Total dictation is an annual event across Russia in the form of a voluntary dictation for all willing. Each year, a text is written especially for the event by a famous author; for example, in 2012 the author was ZakharPrilepin. Everyone can participate in this event no matter their age, education, or citizenship.
Last year, a special project appeared within this event for foreign citizens called TruD. Before this, they also took part in the dictation, but under the general conditions, and it was therefore much more difficult for them. Participating in this event, foreigners receive a chance to not only test their knowledge, but also study Russian culture through language.
At SUSU, international students have a unique chance to write the dictation in smaller groups, which is more comfortable for them. In addition, specialists with experience in teaching Russian as a foreign language are working with the students.
This event isn’t the university’s only project aimed at immersing international students in Russian culture. The Center for Sociocultural Adaptation was created at South Ural State University as part of the 5-100 program. The Center helps international students get involved in the Russian-language academic atmosphere. A conversation club has been organized at the Center, where they also discuss Total Dictation exercises from previous years.
“This is not an exam, competition, or test, but a special event dedicated to proving that one loves the Russian language, studies Russian, is interested in Russian culture, and is interested in seeing how Russians themselves relate to their own language and culture,” says one of the organizers of the TruD project at SUSU, ILIC director Olesya Sharafutdinova.
For both Russians and international students, the dictation offers a chance to feel engagement in the international academic space and supports intercultural communication. Now, Total Dictation is stepping on to the international stage and is being held in China, Austria, Germany, and many other countries. Interest towards this event is growing around the world.
Last year, SUSU was third in the number of international students within this project in Russia. Now, more than 200 applications have been sent in, but registration is still open. You can register at the Total Dictation site, choosing Chelyabinsk and SUSU within the menu.
The dictation is being held across the country on April 8th; it begins at 13:00 in our region. The organizers strongly urge participants to arrive in advance so they are able to register everyone. The venue at SUSU for international students is Sigma, where volunteers and teachers will meet the participants and help them register.