Russian Basic Course. Listen Repeat Learn Listen: Hear a phrase first in English and then twice in Russian Repeat: Practice at your own pace and learn the pronunciation Learn: Within a few exercises you will be able to start using your new language. You will learn approximately 800 new words. In everyday speech a person uses between 500 and 1500 words. According to the scale provided by the European Council’s levels of Language Proficiency, you will have mastered level A1 at the completion of this course. This implies that you will be familiar with the most common words and basic phrases related to your immediate surroundings, a well as being able to read common names and simple sentences. You will be able to converse when your interlocutor speaks clearly and slowly. You will be able to complete basic application forms.