Decommunized Russian language
Graf Academy offers individual online lessons in decommunized Russian, pre-reform Russian and historical orthography. This direction is dedicated to the written tradition before the spelling reform of the twentieth century: the letters ѣ, і, ѳ, ѵ, the hard sign, reading old texts and understanding classical written style.
Who this direction is for
The program is suitable for students interested in the history of language, old orthography, classical literature, documents from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, old editions, archival materials or the aesthetics of the pre-reform written tradition.
This is not a course in modern spoken Russian. For modern Russian, writing accuracy, punctuation and work with current texts, Graf Academy has a separate direction. Here, the main focus is historical orthography and old written style.
What pre-reform orthography is
Pre-reform Russian orthography is a writing system used before the twentieth-century spelling reform. It differs from modern spelling not only by individual letters, but also by the general logic of writing, the tradition of book style and the visual appearance of the text.
During lessons, the student gradually learns how the letters ѣ, і, ѳ, ѵ worked, when the hard sign was used, how to read old texts and how not to confuse pre-reform orthography with modern spelling.
What is included
- introduction to pre-reform Russian orthography;
- study of the letters ѣ, і, ѳ, ѵ and their use;
- analysis of the role of the hard sign at the end of words;
- reading texts from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries;
- comparison of modern and pre-reform spelling;
- work with historical, literary and journalistic texts;
- understanding old written style;
- individual online lesson format.
Imperial as a separate style
Within Graf Academy, this direction can be seen not only as a technical study of old rules, but also as an introduction to a separate written aesthetic. The name “Imperial” emphasizes the connection with the pre-reform tradition, classical style and the writing of an earlier era.
At the same time, the learning process remains practical: the student gradually learns to read, understand and, if necessary, reproduce pre-reform spelling, rather than simply memorize a set of old letters.
Why this can be useful
Pre-reform orthography may be interesting for those who work with historical sources, old books, archival materials, genealogical documents, classical literature or stylized texts.
This direction may also be useful for authors, designers, editors, researchers and anyone who wants to understand the historical layer of language and writing more deeply.
Trial lesson
The trial lesson costs 350 UAH. During it, we define what exactly you are interested in: a basic introduction to pre-reform orthography, reading old texts, historical stylization, work with documents or systematic study of the rules.
Pricing
You can choose a single lesson or a package. Current prices are shown on the main page in the lesson packages section. If you are not sure which format to choose, we will help you select an option after the trial lesson.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a course in modern Russian?
No. This program is dedicated to pre-reform Russian orthography, historical writing and old written style. Modern Russian is a separate direction.
Do I need to already know Russian?
It is preferable to have at least a basic understanding of Russian, because the course works with historical orthography and old texts. However, the format can be adapted to the student’s level.
Will we study the letter ѣ?
Yes. The letter ѣ is one of the key elements of pre-reform Russian orthography, so we study its use and examples in texts separately.
Can I learn to write in a pre-reform style?
Yes. If your goal is not only to read but also to write or stylize texts, lessons can focus on practical reproduction of pre-reform orthography.
Are lessons online?
Yes. Lessons are held online, so you can study from any city or country.
How can I book a trial lesson?
Contact us on Telegram, by email or by phone. We will help you choose a convenient time and format for the first lesson.