Russian Vocabulary Games

Digital Dialects

• The Web site Digital Dialects offers a variety of games using Cyrillic script and transliterations. The games are designed to be played by lower-intermediate to advanced Russian language students. Players begin by choosing one of the topics (numbers, colors, animals, etc.). Next, they can choose to play the game using the Cyrillic characters/script or the Latin alphabet/transliterations. For many of the games, players can also customize the game speed. Players must match each of the words shown in English to their Russian language equivalents.

Transparent Language: International Cafe

• International Cafe by Transparent Language is an online game with a simple format: you have traveled to one of five foreign countries and you will dine in a restaurant. There, you will be given a menu with a choose of two meal options. One is appetizing, the other option is not. After choosing the desired destination (Russia), you are (virtually) whisked into a bustling fine restaurant. A waiter soon arrives, gives you a menu, and asks to take your order. Players can read the two menu options as well as mouse over them to hear the words read aloud. After the player makes a selection, the waiter will bring the chosen dish.

Practice Russian

• Two games are offered by the Web site Practice Russian. The Russian crossword puzzle is played by simply clicking on any location within the game. A hint will then be given. To type an answer, click on the white square you wish to type within. For players that wish to play without a Russian language installed on their computer/keyboard, a virtual keyboard is located on the page beneath the crossword puzzle. The second game is a traditional word find game. Words are placed within the game vertically, horizontally and diagonally. This game is especially useful for advanced Russian students who wish to become more familiar with Russian spellings.