Learn Russian through Contemporary Short Film is a book with 12 modules, based on modern Russian and Kazakh short films released between 2014 – 2022.
The films immerse students in various aspects of culture and daily life. This greatly assists the development of advanced-level Russian proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
The inquiry-based approach provides active stimuli for productive discussion. The book is aimed at the High-Intermediate to Advanced levels (B1 – C1 in the CEFR).
- Each book chapter includes a series of activities offering engaging frameworks in which students can advance all four language skills.
- By utilizing short films as teaching materials, instructors can deliver engaging learning modules within limited timeframes.
- The book’s modular approach to structure offers flexibility for the instructors, who can choose films and exercises that best suit their particular pedagogical goals.
- The book includes keys to exercises, making it suitable for self-study.
The book is aimed at university students learning Russian as a foreign language at the High-Intermediate level or above, Russian students at vocational centers, high school students sitting Russian as a second language exam , or self-directed Russian learners who wish to enrich both their command of the language itself and their insight into Russian daily life and contemporary cinema.
1.«Собеседование» (режиссёр Константин Фарадьян) – The Interview 2.«Вдох» (режиссёры Ж. Мищенко, А. Красноцветов) – The Breath 3.«Москва-Владивосток» (режиссёр Иван Соснин) – Moscow-Vladivostok 4. «Разные судьбы» (режиссёр Мария Рябинина) – Different Lives 5.«Соседи» (режиссёр Юрий Цай) – Neighbours 6. «Выдающийся оливье» (режиссёр Воля Медведев) – Outstanding Russian Salad 7. «Большая восьмёрка» (режиссёр Иван Соснин) – The Big Eight 8.«Продавец грёз» (режиссёр Илья Бородин) – Dream Dealer 9.«Урок экологии» (режиссёр Иван Соснин) – Ecology Lesson 10. «8» (режиссёр Анна Меликян) – 8 11. «Чернильное море» (режиссёр Иван Соснин) – The Sea of Ink 12. «Варя» (режиссёр Ника Горбушина) – Varya. Ключи к заданиям – Keys to exersisers
Biography
Natallia Kabiak is a Lecturer in Russian Studies at the University of Melbourne, Australia. She is the author of two Russian-language textbooks: «Очень простые истории» (2013) and «Любимые советские фильмы на уроке РКИ» (2022).
“By integrating short film into the language learning experience, this textbook not only enhances comprehension and cultural understanding, but makes learning Russian both enjoyable and effective. A great resource for both teachers and students!”
Nina Shkolnik, Lecturer of Russian, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
“The textbook Learn Russian through Contemporary Short Film perfectly combines a traditional approach to Russian language teaching and learning with the possibilities brought about through with new technologies. The decision to use short films as a starting point for organizing didactic materials could not be better: for contemporary students the world of ‘moving images’ is the most natural environment, thereby this medium seems to be the most involving and convincing for them. Despite the innovative approach, the Author successfully managed to include exercises for all language skills practised in conventional language teaching, both reproductive and productive. The book’s vocabulary – up-to-date and stylistically diverse – deserves special recognition”.
Dorota Drużyłowska, Adjunct Professor of Russian, University of Wroclaw, Poland
"A cutting-edge contribution to the field of Russian language pedagogy, this innovative textbook seamlessly integrates language learning with cultural immersion, offering learners a uniquely stimulating and dynamic pathway to fluency. The modular flexibility targets all language skills with engaging activities, making this book an invaluable resource for both classroom use and independent study, as well as an exciting opportunity for learners to discover Russian and Kazakh contemporary cinema!
Mikhail Vodopyanov, Associate Lecturer in Russian, University of St Andrews, UK
"Compiled and written with compelling knowledge, this textbook offers excellent modern Russian short films selection where live and topical themes are presented in engaging and thought-provoking ways. This textbook is an outstanding resource for language skills teaching in the context of modern life. Various exercises, guiding questions, linguistic and grammar materials encourage students not only to discuss films in Russian but also to develop better and deeper understanding of Russian society, arts and culture. This textbook is a rewarding blend of different aspects of language teaching and showing of contemporary reality ".
Ludmila Snigireva, Russian Development Officer, Teacher of Russian and Cultural Awareness, Marino Institute of Education, Dublin, Ireland
“Ignite your passion for the Russian language with Learn Russian through Contemporary Short Films. This valuable tool not only provides a dynamic path to mastering Russian but also immerses learners in the diverse hues of its daily modern life and culture. Twelve versatile and engaging modules could be tailored to various teaching styles and goals, creating a comprehensive journey for language enthusiasts and educators alike”.
Elena Svanberg, Tutor at Institute of Modern Languages, The University of Queensland, Australia
