The article deals with the system of principles of creating a modern textbook for adults as a basic didactic tool in teaching Russian to foreigners at an advanced stage, when the educational process is aimed at the formation of intercultural communicative competence. The author demonstrates that the cognitive and communicative approach of the discourse base of the textbook on Russian for foreigners contains relevant for the Russian linguistic culture topics and situations of reality in their verbal embodiment in the texts of different genres and styles of modern Russian language; the linguistic concept of the textbook is based on the achievements of theoretical Russian studies; methodical interpretation of the educational material reflects the understanding of the experience of teaching Russian to foreigners. The textbook serves as a basis for creative use as a teacher in the educational process, and students in his independent work, which has a decisive role in learning. The author emphasizes the importance of the modern textbook as a means of improving the professional competence of the teacher. The author notes that the textbook takes into account the specifics of forms and norms of modern communication, including the use of information and communication technologies. The textbook demonstrates clearly defined goals based on the internal motivation of students, focuses on the development and improvement of their communication skills with the active cooperation of the teacher and student.