Practice and Interactive materials
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This section of our online book includes a variety of tasks to help you practice concepts introduced in previous chapters. The materials here do not target a specific level of Russian language proficiency. Instead, you will find a variety of multimedia and interactive materials covering various topics (see direct links below or use the interactive book menu on the left).
The primary audience for this section, as for the entire book, is Americans planning to work in a Russian-speaking country or with Russian-speaking individuals in the U.S. These materials provide a general overview and some practice but are not intended to be a comprehensive resource. A collection of additional materials and links will help you explore some topics further. While anyone can use these resources, most interactive exercises are best suited for those with at least intermediate Russian language proficiency. However, many resources in this section include explanations and transcripts in both languages, making them accessible even to those who do not understand Russian.
Specifically, this section includes units that combine informative content with interactive practice to ensure a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. Each unit explores a specific topic with the goal of deepening your understanding and enhancing your practical skills. Some resources offer targeted language practice, while others provide open-ended tasks that allow you to create your own learning materials, such as phrasebooks or concept definitions.
In “Russian Dialects, Languages of Russia, and Other Slavic Languages,” you’ll learn about the diversity within Russian and its similarities and differences to related Slavic languages. This unit also includes videos of Russian-speaking people speaking English, as understanding the Russian accent can be crucial for those working with Russian-speaking individuals.
“Documents Information and Practice” offers guidance on navigating essential paperwork, providing practical exercises to familiarize you with the document system. The main focus of this unit is on the differences in the passport system. Interactive tasks offer practice with both concepts and passport-related vocabulary.
In “Language Practice: Numbers in Phone Numbers, Time, and Dates,” you’ll engage in activities that help you recognize and use numbers in various contexts, emphasizing the differences between Russian and American systems.
Understanding situations when Russian-speaking immigrants seek support is crucial. “Mental Health Support: General Questions and Support” and “Mental Health Support: Domestic Violence Vocabulary” offer valuable resources and vocabulary to assist in addressing these critical areas.
The next several units focus on culture shock situations in Russia and the U.S. “Culture Shock in the U.S.: Russian-Speaking Immigrants in the U.S.” addresses the unique challenges faced by immigrants, while “Explaining U.S. Realia in Russian” and “Video Collections for U.S. realia” provides information and vocabulary to discuss American concepts in Russian. Conversely, “Culture Shock in Russia” prepares you for the cultural adjustments needed when moving to Russia. Finally, “Russian Traditions and Habits” offers insights into the customs and everyday practices that define Russian life, and “Video Collections for Russian realia” provides various kinds of information in English.
