Russian Word Roots: An Introduction to the Word-Formation System

Russian Word Roots provides a systemic approach to Russian vocabulary acquisition, focusing on the most productive Russian word roots and their formation system to allow students to master both active and passive vocabulary more quickly.

Each of the 17 chapters focuses on a specific word root and includes a list of vocabulary based on the root, along with various tasks designed to review the acquired vocabulary that will solidify students’ grasp of word formation. With this textbook, students will learn approximately 300 new words and improve their ability to deduce the meanings of new words through common roots. They will also gain a deeper understanding of the meanings of prefixes and suffixes, enhancing their ability to communicate more precisely. This textbook will not only strengthen the students’ Russian language but also sharpen linguistic skills in their native language by cultivating an awareness of semantic similarities across languages.

Russian Word Roots is ideal for students with a Novice High to Intermediate Low proficiency level in Russian and an existing understanding of basic grammar concepts, including verb conjugation, cases, and word-formation patterns.

Julia Katsnelson is a senior lecturer in the Russian Program in the School of World Languages and Cultures at the University of Vermont, USA.