Methods of working with literary text when teaching foreign students the Russian language (using the example of a poem by A. Akhmatova)

Abstract

Aim. To review Russian and foreign textbooks for foreign students in order to search for texts devoted to the work of A. A. Akhmatova; to present the sequence of work with a literary text in a lesson in Russian as a foreign language using the example of a poem by A. A. Akhmatova “Here we’re all drunkards and whores...” (1913).

Methodology and methods. Analysis of existing textbooks and methods of teaching reading fiction in classes on Russian as a foreign language, development of tasks and practical testing in different national groups and learning conditions (classroom, independent work of students, group and individual, online and offline).

Results. The article provides the materials successfully tested in foreign audiences (A2–B1) for studying the poem by A. A. Akhmatova “Here we’re all drunkards and whores...”, not previously presented in methodological and educational literature.

Theoretical and/or practical significance. The study is intended to complement the aspects of studying the heritage of the great Russian poetess that are not presented in methodological works. It is addressed to teachers of Russian as a foreign language.

Conclusions. Practical testing of the methodology in different learning conditions showed that with its help students are able to deeply and completely analyze an unadapted literary text that is difficult for an unprepared reader. The poetry and fate of A. A. Akhmatova arouse the interest of modern foreign readers and can become an important stage in the study of Russian culture, as well as the key to understanding several eras in the history of Russia.