10 Russian language textbooks for beginners

10 Russian language textbooks

We have compiled good Russian textbooks a list for beginners. Choosing the right textbook for learning Russian is extremely important, especially at your learning process very beginning. If the first experience is successful, you are more likely not only to learn Russian faster, but also to maintain enthusiasm in the learning process.

Russian textbooks: A Guide to Learning the Alphabet and Writing

The Russian alphabet can be difficult for foreigners, so it is best to start learning the Russian language from this point. When you understand the Cyrillic alphabet and learn how to read, it will be much easier to move on.

1. Russian Script Hacking

With this manual help, you will quickly get acquainted with the Russian alphabet, learn commonly used words in Russian a minimum.

The textbook contains the following information:

  • many exercises for the Russian alphabet each letter;
  • useful mnemonics to remember each letter shape;
  • audio files with the Russian letters and words pronunciation;
  • useful tips to help you learn common Russian words.

This book is a universal guide at your journey beginning in learning the Russian language.

2. Read and Write Russian Script: Teach yourself

Another great book for learning the Russian alphabet basics and the ability to read and write simple texts in Russian. This is a clear step-by-step guide to learning written Russian. The tutorial uses many examples from real texts to show how it works in context, and many exercises to practice. Compared to the previous book, this one is more complete and provides more practical exercises. The manual is well structured and follows clear outlines.

3. Russian Handwriting Worksheets

The handwritten font in Russian is another stumbling block for many who are just starting to learn the language. This manual (copybook) will help you cope with such a difficult task.

In the workbook on Russian writing you will find:

  • Russian letters written in block type and italics, with a video for each individual letter;
  • step by step instructions with arrows for each letter;
  • the Russian letters sound and their English equivalents;
  • interesting word associations to help you discover Russian culture and learn Russian words;
  • interesting and creative tasks (Russian songs, a letter to the future, try to write, etc.).

You should learn handwriting if you want to understand not only the printed version, but also handwritten Russian.

General Russian textbooks for beginners

With the help of these textbooks you will be able to master the Russian language in a complex, paying attention to all the necessary language skills.

4. The New Penguin Russian Course: A Complete Course for Beginners

This is the most famous textbook for Russian language learners. Ideal for self-study. In the complete beginner course, you will find all the basic grammar and vocabulary you need to start speaking Russian. The book thirty lessons with repetition exercises consists. The focus is on expanding vocabulary, improving conversational skills, as well as learning basic grammar. The textbook also contains 1,500 words a dictionary and grammatical terms a glossary.

5. Russian for Dummies

This is a great guide to understanding the basics: learn to count, master the Cyrillic alphabet, talk about your hobbies and much more. In the textbook, you will find fun facts about Russian culture, humorous texts, accompanied by illustrations. You will learn about common expressions, favorite Russian holidays, traditional Russian dishes and things that should never be done in Russia.

Why choose this textbook:

  • convenient format and conversational skills training;
  • emphasis on speaking and listening skills;
  • acquaintance with Russian traditions and customs.

In addition to the textbook, there is an audio CD with dialogues.

6. Complete Russian (Beginner to Intermediate Course)

This textbook is the most comprehensive guides’ one for learning Russian as it covers all key skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. In the textbook, you will find dialogues and texts that cover everyday situations and are often used in a cultural context, words and expressions extensive lists, and grammar clear explanations. Much attention is paid to consolidating and repeating the material covered for an easier transition to the next level.

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Books for learning vocabulary

Books for learning vocabulary in Russian

When it comes to increasing your Russian vocabulary, it is best to use interesting authentic materials such as stories, podcasts, and videos. Stories are especially good for people who want to write correctly in Russian (and not just communicate verbally), as visual memory will help you remember how to write correctly.

7. Russian Short Stories for Beginners: 20 Captivating Short Stories to Learn Russian

With this book you will learn Russian through fascinating stories. Each story is accompanied by realistic dialogues in everyday situations. The book itself is well structured and contains a word list after each story. The stories use modern slang, as well as common idioms that Russian people often use. After reading the stories and learning the vocabulary, you can answer questions to check how well you have absorbed the new knowledge.

8. 501 Russian Verbs

This tutorial provides the most common Russian verbs a list, their conjugation and examples to help you learn these verbs easily. They are listed in alphabetical order, with one page dedicated to each verb. Also in the tutorial are some useful idioms and modern verbs used on the Internet. Very handy and easy to use tool.

Russian grammar textbooks

Finding a good Russian grammar book for beginners and language learners is very difficult. The manuals most are designed for the Russian language teachers. However, we suggest that you pay attention to the following options.

9. Illustrated Russian Grammar

This is a fairly good textbook on Russian grammar for beginners. It explains the Russian language elementary grammar all the key points, which are well illustrated and greatly facilitate the study. It contains regular and irregular Russian verbs a comprehensive table. However, this tutorial is best used as an addition to the general learning process, as it lacks practice exercises.

10. Tochka Ru: Russian Course A1

This manual is presented as a general course, but the emphasis here is on grammar rather than conversational skills. A great option for practicing the studied grammar rules with the numerous exercises help. Grammar is well woven into vocabulary on commonly used topics: family, home, work, free time, travel and others.

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