Learn Russian Now! 9.0

The program comes equipped with 2 CDs, one of which has various key sections--useful "survival phrases", fun activities, conversations, and practicing speech against the voice of a native speaker--while the other has a thorough grammar tutorial. This combination is certainly a valuable one for people who are serious about learning a language, and the product is clear and easy to use: in role-plays, phrases are highlighted in a box and their English translations placed underneath, while the voice recognition software allows you to measure your own voice against that of a native speaker, and the games hone the things that have been learnt. Sections are tailored to various activities, such as getting around, going out, and business situations, while at any point you can call up a grammar tutorial which explains a particular point on which you are unsure.

In addition to these sections, the part on survival phrases will be of much use to those who have already reached a basic level. There are several practice dialogues based around commonplace situations--in the hotel, the bar, the airport, etc. Although some of the advice borders on the infantile ("When you decide to travel outside the USA, you will probably need a passport"), much of it is useful, and rounds out what is a well composed package for someone starting out on the road to using the language overseas. --Toby Green, Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.com Product Description
Learn Russian Now! 9.0 Deluxe takes you from beginner to confident speaker in no time. Listening and speaking activities, grammar tools, and vocabulary games build a solid foundation, while real-life video content lets you interact with native speakers. Learn Russian Now! also adds online features that create an interesting and authentic atmosphere, making learning Italian fast, fun, and highly effective.

Learn Russian Now!'s four stimulating titles include: Fundamental Russian, Survival Phrases for Russian, Getting Around Russia, and St. Petersburg: A Window on Europe. GrammarPro!, the software's comprehensive grammar tool, adds more than 10,000 words, extensive tutorials, and grammar quizzes to your desktop. Installed, GrammarPro! integrates seamlessly with all four Learn Russian Now! titles to provide detailed grammar analyses with just a click of your mouse.

Online features, fun interactive games, and conversations and phrases round out this deluxe suite. Practice your pronunciation using the integrated speech features, then record your voice and replay your conversation. Learn at your own pace by deciding when you need translation. The software even includes GlobalWriter98 for Microsoft Windows users and a handy screen saver. GlobalWriter98 is a word-processing tool that helps you write in more than 100 languages.

As for as Grammar goes, this software puts you on the right track. The only way to actually learn grammar is to buy a grammar book. I suggest Shaum's Outlines: Russian Grammar - it is probably the best!


Great Program   July 10, 2003
8 out of 11 found this review helpful

This program deserves the 5-star rating for several reasons.
1) Has a grammar turtorial (something a lot of language software is lacking)
2) Uses technology to its fullest with video, amazing audio(you can listen to over 10,000 words in Russian) , and voice recognition to help correct your pronunciation.
3) Good conversation practices
4) Extra learning material offered online
5)Uses native speakers

Overall, this program is a very impressive learning system unlike any other out there and I highly recomend it.


Learn Russian Comrades   June 19, 2003
4 out of 6 found this review helpful

Good program overall, I have no complaints at all. I really like how the program is set up and the games are fantastic practice. Videos are real good and when paired with the audio, they offer unparalled realism. The audio is extremely well done due to the fact that you can hear every word in the program said to you by a native Russian speaker. You can also have the program match your pronunciation to the native speaker's for comparison. You truely can not go wrong with this program.