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Why does an English-speaking Russian often sound strange or even rude to his American friends? What makes a sophisticated intellectual sound like a construction worker when speaking another language? In today's interdependent world it is increasingly important that contacts between speakers of Russian and English lead to better understanding and communication, and not to misunderstandings.
As an American of Russian background and a language professional, professor of Russian language and literature, simultaneous interpreter, author of Wedded Strangers: The Challenges of Russian-American Marriages and a participant in many Russian-American projects and exchanges, Dr. Lynn Visson has seen this problem firsthand. In the US, a country of immigrants, people are accustomed to foreigners speaking with an accent or making grammatical errors. But linguistic-cultural mistakes resulting from a basic misunderstanding of the culture in which the language is imbedded may prove highly annoying. Russkie problemy deals with those problems encountered daily by hundreds of English-speaking Russian students, teachers, interpreters and translators, businessmen, diplomats, emigres, and visitors to the US. The book is intended for those Russian speakers who already have a grasp of basic English grammar and vocabulary. Examples of incorrect and correct use of English vocabulary, idiom and grammar are taken from a variety of Russian and American sources. The book explores the impact of oral/linguistic communication and body language in business and social situations such as a telephone conversation, a job interview or a dinner party. A brief analysis of the interrelationship between language and culture is followed by the "great divides"- the American linguistic-cultural attitude of "think positive" as opposed to Russian "think negative," and the linguistic consequences of an active vs. passive attitude to the surrounding environment. A section on differences in linguistic-cultural etiquette and behavior is followed by chapters on the striking divide between the Russian and American perception of concepts of time and on the language of food, including behavior in restaurants and in people's homes. Sections on specifically linguistic problems - the wrong use of a word, sentence structure and intonational cadence - and differences in body language and gestures conclude the book. Exercises are provided to reinforce the material presented in each chapter. A great present for your favorite Russian friend, teacher, student or emigre acquaintance! |
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