One Moldovan Navigating US Culture and Education

Presenter: Irina Cuzminih,Fulbright Scholar,

Moldova, Chisinau,cuzminii@strose.edu

Chisinau, Moldova (1991-independent)

Since 1989 – Romanian is official language (Russian)

Russian is a "language of interethnic communication“. Russian-Moldovan bilingualism is characteristic for Md.Russian was granted official status in Gagauzia, and Transnistria in the east of the country.

State Pedagogical University “Ion Creanga” - Formed In August 1940

I am fluent in

3 language

s

Without any targeted teaching

Through formal education

In main cities population is bilingual “Code-switching” / swapping between the languages

Fusion of 2 languages, which is mutually understandable for both speakers

Not uncommon for speakers to use a different language within the same conversation

You use Romanian words with Russian endings and the other way around. Also, you freely mix Russian and Romanian when you speak (i.e. Ian uite shi sumka prikolinaia)

Musical primary school

Secondary school

Bacalaureat Diploma

Licence Degree in English and Computer Science

Master Degree in English Philology

Fulbright Scholar

Educated in Moldova

Have been teaching English

for 5 years in State Pedagogical

University “I.Creanga”

114,000 from the USA and 186,000 from other countries, have participated in the Program since its inception over 60 years ago. Currently, the Fulbright Program operates in over 155 countries worldwide.

Let’s compare Moldova and the USA

Way of Life

Addressing people

US: By first name

MD: By first and middle name

Greeting people even strangers

Girls’ Fashion

Simple

High heels

Transportation

US: Cars

MD: on foot or public

Food and Drinks

US

* Lots of coffee* All with ice

Subs + Chicken wings

MD

Wine

* Mamaliga;* Sarmale;* Placinta

Nature and Landscape

USA

Diverse

Lots of land in combination

with skyscrapers

Moldova Mostly rural

Little things

Plugs

Time and Date2 p.m. vs 14:00

03/08/2011 vs. 08.03.2011

Weight, Distance, Temperature

1 lb= 0.453 kg;1 mile = 1.6 km;59 Fahrenheit = 15 Celsius

Questions?