What’s more important when learning Russian: vocabulary or grammar?
What comes first, vocabulary or grammar? This is one of the most vital questions for anyone who is beginning to learn Russian. That’s why we asked an experienced teacher of Russian as a foreign language to give us her expert opinion.
Elena Volodina, senior teacher at the Department of Intensive Teaching of Russian as a Foreign Language at the Pushkin Institute, answers:
“Some people think that you have to learn all the rules first and vocabulary is not so important. If you don't know the cases well, it is difficult for you to speak Russian. On the other hand, a small vocabulary can be an obstacle in speaking Russian. After all, the more words you know, the better you understand and speak the language.
But, how important is it to know how to compose a sentence correctly? It is very important! If the sentence is constructed incorrectly, you may not be understood.
And do you need to know prepositions well? Of course! Do you know the difference between “Я иду в дом” and “Я иду домой”?
As you have already guessed, grammar and vocabulary should be learned at the same time. Vocabulary helps you choose the right words and knowing grammar helps you put those words into sentences correctly. Improve your conversational skills, expand your vocabulary and learn how to construct sentences correctly! This will help you to speak Russian fluently.
Modern methodology of teaching Russian as a foreign language does not provide for the study of grammar in isolation from vocabulary or vocabulary – in isolation from grammar. Communicative practice is the basis of learning and language and speech material is selected and distributed taking into account its communicative significance.
It’s important to study Russian on a daily or regular basis!”