover all basic colours with associated phrases and conversations. We learn how to form colour combinations and discuss how to use shades of colours in Russian. We also learn about certain unique features of Russian language and why Russians are better at separating shades of blue.

04 Little Red Riding Hood in Russian

Famous French fairy tale is read in Russian in this lesson. Some of the vocabulary used in this tale will be familiar and you may well know this story already. But do check how it ends in Russian. The ending in Russian version is different. This is not a mistake. This is how this story is told in Russia. And the characters, grey wolf and little red riding hood are often referenced in Russian literature. Download PDF>

05 Russian Weather Talk

In a country such as Russia which occupies 1/6 of entire living surface on this planet, there is certainly a lot weather. Russian radio and TV stations are busy reporting weather forecasts. In addition to temperature, you can expect to be informed about rain, snow, clouds and even such detail as humidity and air pressure. But there is a lot more it than just temperature. In England for example weather talk is famously popular and can in fact be used a form of greeting, ice breaker or universal conversation filler. Russia is certainly no exception here. In many parts of Russia winter means a lot snow and snow there does nott just stay for a day or two - it can be there all winter. As result, Russians often talk about quality of snow as well as quantity and can indulge in long conversations about individual snow flakes. Just like in England and its many variations and combinations of rain.

06 Seasons, Months and Difficult Sounds

In this lesson we go through the four seasons, twelve months of the year and useful phrases and vocabulary. We discuss briefly Russian case system using examples of accusative case and pronouns learned earlier. In the phonetics section we cover several difficult Russian sounds

07 Expressing Emotions, Likes and Dislikes in Russian

We start this lesson with famous Fyodor Tyutchev poem, "One cannot understand Russia by reason...", and move on to basic emotions with vocabulary and phrases including such constructs as: I am happy / I am sad / I am feeling blue; Satisfied / Dissatisfied; Feeling inspired, excited / down, depressed; Feeling angry, mad, offended; Why is he/she so angry? Feeling stressed, surprised, tense, worried, good, bad; Don't worry; I like / I don't like.

08 Talking about Art, Music, and Film in Russian

You can probably find many Russian tourists in museums, public transport and parks these days. They will often be discussing paintings they have just seen, music or films they like or don’t like. So you will be able to understand some or all of their conversation and can even join in if you come up with a friendly enough chat-up line. In this lesson we cover basic vocabulary used in discussions about art, music and film, and a few useful constructs such as: Looks good / bad; Pleasant / unpleasant; Beautiful / ugly; Boring / exciting; What music do you like? Can you dance? Who is your favourite film director or actor?

Reviews (Vol 1. and 2.)

This is a really helpful series starting with the alphabet and 'hello' (vol.1) and graduating to brief extracts from Chekhov and others (vol.2).  The 28 units are excellent not just for learning the subtleties of pronunciation, but for understanding how the Russian language and Russian minds work.  Rachel Redford (UK) more from Rachel Redford >

These audio lessons jumped right into learning the language and moved briskly. I also enjoyed the structure of the lessons and their thematic organization. Unlike other audio language learning tapes the tracks were engaging - my attention was kept and I felt like I was actually absorbing Russian. Overall, this audio training is excellent for those who need to learn Russian fast, or may only need to learn enough for a specific situation.

Kara Schimmelfing (USA)

Super. Often one is demotivated by legions of grammar to wade through before you get to saying 'hello', in some language guides. On the other hand this audio guide is going straight for useful phrases to get you by; to increase your motivation and to give you a taste of the language itself.

Stephen Dunne (Australia)

Great CD. Easy to pick up on Russian words pronunciation and also a little bit about Russian culture and the background behind certain phrases. Really interesting and informative.

Sara Georgieff (Canada)

Max Bollinger, a native Russian speaker has composed an excellent guide to learning basic Russian for your next trip. Everything from greetings to dating a Russian beauty. Like other language software it works by repeating the words then using them. However unlike other language programs that slow down the words so you can hear each syllable, Easy Russian for English Speakers keeps everything “live”. As an audio book you are able to transfer the tracks to a media player and learn on the go.

Jodie Clements (Canada)

About The Author

Max Bollinger, a native Russian speaker and British producer, writer and actor. Prior to establishing career in performing arts held management posts at The Cambridge University Local Examination Syndicate (now Cambridge Assessment). Producer of popular Short Stories by Anton Chekhov Series (www.anton-chekhov.com).  Narrator in MacMillan’s Easy English for Busy People audio course.

Max Bollinger About Easy Russian Vol.3

I hope this course helps you start simple conversations in Russian, talk about weather, colours, emotions, art and music.  You may be able to befriend one of the Russian natives with phrases learned in Easy Russian and get yourself a friend for the day or even for life

Where to Order CD

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