Introduction
Learning a language with a whole new alphabet can seem daunting. The script can either be too foreign and totally alien, or, in the case of the Russian alphabet, just similar enough to be difficult (and even invoke some uncanny valley vibes like я and н). These letters can feel weird at first because they look familiar but not quite the same as the Latin letters we use daily.
The Russian alphabet is related to the Latin alphabet, both descending from ancient Near Eastern scripts and Greek. However, while the Latin alphabet does not directly descend from Greek, the Cyrillic alphabet is more transparently derived from Greek as it was developed in the 9th century.
What is the Russian Alphabet?
Russian has been a written language for a very long time. The Russian alphabet was built for Russian by ancient monks, using the Greek alphabet as a basis, and then adapting it for the peculiarities of Russian and related languages (the so called slavic languages).
Russian Cyrillic (yes there are different variants of Cyrillic, just like how some languages use a modified Latin alphabet with letters like “ç” that don’t appear in English) has 32~33 letters depending on how you count.
The Perks of Learning the Russian Alphabet
You may be asking, “why learn the Russian Alphabet”? Here are a few reasons:
- The Russosphere (areas where Russian is spoken natively or as a working language) is a highly literate part of the globe. It is not possible to function in these environments without literacy.
- Literacy in your target language is like rocket fuel for learning. Books have a large amount of language density, and expose you to massive amounts of the target language in a very short time.
- Familiarity with the alphabet allows access to Russian literature, poetry, and folklore in their original form, enriching appreciation for authors like Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Pushkin.
Learning Russian is Challenging
Learning Russian is challenging, and traditional language learning methods don’t work. Many mainstream approaches fail to engage us effectively, while many language apps resemble glorified video games that prioritize entertainment over genuine language acquisition. It’s time to rethink how we approach learning Russian and find a method that truly facilitates understanding and retention.
That’s why we created the Refold Russian Alphabet deck!
Learn to read Russian with this free Anki deck, complete with native recorded audio!
Instead of learning the letters and what sounds they make, we go the other direction. We look at the different sounds of the language and how you can write them. This means that some letters or combinations of letters can represent several sounds, or vice versa!
This deck is meant to be used with the Refold method of language learning. It assumes:
- Mass exposure!The deck works best when you practice reading a lot (even Russian subtitles), because reading real Russian will constantly enforce the new letters in your memory.
- The deck is not a replacement for a structured path for learning vocabularyThe deck’s vocabulary is limited and focuses on words that include sounds — not the words that you’ll encounter in everyday contentThis deck is only going to help you become comfortable with the language’s method of writing sounds.To learn vocabulary, we recommend a frequency based Anki deck.
Each Card Contains
- Example words
- Example sentences
- Native speaker audio
- Additional notes for tricky letters
For more information about the Refold Method and all the information you could ever want about language learning, click here!
How to Use Refold Russian Alphabet Deck Effectively
The Refold Russian Alphabet deck uses a smart algorithm. Unlike “dumb” flash-cards, Anki (the program that runs our deck) uses a smart review system based on the forgetting curve, this means you’ll be shown a card right before you forget it instead of randomly. You don’t need to plan what letters to study on a given day, just open up the program and the app chooses what you will review for the day.
Steps to using the Refold Russian Alphabet deck:
- Download and install Anki (click here for our in depth guide)
- Download and install the free Russian alphabet deck
- Click into your deck to get started
- When studying your flashcards, click or tap the ▶️ button to hear the name of the letter, an example word, and sentence.This will help you associate the sounds of the letter with the shapes. Don’t worry about meaning, just focus on the form!
- Flip the card to see the back side, along with notes about the letter or sound!
- You can track your progress by seeing how many days in a row you did your reviews in the Anki review tab.However, missing a day here and there is totally fine, at Refold we don’t believe in streaks, but in hit rate.
Additional Resources for Learning Russian
If you’re just getting started in Russian, don’t worry. We have a complete guide on our site.
Language learning often feels lonely, but you don’t have to go at this alone! We have a FREE online community filled with language learners and teachers! It’s the best place to ask questions, get advice, and make friends with other dedicated language learners just like you!
Your Path to Mastering Russian Awaits
Reading opens up a world of possibilities, and mastering the Russian alphabet is your first crucial step in that journey. Our learning deck is designed to be the most effective way to familiarize yourself with the alphabet, paving the way for your reading adventures. Get ready to embark on your path to literacy and discover the richness of the Russian language!