ENThe article discusses the problem of implementing socio-cultural component in the process of teaching a foreign (Russian) language. The basic principle of teaching foreign languages focuses on linguistic identity of a student at a concrete study stage. Linguistic identity represents a multi-componential set of language abilities, skills and inclination towards certain language behavior. The principle of focusing teaching on the formation of a learner as a linguistic personality presents a challenging task; thus a learner not only behaves as a native speaker, but is able to use a foreign language appropriately in a concrete situation.