Learn Russian the Fast and Fun Way

by Thomas R. Beyer Jr.

Barron's popular "Fast and Fun Way " foreign language learning programs are designed primarily for travelers to foreign countries but are also suitable for instruction in classrooms and language labs. "Learn Russian the Fast and Fun Way " is filled with cheerful illustrations, word lists, pull-out vocabulary flash cards, and language-learning exercises that take the form of games and puzzles. Emphasis is on the practical Russian that travelers will need when getting around in Moscow, St. Petersburg, or outlying villages. The book teaches appropriate words and phrases for greetings and introductions, finding one's way in cities, dining, shopping, getting hotel accommodations, telephoning, seeking medical help, reading road signs, and more.

Genres: Russia, Language

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 13, 1993

Reviews

[Tinker Norrod · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this title is okay for the grammar bits, I have found numerous mistakes. Not in the print or anything, but with the actual Russian. One of such mistakes is a word the author uses for flight is archaic in modern Russian, and my Russian friends hadn't ever heard the word he chose used. I did a little research and discovered that many of these such 'errors' that I found would have been correct if you wanted to learn Russian from the 1950's-1960's, but not today's Russian.

On that note, while some of the words are okay and the grammar is decent, I cannot recommend this book for Russian learners. With the exception of those that already speak Russian at a moderate level, but even then you would have no use for a beginner's Russian book.

The basis for my review is the fact that I have worked with the Russian language for over a decade, as both a language tutor and a translator.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was pretty good. My Russian friend skimmed it and she laughed a lot.

[Sherry Ford-reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent workbook