Modern Methodological Approaches in Teaching Russian as a Foreign Language

Abstract

This article examines the role of traditional and modern methods in teaching Russian as a foreign language in higher education, with a special focus on the Azerbaijani educational context. The study argues that the main goal of university-level foreign language teaching is not the theoretical study of linguistic rules, but the practical acquisition of communicative competence. The paper discusses the theoretical foundations of language teaching, including the formation of lexical, grammatical, phonetic, and speech skills, and explains the four stages of skill development from familiarization to creative independent use. Traditional teaching technologies are analyzed through the class-lesson system and explanatory-illustrative methods, highlighting their strengths in systematic grammar instruction and their limitations in promoting learner autonomy and real communication. Modern teaching technologies are presented as student-centered and outcome-oriented, emphasizing differentiation, digital literacy, and project-based learning. Particular attention is given to Communicative Language Teaching and the comparative method, which supports effective learning by contrasting Russian with Azerbaijani and using visual aids. The article concludes that an integrated model combining structure and communication ensures the most effective development of students’ Russian language competence.