Michel Thomas Method: Russian Vocabulary Course [Audiobook] [Audio CD]

Natasha Bershadski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 24, 2009

Learn another language the way you learnt your own You learnt your own language naturally and enjoyably: now you can learn Russian in the same way. You'll stick with it because you'll love it * Use the unique method perfected over fifty years by the celebrated psychologist and linguist Michel Thomas. * This method works with your brain, helping you to build up your Russian in manageable, enjoyable steps by thinking out the answers for yourself. * You learn through listening and speaking -- without the pressure of writing or memorising. * You pick up the language naturally and unforgettably. This much-anticipated Vocabulary Course carries forward the Michel Thomas teaching tradition and faithfully follows his unique approach to foreign language learning. The essential format is the same all-audio, building-block approach. The native-speaker teacher instructs two students in the recording studio in real time and the student at home becomes the third member of the class. Learning vocabulary is notoriously difficult if attempted in the traditional way -- with long lists and hours of memorisation. However, with the Michel Thomas Method, new words and phrases are presented in such a way that they cannot be forgotten. They are interwoven with what has gone before so they are imprinted in your knowledge bank for ever. The vocabulary in the courses is carefully chosen from a relatively small number of 'power words' which open up an amazing range of expression and comprehension. Building and expanding on the language structures taught in the Foundation and Advanced Courses, these new Vocabulary Courses give you all you need to enjoy travelling in the Russian-speaking world, be it for business or pleasure.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A great way to learn; it's fast and it lasts". -- The Daily Telegraph "Five minutes into the first CD, you already feel like you're winning." -- Time Out "Michel Thomas is a precious find indeed." -- The Guardian "Thomas makes it simple" -- Sunday Times "Michel's methods will teach you effectively and easily" -- Daily Star "Hugely inspiring" -- Red "Ideal for any business traveller who needs to be able to get around confidently." -- Sunday Business "Moving along at a relaxed, slow pace, punctuated by amusing anecdotes and jokes from the teacher, the new words, phrases and language rules are gently introduced and reinforced through subtle repetition without ever being tedious. In fact, despite a distinct emphasis on non-work, the course proves very effective and enjoyable, and its format is ideal for learning anywhere you like. So, if you only want to learn to speak the language, this course is highly recommended." -- Top Real Travel Product, Real Travel 20080601 "Excellent for learning ... This entirely audio course is easy to use and quickly results in some useful ability in the new language. Great for the car." -- Adventure Travel 20080601

About the Author

Natasha Bershadski studied at the Moscow State Linguistic University and taught English in Moscow before moving to London, where she has taught Russian at King's College, UCL, LSE, Middlesex University and the Foreign Office.

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Hodder Education (April 24, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0340983248
• ISBN-13: 978-0340983249
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #623,394 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #11 in Books > Books on CD > Languages > Language Instruction > Russian
  • #85 in Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Language Nonfiction > Russian

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Helpful but..., March 3, 2011

By 

torque.doctor - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Michel Thomas Method: Russian Vocabulary Course (Audio CD)

I ordered this product to build my Russian vocabulary while driving. This product is meant to come after two other programs by the same company (Beginners and Advanced) but you can benefit from these CD's without having listened to those other programs (which I have not used--I have used Rosetta Stone along with Russian Language books for beginners, Grammar books and Online resources). In addition to vocabulary this program also go over some aspects of grammar which is helpful and builds on itself. I was hoping for a straight vocabulary CD so I was somewhat disappointed from this point of view, but it does indeed help with vocabulary and with pronunciation (particulary stressing the correct pronunciation of the stressed syllables).

As with a number of programs to include the companion CD's for Rosetta Stone, this program "blurts" out the answer before you have a chance to think about it and come up with the answer on your own. The critical area of speaking a foreign language is obviously being able to take an English phrase (for an English speaker) and convert it into the other language. For those learning this takes time in the thought process. This program format includes an "expert" Russian language instructor working with an advanced student and an intermediate student who take turns producing the answer. This format is good but again it would be nice to have a pause before the answer is given (or an attempt at the answer). The benefit of this format is that you hear common mistakes made by those learning Russian so this helps (to avoid them).

I would give this product 3.5 stars. Would I purchase it at the current price knowing the strengths and weaknesses--I would say yes. This program is one more piece to aid in the learning process and is helpful. It is nice to have something to learn from while driving. Now that I have looked at and used many different learning aids I could probably put together an outline for the "ideal" language program (other than university courses) and it includes parts of all the programs, books and online sites out there. In spite of claims that this system or that is the best, they are all lacking in some aspects in an effort to exclusively use only their specific teaching technique. If you are learning on your own plan on using a number of resources. Most of the products I use I have purchased through Amazon based on reviews and I have not been disappointed with the products vis a vis the reviews (this product had no review when I purchased it).