Golosa: A Basic Course in Russian, Book One (5th Edition)
I would like to single out for attention the sequencing of the presentation of verbs of motion, which is particularly successful in comparison with that in other textbooks.  What distinguishesGolosa's presentation of the verbs of motion is the principle of presenting on the basis of actual usage, rather than linguistic convention that would give equal weight to every form.  I think the explanations are excellent ... The vocabulary selection in each chapter is excellent.  The authors have done a great job selecting a first vocabulary in Russian for beginning students and the Scope and Sequence proposes to eliminate words that have faded from use (e.g., who refers to a black & white or color television anymore?) and introduce words that have become important (including references to SMS and cell technology).  What swayed me definitively to the adoption ofGolosafor our program was the vast amount of listening comprehension that comes with the book and the improved (and expanded) reading comprehension texts and tasks.  The increased number of reading comprehension texts and tasks, especially the genre of the extended e-mail exchange, is an important advantage of the fourth edition over previous editions ofGolosa.  The texts in the textbook are typical of those that our students will need to and want to read and write.             ~Benjamin Rifkin, Temple University Golosacovers all the topics necessary for understanding basic Russian, and gives more than ample practice. I like the readings and authentic texts you have chosen.  The dialogues, which you have used in all the editions of your text, are very fine ways of showing the vocabulary in context, and leading to the grammar presentations.  I have always enjoyed working with them...              ~Mary Helen Kashuba, Chestnut Hill College Golosais the best communicative textbook out there.             ~Anonymous I like the balanced attention to the development of all four major language skills. The attention to comprehension of authentic Russian handwriting and e-mail communications is especially beneficial. With its inclusion of a sustained, compelling e-mail correspondence and sophisticated accompanying website,  this is the textbook series for English-speakers which best combines the electronic, cyberspace norms of Russian usage with traditional pedagogical emphases on the four basic language skills. The regular inclusion of a variety of authentic handwritten texts for students to read and discuss is extremely valuable and unique.              ~Charles L. Byrd, University of Georgia