About Leo Expertise I was born in the form. USSR. I`m a native Russian speaker and have a first-hand experience in Russian language, culture, and customs.
Question Ok. I guess interpersonal customs would be it. Or just anything that makes the Russians stand out.
Alan
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Followup To
Question -
What kind of customs do the Russians have, and what makes them unique?
Answer -
Alan, thanks for your question.
I need, however, to clarify your question. Could you, please, be more specific regarding Russian customs. Are you referring to wedding customs, interpersonal, job-related, family, military, or any other specific cathegories of customs?
Thanks,
Lenny.
Answer Hi, Alan. Thanks for your question.
Well.
1.There's no secret that Russians consider alcohol beverages one of the most important components of interpersonal relationships, both formal and informal.
Alcohol is a lubricant of interpersonal interactions nonwithstanding a disastrous consequences of a widespread alcohol abuse like high mortality rate and alcohol-related health problems. You will be invited to drink alcohol at a very early point, and, if you refuse to drink, it would be perceived as an offense or disrespect and may seriously hurt future interactions. Russians are not unique with regard to alcohol drinking but the degree of its importance in social life is extraordinary compare to other nations... 2. The Russians express more formal respect in interpersonal interactions, especially between different generations, within the families, and, especially, in rural areas. The way Americans relate to each other would be considered quite rude in Russia...
3. Male-female relationships reflect a strong tradition of male dominance. If the couple considers that their relationships are serious enough they visit each other's parents which is the important step for both of them.
4. The usage of curse words is extremely widespread among Russians. The vocabulary of such words is much bigger in Russian compare to English...
5. Unlike English language which has only one word "YOU" Russian has informal and formal versions. Formal one is used during the initial stage in interpersonal interactions which is replaced by informal one as soon as either interlocutor feels that they are close enough. This change in addressing each other is a very significant step which may indicate that they became comrades or friends and that their interactions became more informal at that point...
