Oxford Beginner's Russian Dictionary

This dictionary represents a departure from traditional dictionaries on several fronts. It looks different; it provides essential information in a new way; the two sides of the dictionary have very different functions. It looks different. The dictionary page is refreshingly uncluttered. Subdivisions of text are clearly indicated by the use of new lines, bullet points, and numbers. The move from one language to another in translations is explicitly indicated with = signs and points of basic grammar or usage are reinforced using the ! sign. It provides essential information in a new way. Every effort has been made to approach the foreign language from the point of view of the beginner who maybe unfamiliar with the conventions of the more traditional bilingual dictionary. Parts of speech and grammatical terms are given in full and there is a glossary providing explanations of all the terms used. Basic grammatical issues are dealt with in short notes at appropriate points in the text. Sets of words that behave in a similar way are treated in a consistent manner, and the user is encouraged to cross-refer to different parts of the dictionary, for example to the tables of declension and conjugation at the back and to boxed usage notes within the text dealing with such subjects as the clock, dates, and forms of address. The language used in examples and in sense indicators (or signposts to the correct translation) is carefully screened to ensure maximum clarity. The word list is designed to cover the material a beginner will need to deal with subjects such as the family and home, the school or working day, the weather, the time, finding one's way, shopping, travelling on public transport, holidays, sightseeing, hobbies, and professions. Current English and Russian are reflected in clear, lively examples. The two sides of the dictionary are different. Each side of the dictionary is shaped by its specific function. The English-Russian side is longer, providing the user of the foreign language with maximum guidance in the form of detailed coverage of essential grammar, clear signposts to the correct translation for a particular context, and a wide selection of example material. The Russian-English side is designed to capitalize on what English speakers know about their own language, hence the more streamlined presentation of English translations. In addition, it includes all the information the user will need to decline or conjugate Russian words, in the form of references to tables at the back of the dictionary, the spelling out of irregularities, and the indication of shifts of stress in Russian words. This dictionary has been designed to deal with the perennial problems of learning Russian in a way that is helpful and instructive to the beginner. Many of the examples and usages covered will also prove invaluable to the more advanced user, as they are often not covered in such detail in other larger bilingual dictionaries.