Overall learning.

[fagnzr.livejournal.com]

What do you guys think is the best website for basic knowledge and to really start from scratch learning Russian?

And aside from websites, once I get money, which books or programs? Is Rosetta Stone worth it?

Comments

[kutsuwamushi.livejournal.com]

MasterRussian.com (http://masterrussian.com/) might be a good place to start if you don't want to wait to buy a textbook. It's linked on our user info.

For pronunciation practice, you might like Pimsleur. I don't think it's good for most people to use Pimsleur alone; the format is basically that you listen to a phrase and repeat it, or try to understand a conversation. It's a good supplement, IMHO, especially if you're studying alone, but using it without also studying using a more traditional textbook can lead to confusion. It's pretty expensive - only buy it if you're serious about Russian or download it illegally.

[kissystarcowboy.livejournal.com]

I've gotten all the Russian Pimsleur sets at the public library. I checked out the CDs and imported them onto iTunes. The more advanced ones (IIIA and IIIB) are good just go keep up practice.

I agree that Pimsleur alone wouldn't cut it, but if you have access to them at your library, they can be. Even if they still mention Intourist!

[drivebyluna.livejournal.com]

I like the Golosa books but that's also cause that's the only thing I've used :D

[archaicos.livejournal.com]

I just recently reviewed all the info on Rosetta Stone that's available on its site (saw a TV commercial too), user reviews on Amazon.com, videos reviews on youtube.com. And IMO it is totally not worth it, not for Russian. It claims its approach is immersion. A good and bold claim, but the implementation is limited, stupid and brutal. It doesn't explain anything. I can't imagine it ever teach you:
- Russian cases
- spelling/pronunciation irregularities associated with various inflections
- proper accentuation (which is never indicated in writing and changes with word forms)
- verbs of motion
- perfective/imperfective verbs and the past tenses
I highly doubt it has enough material inside for you to deduce the unsaid rules and conditions. Even if there were, it would have to be very well structured to help you see the patterns. If anything, it can only be a supplement, but never the main learning tool. And that would be a very very pricey one.
Oh, and it's worth noting what RS users think of its support, return policy and license restrictions.
My takeaway: stay away from RS.

[batchfile.livejournal.com]

if you have a broadband connection, try the Princeton Russian course (the download is quite large). It has lessons set up in pdf format, and mp3s to go along. Each lesson starts with a dialogue, then some audio exercises to follow along as you read the pdf lessons.

I am using it.

It is free and legally so.

http://www.freelanguagecourses.com/language/russian/princeton-russian-course-51/

[verano-invierno.livejournal.com]

http://www.alphadictionary.com/rusgrammar/ (try this one)

http://www.u4imrussian.com/

Good luck ;)

[lindsaybits]

I've tried the Russian Rosetta Stone, and didn't find it very helpful. I'm using a combination of LiveMocha and MasterRussian.com. LiveMocha is similar to Rosetta Stone, but it's very community-based - you can get some very helpful feedback on writing and speaking exercises from native speakers, which is awesome. :D