Customer Reviews

Michel Thomas Method: Russian Vocabulary Course

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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).