This updated version of the Penguin Russian Course introduces the learner, through translation extracts, to the culture and life of the modern (post Glasnost) Soviet Union that was, as well as to the Russian language.

Learn Russian in 4 Simple Steps. With Living Language Complete Russian: The Basics, you’ll start by learning words, and then you’ll progress to phrases, sentences, and conversations. This simple four-step building block approach will have you speaking with confidence right from the beginning, and you’ll be able to learn gradually and effectively. If you’re confident in your pronunciation, then this coursebook includes everything you need - vocabulary, grammar, culture, and practice. But you can also use this book along with the four hours of recordings included in the Living Language Complete Russian: The Basics compact disc package, which also includes a handy learner’s dictionary. This comprehensive coursebook includes: •40 step-by-step lessons •Practical vocabulary and authentic everyday usage •Simple explanations and plenty of examples •Supplemental sections, including e-mail and internet resources •A comprehensive grammar reference section

Colloquial Russian: The Complete Course for Beginners has been carefully developed by an experienced teacher to provide a step-by-step course to Russian as it is written and spoken today. Combining a clear, practical and accessible style with a methodical and thorough treatment of the language, it equips learners with the essential skills needed to communicate confidently and effectively in Russian in a broad range of situations. No prior knowledge of the language is required. Colloquial Russian is exceptional; each unit presents a wealth of grammatical points that are reinforced with a wide range of exercises for regular practice. A full answer key, a grammar summary, bilingual glossaries and English translations of dialogues can be found at the back as well as useful vocabulary lists throughout. Key features include: A clear, user-friendly format designed to help learners progressively build up their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills Jargon-free, succinct and clearly structured explanations of grammar An extensive range of focused and dynamic supportive exercises Realistic and entertaining dialogues covering a broad variety of narrative situations Helpful cultural points about life in Russia An overview of the sounds of Russian Balanced, comprehensive and rewarding, Colloquial Russian is an indispensable resource both for independent learners and students taking courses in Russian. Audio material to accompany the course is available to download free in MP3 format from www.routledge.com/cw/colloquials. Recorded by native speakers, the audio material features the dialogues and texts from the book and will help develop your listening and pronunciation skills.