Russian for Beginners: А0–А1

Russian is considered to be one of the world's most difficult languages. This programme is aimed at helping those who are interested in understanding the basics of the Russian language and preparing learners to further their language acquisition. 

The programme includes videos, presentations, texts for reading comprehension, quizzes and a grammar section.

The programme starts with the Russian alphabet, which is essential for your further studies. You are going to learn Russian letters, sounds and their characteristics. By the end of the fourth week of the programme, you will know how to read syllables and words in Russian. 

The next 12 weeks of the programme contain useful vocabulary, grammar constructions and tips that will help you build up your basic speaking and writing skills. 

Each week contains speech models or dialogues, in which you can listen to Russian speech and learn the most commonly used conversational phrases.

This programme is a unique opportunity to start your journey into the world of the Russian language. Step by step, you are going to master the most important language skills and by the end of this program, you will be ready to participate in a conversation and communicate with your Russian friends and colleagues on the elementary level.

We are looking forward to seeing you on our programme and learning together!

If you have any questions, please contact us at online@spbu.ru.

The programme is taught online and includes recorded lectures, tests, and additional materials.

Course “Russian for Beginners. Part 1: Alphabet”

Unit 1. Introduction to Russian Alphabet

Unit 2. Russian Vowels

Unit 3. Russian Consonants

Unit 4. Alphabet: Revision

Course “Russian for Beginners. Part 2”

Unit 1. The World Around

Unit 2. Let's Get Acquainted!

Unit 3. About Yourself, Your Family and Friends

Unit 4. My Day

Course “Russian for Beginners. Part 3”

Unit 1. At the Shop

Unit 2. Where?

Unit 3. In the City

Unit 4. What Are You Doing?

Course “Russian for Beginners. Part 4”

Unit 1. My Home

Unit 2. Hobbies and Interests

Unit 3 Holidays and Congratulations

Unit 4. Going to Someone's House

Upon completion of this programme you will know:

1. the pronunciation rules for sounds, syllables and words in Russian;

2. vocabulary and grammatical constructions necessary for A1 level; 

3. conversational phrases necessary for A1 level.

Upon completion of this programme you will be able to:

1. read and write words, phrases and simple texts in Russian; 

2. understand and produce speech adequately for A1 level in Russian; 

3. use vocabulary and grammatical constructions adequately for A1 level in Russian.

Upon completion of this programme learners will master the following skills:

1. effective communication at A1 level in Russian;

2. written and reading simple texts in Russian; 

3. participation in simple conversations in Russian.