You definately need to learn to read and write Russian. If you can't read Russian what good is a Text book like New Penguin, which by the way is very good. You don't actually have to take lessons in a formal class in order to learn. If you are like me they will only slow you down because you will only be able to go as fast as the stupidest person in your class. They are OK as long as you only consider them to be an EXTRA learning resource. A tutor would be the best. Keep on with the Pimsleur, study the grammar in New Penguin and learn vocabulary. When you want to know how far you have to go watch A russian Movie.


I know a russian fellow who totally learned to speak English by listening to BBC broadcasts.