The author could have had her own reasons for leaving out the English print. The provision of Dictionaries at this stage could have been one such good reason. Translation though, is an option too early at this stage, but there is no harm in coming back to these texts, over and over again as the learner gains mastery of the language. The breaking down of teaching units into cultural thematic areas is another strategy the author uses to help with the translation. In terms of methodological application, called upon to bear here is the total immersion strategy (and of course the communicative approach suggested in the Immersion technique). As the name suggests, this is a situation where the learner is immersed in the milieu of the target language as well its culture. The learner is expected to operate in the target language at all times. This is a difficult feat to achieve, unless in a situation where the target language is also the language of instruction in the entire school system.
Aspects of the Audio lingua Method are called to bear in the early stages of the book. This methodology emphasises the use of repetition and therefore habit formation. During these early encounters with the language aspects of repetition to form habits is encouraged. It is important to memorise Russian sentences and phrases… which are supported by understanding in English. Comparison of Russian and English texts will definitely contribute to the expansion of the vocabulary for communication in Russian.
It is worth mentioning another positive characteristics to this text. The author includes all sorts of dictionaries, all to the advantage of the learner. We have among the dictionaries given the explanatory dictionary of the Russian language, dictionaries of synonyms as well as antonyms, the dictionary of phraseological units, the terminological dictionaries, which are in sections such as medical, technical etc. Learning how to use a dictionary is a good starting point to language mastery.
As they say, speaking a bit of the language of the country you are visiting is always a good idea. Locals will appreciate the effort and will respond positively. This text provides the language to use in various practical situations; these include the home situation where for example all the expected activities around the home are covered – from breakfast through to dinner. In between family time, the parents with the children at the play, in the garden – all aspects are covered and in such detail.