LAURA WATSON

Russia

Largest country in the world. Nearly twice the size of the United States.

Northern Asia. Four of the world’s largest rivers: Lena, Ob, Volga, and Yenisey.

Capital is Moscow.

Location

Climate varies throughout the region.The winter last from November to March

*Except in Siberia where the winters last 9 months.

The plains cover a large portion of Russia.A large frozen tundra is in the North.

Forests are located in the West.The Ural Mountain divides Russia’s European

side from its Asian regions.

Climate/Land

The population of 143.4 million is shrinking annually by 0.37%.

There are 120 ethnic groups but are relatively small.

Russians make up 81.5%, while other groups like Tartars (3.8%) and

Ukrainians (3%) have low population. The largest city is Moscow where

more than 13 million people reside. Russian is the official language. The

alphabet has 33 letters which look the same but pronounced differently.

The main religion is Christianity. Now, religion of all types is tolerated.

Russians

Due to their history, they have had very little say about their life.

Social status is measured by power and wealth. Respect for authority.

Friendship is very important to them.*They rely on their friends during tough times.

Pessimistic and do not express any hope for a better life.

They do not show emotions. (Not because they do not care but at times they are indifferent)

They want to be known for their achievements and contributions.

Attitude

Men should be strong and assertive while women are smart and beautiful.

They are alcoholics. Superstitious.

Mafia

Stereotypes

Russians shake hands firmly and say ‘Zdravstvuyte’ (Hello).

Maintain eye contact and give appropriate greeting of the time of day.

When men greet women, their handshake is less firm. When women meet, they kiss on the check 3 times,

starting with the left. Men pat each other on the back and hug.

Surnames are not used without titles such as Gospodin (Mr.) and Gospozna (Mrs.)

When addressing an elder, one would use the given name and the father’s name and a gender-specific suffix.

Close friends use the given name.

Meeting & Greeting

Gift giving is done between friends and families. When invited to dinner, bring a gift.

Males are expected to bring flowers but they cannot be yellow.

Flowers given during visit are given in odd numbers while at funerals flowers are given in even numbers.

When invited to dinner, take your shoes off before entering the home. *You may be given slippers.

The oldest is served first at dinners. Leaving a small amount of food on the plate tells

the host that they provided enough food.

Etiquette

Pointing with the index finger is improper but commonly used.

It is impolite to talk with your hands in your pockets or arms folded across your chest.

*Especially when speaking to an older person. When counting, they close their fingers rather

than open.Some gestures are considered bad luck such as

shaking hands through a doorway, give birthday presents before the birthday or leaving an empty

bottle of alcohol on the table.

Gestures

Basic social unit Urban couples only have one child while rural families

are much larger. Parent support their children financially until they

reach adulthood. When the child is an adult they are expected to support their parents.

The father is considered the head of the family. Women and men work but women are still facing

challenging such as receiving equal pay. There are child care program but usually they are

expensive. Grandparents typically care for the children and does the shopping.

Family

There is barely any leisure time because of the time spent on getting food, working and

taking care of the home.Favorite sport is soccer. In the winter sports

are ice skating or hockey.Families like to watch television at night.

Very little night clubs.Enjoy theaters and movies, but those are

available in the big cities.

Recreation

New Year’s Day is the most popular holiday. Everyone decorates their fir tree and have parties.

Grandfather Frost leaves presents on New Year’s Day, Easter and Christmas.

Christmas is January 7th. Women’s Day (March 8th)

Victory Day (May 9)- very important because end of WW2.

Relatively new holidays such as Independence Day (June 12) and Constitution Day (December 12)

Every professional person such as a teacher or miner has a day of their own.

Holidays

Education is free for students between the ages of six and seventeen.

Education is highly valued. The guidelines that were introduced in 1994 were suppose

to encourage teaching but several public schools have not forced the reforms due to the lack of money and supplies.

Students go to primary, middle and high school. Within their last two years they can specialize in a subject. Private schools are available but are expensive. Due to economic hardships, school closing and teacher

strikes, education has depleted. There are more than 500 universities, medical schools and

technical academies within the country.

Education

Just because the student does not look interested, it does not mean they do not care.

It is a good idea to learn some common Russians words.

Eye contact is important to them. When speaking to the student, remember to not cross

your arms or keep your hands in your pockets. Family is so important to them, refer to the class as a

family. Everyone supports each other. Have students bring in artifacts for special holidays

and have the child explain why that holiday is important.

Tips for Teachers

Brigham Young University., & ProQuest Information and Learning Company. (2006). CultureGrams. Provo, Utah: ProQuest Information and Learning Co.

Myths and Truths about Russia | waytorussia.net page. (n.d.). Way to Russia Guide | waytorussia.net. Retrieved April 15, 2012, from http://www.waytorussia.net/WhatIsRussia/MythsAndTruth.html

Russia - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. (n.d.). Professional Translation Services | Interpreters | Intercultural Communication & Training. Retrieved April 15, 2012, from http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/russia-country-profile.html

References