Russian Language for Friends
Did you know that the International Project “Total Dictant” is designed not only for the Russian-speaking audience? Foreigners from all over the world, who want to improve their Russian, go on this quest. You can try your skills next year too. But – remember! It takes effort and TRUD (labour) to successfully pass this intellectual challenge!
What is TRUD?
TRUD is the name of the project for foreigners and those who do not yet know Russian at an advanced level. The abbreviation stands for “Russian Test for Friends” in Cyrillic. It presents adapted tasks. They are tailored to the language level from A2 to B2 and are designed to test knowledge of grammar, vocabulary and text comprehension. Participants can choose the tests according to their level of preparation. Those who are not yet ready for dictation can also take part in the TRUD project. In any case, it is part of the international educational campaign “Total Dictant”.
A man who is an inspiration to TRUD
This is the third year TRUD has been held in Kazakhstan. In Almaty, this project, as part of the Total Dictant, is led by Karlygash Zinilabidinovna Zhappar, candidate of philological sciences, associate professor of the Higher School of Media and Intercultural Communication at Turan University. In 2025, she managed to inspire preparatory faculty students from China – Luan Yehau and Zhou Huiru, as well as from Nigeria and Afghanistan to participate in the competition. They were supported by international students from KIMEP University. When they were awarded by certificates of participation and honors in Almaty, another student, Alexandra Volynsky from the United States, came to support them. As it turned out, she has Russian roots and therefore studies Russian at Turan University.
Last year, 2024, 241 people wrote the dictation in Almaty. 10 of them came from overseas. A dozen of those studying in the program “Russian language as a foreign language” sub-faculty of the university “Turan”, are citizens of France, Germany, Netherlands, USA, Nigeria and Afghanistan.
It is worth noting that preparation for the dictation begins long before the cherished date of the event. It is a challenging work. But the lessons are exciting and fun. Such work before the intellectual quest allows you to see the diversity, brightness, accuracy and beauty of the Russian language, to consolidate knowledge in a creative form. Also this project allows representatives of different countries and cultures to learn more about each other and become friends, thus strengthening the ties between countries.
In addition to Almaty, the TRUD project is being implemented in other cities of Kazakhstan, including Astana and Karaganda. In total, according to press reports, 5,190 people have taken the Russian Language Test for Friends offline and 1,667 online worldwide.
