Synopses & Reviews
Here's an up to the minute, insider's look at how Russians live and work and how they feel about everything from family to religion to entertainment. Explore
The Russian Way of doing things, and you'll uncover a fascinating world imbued with kindness, generosity, superstition, and surprises.
Russian character comes to life as you follow favorite pastimes such as communal baths, the circus, mushroom gathering, and watching television--especially soap operas. View life from the perspective of average Russians ("poor man's caviar" and flea markets) and "new" (rich) Russians (international dining and upscale shops). Historic background, evolving changes, and Russian words and phrases are woven into every chapter.
Find out how Russians feel about advertising (suspicious), clothing (conservative), "gifts" and bribes (necessary), dating (not until college), and appropriate behavior (bring flowers to dinner, always check your coat at the theater, and don't compliment a new baby to avoid the "evil eye"). The Russian Way is brimming with practical and lively facts on:
- Home life, meals, and housing
- Healthcare, education, politics, religion, and professions
- Hotels, dining, shopping, and entertainment
- Language, gestures, literature, and the Russian soul
- The creative community, including controversial artist Tsereteli
This handy guide will help you understand and appreciate Russian way from Arkhangelsk to Vladivostok.
Synopsis
Fully updated to reflect the rapidly changing cultural climate in today's Russia,
The Russian Way is indispensable for understanding the Russian way of life and for communicating with the Russian people. It is not only fascinating but also invaluable to businesspeople, travelers, and students.
Organized alphabetically, the book answers questions such as:
- How do Russians celebrate holidays?
- How do Russians think, do business, and act in their daily lives?
- What do Russians enjoy eating?
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 94-95) and index.
About the Author
Zita Dabars, Ph.D., is an experienced academic, teacher, and author. She is president of The American Council of Teachers of Russian and has visited Russia more on more than thirty occasions.
Lilia Vokhmina has authored over sixty books and has taught for many years at the Pushkin Institute of Russian Language, Moscow.