Customer Reviews

Russian (Langenscheidt's Pocket Dictionaries)

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4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
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While my Russian grammar is relatively solid, I have been noticing a lack of vocabulary knowledge. In an effort to remedy the problem, I purchased this dictionary. Needless to say, it has done wonders for my Russian vocabulary.

I work in a restaurant as a server, and I carry this dictionary around (usually in my pocket, it fits nicely) and basically just look up any word, item, phrase, etc. that pops into my head. For example, tonight I saw someone wearing a yellow shirt, so I looked up the words "yellow" and "shirt".

In addition to vocabulary help, it has some VERY useful and very comprehensive grammar tables in the back, listing all of the major case endings and verb conjugations. These tables go a long way in helping you form phrases and complete sentences with the words you look up.

Physically the dictionary seems very sturdy. I've been using it for several weeks now and the binding is holding firm. The cover is also made of a nice plastic material. This has obviously come in handy since I work in a restaurant. I've spilled sauce on it, dropped it on a wet, dirty kitchen floor, and abused it in many other ways, and it always comes out clean-as-a-whistle.

The dictionary doesn't have every word, and in some cases it lists two words without adequate explanation about which to use in which instance. But this has to be expected in a pocket dictionary. My recommendation is to use this on the go, and keep a heavy-duty, full dictionary at home so you can clarify any questions regarding word usage.

For anyone trying to master Russian I highly recommend this dictionary. Use it well and often and you will quickly multiply your vocabulary and even increase your grammar knowledge.

I have been learning Russian for a number of years and have many dictionaries, audio programs, computer software, etc. This is by far my favorite travel dictionary and I've been sorry to see that it seems like it is no longer published in the turtleback format. The binding of this is a very durable plastic and the paper that it is printed has held up well, not becoming yellowed and smelling old (as have some other pocket dictionaries I have purchased.) Another very useful feature is that each page has a letter "tab" that easily lets you find where words starting with a given letter are found in the dictionary. As pocket/travel dictionaries go, this also seems to have had more words that I wanted to find than others. The printing is well laid out and clear.

There are other useful features to help with Russian grammar if you take the time to look for them. However, I mainly have just used it to look up new words. And for that, it has been very helpful.

I had to return this because it did me no good without having knowledge of the Russian alphabet. Maybe when I'm more advanced I would find it helpful. Langenscheidt's language books are normally very good and I'm sure this is too, but I was just not ready for it.