START An Introduction to the Sounds and Writing Systems of Russian

The START program provides an introduction to the sound and writing systems of Russian for English-speaking students. A CD-ROM is available which provides MP3 audio files and QuickTime movie files also on the CD-ROM show students how to write the letters of the Russian alphabet for both PC and Macintosh. The START program is designed to be used with any first year Russian textbook. The workbook carefully explains the fundamental concepts of Russian pronunciation with reference to English sounds and words: hard and soft consonants, voiced and voiceless consonants, regressive assimilation, and the reduction of unstressed vowels Self-quizzes and dictations are included at the end of every chapter so instructors can check students' progress.

Benjamin Rifkin is Professor of Modern Languages (Russian) and Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at The College of New Jersey. His research focuses on foreign language education and second language acquisition.