More and more people today find that learning languages other than their first ones is actually important. Boundaries between nations are getting thinner and thinner that connecting with people from other places around the world has become way easier than, say, ten years ago. This fact is influenced by technology, mostly. Internet has made things unbelievably more convenient in term of space and distance. Years ago, people would attend classes to learn new languages, but now almost everyone can be autodidact and learn on their own from homes, libraries, offices, even cafes! Again, thanks to the internet. There are many websites that offer materials and exercises also smartphone apps to make learning on-the-go easier, more practical, and fun.
Some of the most popular languages that people around the world want to learn are the ones most spoken or included in the United Nation’s official languages. Russian is one of them. For them who choose to go to classes or Russian language courses to learn, lessons would be more organized, directed, and the progress recorded neatly. But how about them who choose to learn on their own? It could be a challenge for sure. That is why finding the right textbooks is important for autodidactic Russian learners. Here we have suggestion for 6 best books to improve your Russian grammar effectively.
1. Russian Course – A Complete Course for Beginners by Nicholas J. Brown
Published by The New Penguin, this book is suitable for both students who are learning alone and attending classes. It provides command of basic Russian with thirty lessons concluded by exercises to revise and make sure the student has fully understood the lessons. There are subjects about vocabulary, conversational language and useful grammar including glossary of grammatical terms. Both new and used books are available online.
2. Russian Tutor: Grammar and Vocabulary Workbook by Michael Ransome and Marta Tomaszewski
Different from the book before, this one is more for advanced beginner to upper intermediate learners and perfect for independent learners. It is interactive and contemporary with 200 activities on grammar and vocabulary to help students achieving their goals. Everything is clear in this book because only the most useful and frequently used words and grammar are explained. In this book you will find:
- Unique visuals and infographics of context and practice
- Hints and tips to understand language rules and cultural points
- Communication goals
- Vocabulary presentations and activities
- Reading and writing sections
- Grammar explanations and exercises
This book can be used as a standalone course or as a supplement to any other Russian courses.
3. Modern Russian Grammar: A Practical Guide by John Dunn
This is an ideal grammar book for Russian learners at all levels from beginner to advanced that combines traditional and function-based grammar in one volume. There are two parts in this book where part A explains traditional grammatical points such as agreement and parts of speech, while part B covers language functions in all major communication situations. The book is clear and emphasizing on specific difficult parts such as numerals and verbs of motion. All grammar points and functions are generously illustrated to explain examples and make them easier to be understood. Modern Russian Grammar is a very handy book for every Russian learner.
4. Russian Language: Essential grammar and Conversation language by Artemiy Belyaev
The majority of people who learn Russian aim the correct grammar to be applied in all levels of conversation situations. Now, this is the perfect book for that purpose. It simplifies the process of learning to make learners know how to speak Russian decently and confidently. This book is great for complete beginners who want to learn Russian but don’t know where to start or what the language consists of and them who prefer to learn in their own place and pace. There are multiple examples in the book to help you improve your spoken Russian and comprehension skill so that applying the lessons in real life become effortless.
5. Russian for Dummies by Andrew Kaufman and Serafima Gettys
Just like the title, which a lot of you are probably familiar with – due to the many editions of “for Dummies” series, this book is excellent for beginners whether students, travelers or professionals. It is a great introduction to this rather complex language that is accompanied by a CD for listening practice. Russian for Dummies is student friendly, organized, expanding coverage of grammar, verb conjugations, and pronunciations, loaded with a mini-dictionary of essential vocabulary. Learners with none to little understanding of Russian can use this book to get a full grasp of the daily use of the language that is definitely practical and applicable.
6. Da! A Practical Guide to Russian Grammar by Tatiana Filosofova
First of all, this book is attractive with a full picture of Matryoshka Dolls on the cover that speaks for its contemporary side. Unfortunately, this is not a book for a beginner though the cover might suggest so. It is a reference grammar and workbook for intermediate-level students, and can be used both in the classroom and for self-study. The illustrations in the book make explanations clearer and are showing how grammar works in practice while at the same time enhancing the cultural knowledge and vocabulary. In this book you can find:
- Tables to help you absorb rules of grammar more easily.
- Level indicator to let you know which stage you are at so your progress can be noted.
- Pointers to show parts of the grammar you need to focus and learn a bit harder on.
- A glossary to help you understand the complex grammatical terms.
- Exercises and the answers.
Now that you know the 6 best books to improve your Russian grammar skill with, it is time to go to the bookstore – online of offline – to hunt for the books you need. Some of them come in e-book version for your convenience if you are not really a conventional-book type of person. Have fun learning!