Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Learn Russian Software.

Ratings

Ease of Use

Learn Russian software should be simple to use and its processes should be intuitive for even novices.

Feature Set

Learn Russian software should offer features beyond simple language instruction. The software should be useful for all levels of learning from the novice to the advanced. The software should take advantage of several senses during teaching, such as touch (writing), sight (images and reading) and sound (listening, voice analysis, live conversations).

Ease of Installation

Learn Russian software should be easy to install, should not require you to install several programs and you should not experience errors during installation.

Help/Support

There should be help section built directly into learn Russian software, which should be well-written, organized and not too technical. Russian language software should also have tutorials available to explain difficult concepts. The language software manufacturer should offer telephone or online technical support.

Fundamentals

Learn Russian software should teach you how to read and write in Russian. It should help you focus on pronunciation and include exercises specifically designed to build your vocabulary. Learn Russian software should also include Russian grammar training.

Effectiveness

Learn Russian software should teach you how to speak, read and write in Russian.

Features

Beginner

Anyone just starting to learn the Russian language, can recognize spoken Russian, identify occasional words, but can't effectively converse.

Intermediate

Anyone who has had extended exposure to Russian and can converse using basic Russian words.

Advanced

Individuals who have a firm grasp of the Russian language and are able to communicate in everyday situations with ease and confidence.

Personal Progress Tracking

Tracks and illustrates your progress in learning Russian.

Personalized Learning Paths

Allows you to customize how you use the language software to learn. Some Russian language software programs also offer advice on which learning paths best fits your needs.

Fundamentals

Speech Recogntion

Technology that recognizes, evaluates and corrects your Russian language pronunciation mistakes. This feature can also pinpoint mispronounced words within individual sentences.

Listening Comprehension

Helps you gauge how well you can understand conversations, phrases and even songs in Russian.

Reading

Allows you to develop your Russian reading skills with graphics, newspapers, cartoons and documents.

Writing

Allows you to type in Russian and can correct and judge your writing skills. High-end learn Russian software offers fast, easy ways to include required Russian accent marks in your writing.

Vocabulary

Allows you to increase the number of Russian words you can recognize through games, exercises, flash cards and other means.

Grammar

Gives you an in-depth study of sentence structure, verb conjugation and the other basic Russian language skills.

Conversation Practice

Allows you to communicate directly with a Russian speaker-real or computer simulated-through the Internet or by other methods.

Record Playback and Compare

Allows you to take online tests and compare your results with those of other students.

Teaching Tools

Books

Identifies any books included with the learn Russian software.

Videos

Used as a teaching method; sometimes built into the learn Russian computer program or as separate videos.

Images

Pictures used by the program to aid your study of Russian culture and other aspects of the language.

Audio Tapes

Separate audio aids that are included with the learn Russian software.

Word Tools

Word Processing Converter

Allows you to type a word or phrase in either Russian or English and then will translate it into the target language.

Word and Root Search

A search tool that allows you to look up conjugated verbs.

Glossary

An alphabetical listing of Russian words and their meanings or interpretations in a various contexts.

Dictionary

A tool that defines Russian words. The terms are arranged in alphabetical order and typically give the spelling, pronunciation, and meaning for each Russian word.

Learning Games

CrossWord Puzzles

A puzzle in which words correspond to numbered clues. Answers are written into squares of the puzzle. Crossword puzzles are fun diversions that provide mental exercise in any language.

Games

The learn Russian software offers various games to help you to have fun as you learn.

Flash Cards

This learning style shows you screens with words, numbers or pictures in quick succession so that you can practice Russian language recognition.

Cultural Aspects

The program has the ability to introduce you to customs, food, geography, history, religion, and may other aspects related to the Russian culture.

Online Testing

Provides online testing, allowing you to compare your Russian abilities with those of other students using the same program.

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