Russian For Dummies

Description

Speaking more than one language is like living more than one life, one of the ancient philosophers said. And it’s true — traveling in a foreign country such as Russia suddenly becomes a lot more exciting when you can engage in elegant small talk with a hotel receptionist, compliment your tour guide’s dress, or actually read the menu and order the food that you really want. Being able to ask for things instead of pointing at them and getting directions from the locals instead of staring at a map are some of the little things that make you feel at home. You don’t even need to cross the ocean to immerse yourself in Russian culture; you can find little Russian neighborhoods (or even pretty big ones!) in many American cities. Whether your colleagues, your neighbors, or your friends speak Russian, the best way to win their hearts is to speak their language to them. Now, Russian For Dummies, 2nd Edition, won’t make you a fluent reader of the original works of Dostoevsky (most Russians themselves need some preparation for that). It will, however, equip you with phrases necessary to function in many life situations, from shopping to visiting the theater. And little gems of cultural wisdom offered throughout the book help you not only translate the language, but also understand Russians so much better. So, buckle up, and good luck on your journey! Or, as the Russians like to say, Желаем вам удачи! (zhi-lah-eem vahm ooh-dah-chee!) (We wish you good luck!) About the Authors Authors’ Acknowledgments Contents at a Glance Table of Contents Introduction About This Book Conventions Used in This Book What You’re Not to Read Foolish Assumptions How This Book Is Organized Icons Used in This Book Where to Go from Here Part I: Getting Started Chapter 1: Russian in a Nutshell Discovering How Easy the Russian Alphabet Really Is Tackling Basic Grammar Easing into Common Expressions Counting on Numbers, Times, and Measurements Speaking Russian around the House Using Russian in Social Scenarios Getting a Handle on Travel Topics Chapter 2: Checking Out the Russian Alphabet Recognizing Russian Letters (It’s Easier Than You Think) Sounding Like a Real Russian with Proper Pronunciation Chapter 3: Warming Up with Russian Grammar Basics Beginning with Nouns and Pronouns The Case of Russian Cases: What Are They For? Putting Nouns and Pronouns in the Correct Cases Decorating Your Speech with Adjectives Adding Action with Verbs Providing Extra Details with Adverbs Constructing Sentences Like a Pro Chapter 4: Getting Started with Basic Expressions To Whom Am I Speaking? Being Informal or Formal Comings and Goings: Saying Hello and Goodbye The Name Game: Deciphering Russian Names Breaking the Ice: Making Introductions You Can Say That Again: Using Popular Expressions Talking about Talking: The Verb “To Speak” Chapter 5: Getting Your Numbers, Times, and Measurements Straight One by One: Counting in Russian The Clock’s Ticking: Telling (And Asking About) Time It’s a Date! Checking Out the Calendar The Long and Short of It: Familiarizing Yourself with Metric Measurements Chapter 6: Speaking Russian at Home Taking a Tour of Your Home Home Is Where the Food Is Engaging in Daily Activities Part II: Russian in Action Chapter 7: Getting to Know You: Making Small Talk Let Me Tell You Something: Talking about Yourself I’m Sorry! Explaining that You Don’t Understand Something Let’s Get Together: Giving and Receiving Contact Information Chapter 8: Asking for Directions Using “Where” and “How” Questions The Next Step: Understanding Specific Directions Chapter 9: Dining Out and Going to the Market Eating Out in Russia Going Out for Groceries Chapter 10: Shopping Made Easy Shopping with Confidence: The Verb “To Buy” So Many Stores, So Little Time: The Shopping Scene in Russia You Are What You Wear: Shopping for Clothes This or That? Deciding What You Want You Gotta Pay to Play: Buying Items Chapter 11: Going Out on the Town Together Wherever We Go: Making Plans to Go Out On the Big Screen: Going to the Movies It’s Classic: Taking in the Russian Ballet and Theater Culture Club: Visiting a Museum How Was It? Talking about Entertainment Chapter 12: Taking Care of Business and Telecommunications Looking Around Your Office Ringing Up Telephone Basics Dialing the Number and Making the Call Arming Yourself with Basic Telephone Etiquette Using a Computer Sending Correspondence Chapter 13: Recreation and the Great Outdoors Shootin’ the Breeze about Recreational Plans Surveying the World of Sports Reading All about It Sounding Off about Music Being Crafty Rejoicing in the Lap of Nature Part III: Russian on the Go Chapter 14: Planning a Trip Where Do You Want to Go? Picking a Place for Your Trip How Do We Get There? Booking a Trip Don’t Leave Home without Them: Dealing with Passports and Visas Taking It with You: Packing Tips Chapter 15: Dealing with Money in a Foreign Land Paying Attention to Currency Changing Money Using Banks Spending Money Chapter 16: Getting Around: Planes, Trains, Taxis, and More Understanding Verbs of Motion Navigating the Airport Conquering Public Transportation Embarking on a Railway Adventure Chapter 17: Finding a Place to Stay Finding a Hotel that’s Right for You Checking In Resolving Service Problems Successfully Checking Out and Paying Your Bill Chapter 18: Handling Emergencies Finding Help in Case of Accidents and Other Emergencies Receiving Medical Care Calling the Police When You’re the Victim of a Crime Part IV: The Part of Tens Chapter 19: Ten Ways to Pick Up Russian Quickly Check Out Russian TV, Movies, and Music Listen to Russian Radio Programs Read Russian Publications Surf the Internet Visit a Russian Restaurant Find a Russian Pen Pal Teach English to a Russian Immigrant Visit a Jewish Community Center Travel to Russia Marry a Russian! Chapter 20: Ten Things Never to Say in Russian Use the Right Form of “You” Don’t Rush to Say “Hi!” Don’t Switch to First Names Prematurely Use “How Are You?” with Caution Respond to “How Are You?” in a Culturally Appropriate Manner Choose the Right Form of “Happy” Watch Out When You Talk about Studying Accent a Certain Verb Carefully Know the Difference between a Bathroom and a Restroom Don’t Toast with the Wrong Phrase Chapter 21: Ten Favorite Russian Expressions Showing Strong Feelings Using “Give” in Various Situations Starting a Story Taking “Listen!” to the Next Level Describing Amazement about Food Insisting that the Good Times Continue Noting the Benefit of Silence Saying that Two Heads Are Better Than One Expressing that a Friend in Need Is a Friend Indeed Understanding the Importance of Old Friends Chapter 22: Ten Phrases That Make You Sound Fluent in Russian Showing Off Your Excellent Manners Paying a Compliment Inviting Someone Over for Tea Saying “Help Yourself” Wishing “Bon Appétit!” Embracing the Tradition of Sitting Down Before Leaving Offering Hospitality Wishing Good Luck Signing Off with Kisses Offering Unusual Congratulations Part V: Appendixes Appendix A: Mini Dictionary Appendix B: Verb Tables Regular Russian Verbs Irregular Russian Verbs Appendix C: On the CD Track Listing Customer Care Appendix D: Answer Keys Index