Linguodidactic potential of jokes in the classroom of Russian as a foreign language

The article deals with the significance of using jokes while teaching Russian as a foreign language in a military institute. We analyze text selection criteria, identify and describe work steps. We note that carefully selected jokes, accompanied by a set of tasks, let international students take a look at everyday future officers’ life from a different perspective. It is important to take into account the characteristics of an educational institute, the age of students and their language level. We believe it is possible to introduce jokes at the basic level. The material is selected in accordance with the studied topic. We suggest different methods of work aimed to develop different types of speech activity and country-specific competence. Examples of jokes are provided. We have come to the conclusion that humorous texts have considerable linguodidactic potential for teaching Russian as a foreign language course. They promote the development of all types of speech activity, form cross-cultural competence, help to understand the mechanisms of language games as well as increase motivation to study language and culture. The materials of the presented research could be useful for teachers of Russian as a foreign language who work at military institutions.