SOCIO-CULTURAL CONTENT OF MODERN RUSSIAN LANGUAGE TEXTBOOKS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES IN SLOVAKIA

Abstract

The article describes the process and results of the study of the socio-cultural content of modern Russian language textbooks for secondary schools and universities in Slovakia. The aim of the study is to find answers to the following questions: what kind of socio-cultural material is presented in these textbooks, does it create the preconditions for intercultural communication, what image of Russia is formed among Slovak students when they study Russian using these textbooks? The research material includes 13 textbooks used in teaching the Russian language in secondary schools and universities in Slovakia. The research methods comprise the following: content-analysis of curricula and textbooks, questioning, interviewing. The study showed that modern Russian language textbooks used in secondary schools and universities in Slovakia contain rich socio-cultural material. It contains facts of artistic culture and scientific achievements of Russia, provides information about events, personalities and situations of modern everyday communication. The realities of Russian life are reflected in textbooks scantily but rether benevolently. It creates a basis for intercultural communication and contributes to the formation of a positive image of Russia and the Russian people. The results of this study may be useful for many specialists (psychologists, political scientists, sociologists, historians, etc.), but are of primary significance for authors and reviewers of Russian language textbooks, as well as for teachers looking for a textbook for practical teaching.