Teach Yourself Beginner's Russian Script

TEACH YOURSELF BEGINNER'S RUSSIAN SCRIPT, by Dr. Daphne West, is a concise introduction to the cyrillic alphabet as used in the Russian language. It begins by teaching the letters a few at a time, then introduces the cursive form of the alphabet, and finally gives practice on reading common words.

I read the book to prepare for a vacation in Kyiv and was a bit disappointed that the book was written much more for future students of the Russian language than for tourists. While there are sections that deal with vocabulary of town and transport, much of the book introduces vocabulary that is not everyday. My other complaint is that cyrillic letters found in other former-soviet languages are not taught in the book. I understand that this is beginner's *Russian* script, but a two-page appendix that shows other cyrillic letters and their sounds would have been most helpful.

Also, for those hoping to finally master the difficult cursive form of the alphabet, you may be disappointed to see that there are only four pages dedicated to it.

All in all, if you are looking to learn just the alphabet for whatever reason, TEACH YOURSELF BEGINNER'S RUSSIAN SCRIPT is probably the best value, as it is less expensive than buying a full-fledged Russian textbook. It does have its flaws, however.

With the help of this book I have easily and quite enjoyably mangaed to master all the 33 initially queer-looking letters of the russian alphabet in three days. I have swept with growing excitement through the first four chapters, in which the printed alphabet is introduced, and by the time I have finished them I have practically overcome the greatest obstacle of learning the basics of reading and writing in any language: phonics.

The other six chapters teach you, with the same calrity and brevity as the previous chapters, the cursive script, and build your vocabulary in topics, such as town and transport and hobbies. If you have so far been dumbfounded or intimidated by the Russian script, well, quench your fears and get yourself a copy of this book.