I think different cultures always have different personalities because of their society being different. We have Russian friends and found it really hard at the start as due to the language barrier what they said came out as very rude and blunt when in fact it was because they were just literally translating from Russian to English and didn't know all the little lingo things that we say in the sentences that soften the intent. Now I love it because they say what they mean and know exactly where I stand with them. They do tend to have a different culture to ours and we don't socialise with them too much as they are shockers on a night out with vodka and smoking till they run out of cigarettes - non smoker me. I think that anybody from another country always come across as strange until you understand them, their society and also make allowances for translation - I am sure they would laugh themselves stupid if I went to Russia and tried to speak Russian!
hi yowzer! (and everyone else!). Yep, I am here!! Not been here much the past week or so (still embarrassed over 'my foot-in-mouth' with 'La.cards' - feel better after sending her a personal apology though). You are right, I am married to a Russian lady, and yes I am learning Russian! I could go on for a long time about this question - but to save you all, I won't!! The Russian Language is very strange, mainly due to the Cyrillic Alphabet, and the fact that they have 33 letters, some of which have more than one pronounciation! The good news is that they have no 'silent' letters - so if the letter is in the word it has to be pronounced!! I, personally, find the Russian people to be anything but strange. I have made many good and trustworthy friends, and thoroughly enjoy their company. They are very open to new ideas and really like us Brits (Can't understand why, sometimes!), Russians have a strong educaion ethic, and a very strong work ethic. They like to get things done. Many drink a lot (but, hey, who doesn't?). Strong families (matriarchal), and they make use of their extended family - like Brits in the 50's and 60's! I find them educated, stimulating, witty, and friendly. This may be just the ones I have met (here and in Russia) through my wife and/or work, and my Father in Law tells me not to mix up vacation with migration! But all those I have met have accepted me as one of their own. And they have taught me a lot, as well! (I even get invited out without my wife, or her family now! Like my last hunting trip where I used to have the nickname 'English' but after the last few trips they call me 'klassica ahodnic' (master hunter!) because of my 'new-found 'skills'!
Of course they are not. What makes you think that they might be? All the different people of the world have different traditions and mannerisms according to where they are from and live. this is what makes us all individuals and unique. Every one of us needs to be accepted for who we are and all our differences just accepted. I personally have never met a Russian person but they are no different to a person who is english, egyptian or australian.
Hello mariajb1, you do ask some strange questions without giving much away as to what you actually think on the subjects you are writing about. On toluna we have many friends from many different places around the world. And just implying somebodies country is strange may offend. Just look for example at our very own dear cliver thankfully he seams to have his head screwed on the right way and can take your comments on the chin but you could have upset his wife very much without even meaning too. If you have a problem or think a certain aspect of the Russian people is strange just ask and maybe it could be easily clarified. I would love to hear more from you giving a nice explanation of how you feel this way about the Russian people and also on your other topic of mixed relations.
People ARE strange , we all have our funny little ways!I guess the Russian language is very strange - to us! looks very complex. I think cliver is married to a Russian lady and I think he said he is learning Russian, are you there, cliver??? I knew a Russian man once, met him in a club with my mate, and he really fell for her and they were together for quite a while - he was a lovely guy and didnt seem strange, in fact he was very sweet and spoke English very well.
no more so than the rest of the world, we all have a strangeness, why do you think that russians or more strange than british, american, german etc etc etc? we all have our own way of doing things, the way we are brought up, the traditions we adhere to year after year, the music we listen to, the programs we watch, i could go on.......... brits for instance, we complain constantly about things, is that strange? americans always think that everything in their country is bigger than any other country, is that strange?, german people come across as rude & aloof, is that strange? we all have our little strangeness, each & every one of us, thats what makes us all different from each other