Customer Reviews

Collins Gem Russian Dictionary (Collins Gem Series)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

It is extremely difficult to find English/Russian/English dictionaries that help with pronunciation by also providing Russian words in non-Cyrillic text. Therefore, this dictionary is as good as any. It is small, however, and hard to read without strong magnification.

As an English speaker learning Russian, it is hard to find bi-lingual materials that don't assume knowledge of Russian, the lack of stress marks being the most common offense. This dictionary is almost completely even-handed.

The definitions are reasonably authoritative and the compact plastic binding durable and portable. I found it immensely useful when in Russia. The entries are fastidiously symmetric: I never found an instance where a Russian word was defined but not listed in the corresponding English entry. The Langenscheidt has some gaps in this regard.

It has some shortcomings compared to Langenscheidt. The print is too small to read under less than ideal light; it was impossible to look up something in a car at night. Perfective verbs are not cross-referenced to their imperfective complements. The thick-but-not-broad shape is not as back-pocket friendly as the Langenscheidt.

You must learn Cyrillic. It is *impossible* to represent Russian accurately in the Latin alphabet. If you can't memorize 33 letters then you are beyond anyone's help.

The Langenscheidt is better for my needs, and this dictionary was displaced from my pants pocket by it. But, given the price, I recommend buying both. The Collins is worth carrying around in your bag as a second opinion on definitions and for covering gaps in the Langenscheidt. And as a spare: don't think for a minute you can find a replacement while in Russia.

By far the best $7 I've ever spent. This dictionary is amazing-- comprehensive, clear, and extremely portable. It has saved my life at immersion camp and in class. There are tables in back for irregulars and very extensive examples in translations for usage, complete with case use. Cultural notes are also quite handy. Though it lacks some more complex words, as well as general declension tables, its features well outweigh its problems. Best to use with a more complete and extensive dictionary at home.

The English to Russian section is not useful at all unless you are already familiar with the Russian alphabet and it's pronunciations.

I own at least 8 Collins Gem Dictionaries for various languages. This product is a fine dictionary. I have always been pleased with Collins Gem language products, and their pocket dictionaries are indeed very mobile and durable. About the lack of Russian pronunciation - I'm not an expert in Russian, and of course there are exceptions and dipthongs that one must learn - but Russian IS A PHONETIC LANGUAGE! Why would you need a pronunciation guide? Learn the sounds of the Alphabet and you'll be able to pronounce it fine! It's not a difficult alphabet - try learning arabic and you'll appreciate the Cyrillic alphabet. Indeed!

If you don't already speak/read Russian don't waste your money. This has no Russian to English pronunciations, yet it has them for English to Russian (in other words if you are Russian you will be able to pronounce the word in English, otherwise you are SOL).