About Method
See how Ukrainian grammar becomes a fast, friendly card game you can play anywhere.
Learn Ukrainian grammar by playing, not memorising. Each card shows example sentences, colour‑coded cases, and prompts for mini roleplays. Shuffle, deal, speak, then flip to self‑check. Ready to practise anywhere.
The method goes well with bilingual readings in the language.
Level 1. The Kyiv Rus deck
The distinction between the grammatical genders and cases is the most significant difference between English and a Slavic language. This deck functions as an alternate textbook that provides an explanation of this grammar. The explanation does not make use of abstract formulae but rather utilizes the gameplay that is specified on the card. This deck of playing cards illustrates the grammatical cases as a practical modification in the function of the object within the game.
This deck allows one person or a group of two to six players to play any card game since the card suits reflect gender and number grammar. In addition, the game may be played in a format similar to that of Dungeons and Dragons, in which the players have the option of reading the sentence from the card that they are holding and then acting in accordance with the circumstances.
The purpose of this deck is to enable an individual to engage in independent, self-directed study of vocabulary and grammar through games that only need a single player, such as patience or solitaire.
Each card features authentic images from Kyiv Rus.
The e-textbook with bilingual readings of adapted Kyiv Rus manuscripts comes out in December 2026.
Level 2. The morphology deck
The mechanics of the game are similar to those of any matching game, like UNO. Draw cards and place them face up. Choose one as your role, one as your partner. Read the prompts aloud, then build a dialogue using the grammar hints. Finally, flip for model answers and pronunciation tips.
1. Play THE MATCHING GAME
2. Play Narrative Games
“Hetmanate & Crimea In 1659”
This online game exemplifies how cards from two decks can be combined. The morphology deck creates the words of action, while the first deck provides the objects and their declension (in cases, genders, and numbers).
The game was developed in 2025-2026 as part of the second semester of the Ukrainian language at UNC Chapel Hill.