Russian Culture profile

KBI12I

Kliment Riabov

Matvey Titov

Main cultures of Russia

Religion in Russia (2012)

Russian Orthodox (41%)

Muslim (6.5%)

Unaffiliated Christian (4.1%)

Other Orthodox (1.5%)

Neopagan and Tengrist (1.2%)

Tibetan Buddhist (0.5%)

Other religions (1.7%)

Spiritual but not religious (25%)

Atheist and non-religious (13%)

Undecided (5.5%)

Main cultures of Russia

Ethnicgroup

Mainarea

Number %

Russian European Russia

111,016,896 80.9%

Tatars European Russia

5,310,649 3.9%

Ukrainians European Russia

1,927,888 1.4%

Bashkirs European Russia

1,584,554 1.15%

Chuvashs European Russia

1,435,872 1.05%

Biggest ethnic minorities

Main Languages

Of all the languages of Russia, Russian is the only official language. 27 different languages are considered official languages in various regions of Russia, along with Russian. There are over 100 minority languages spoken in Russia. Today, 97% of the public school students of Russia receive their education only or mostly in Russian, even though Russia is made up of approximately 80% ethnic Russians.

Karelia is the only republic of Russia with Russian as the only official language.

Communication Style

Shaking hands is typical during an introduction among Russians, however it is expected that a newcomer to a group will initiate the introduction themselves.

Close physical proximity is common during daily interactions and conversation. It is not uncommon for Russians to stand within 30 cm of each other when speaking.

Sharing space and physical touch are considered to be positive values by Russians, whereas this may be viewed as intrusive by some Americans.

Russians often speak their minds openly, in a straightforward and emotional manner. It is likely that they will give their personal opinions about others in a direct way.

Russians believe strongly in the needs of the group rather than the needs of an individual. Community and togetherness are highly valued in their culture.

Dress Code

Female Russian women wear mostly

dresses. Russian women dress for the beauty of the Russian feminine side.

Male While men wear slacks and

business attire. Most of the time, for festivals and traditions men also have outfits that they wear. As one can see red is a very popular color.

Taboos

Don’t Smile Profusely

Never Shake a Hand Through a Doorway

Never Crack a Joke about One’s Family

Never Lick The Food Off of a Knife.

Don’t Forget to Take Your Shoes Off

Never Whistle While Indoors

Taboos

Never Agree to Vodka If …

The shot glasses were turned, and we were “in” for drinking with our friends. Drinking with friends or with others you just got acquainted with, once that bottle is opened, it is not stored away, set aside, or rightfully refused. Not all the Russians are drinkers, and surely not all of them that drink are alcoholics.

Acceptable Non-verbal communications in Russia

Eye contact is very important in Russia, you will be expected to keep eye contact as long as you are being spoken to, especially when first introduced.

A handshake is always an appropriate greeting. It is also appropriate when you are leaving.

The thumbs up sign is an appropriate show of approval.

If you need to call a server do so by discreetly raising your hand with your index finger extended.

Socializing With Russians

Don't Try to Understand -Just Feel It.

DON'T talk about politics or the U.S.S.R.

DON'T speak too loudly in public.

DO discuss topics such as peace and Russia's economy.

Working/Office hours, punctuality

Russian Stereotypes Which are True!

Russians love vodka

Russian women are extremely beautiful

There’s a lot of corruption in Russia

Russians are superstitious

Many Russians will sit down inside their house before leaving for a trip to ensure a good journey; they will consider it good luck to break a glass accidentally, and they will spit three times over their shoulder after they knock on wood. Most people don’t actually believe these things “work”, but they always – always – do them anyway.

Stereotypes

All Russians are Communists

Russians are racist

"Na Zdorov'ye!"

When raising a glass with a group of Russian people, do not say "Na zdorov'ye!". This is not a toast; it's something Russian people say when somebody thanks them for a nice meal.

Russians are alcoholics

It’s always cold in Russia

Russia is dangerous

Business negotiations

Always be punctual when doing business in Russia.

When doing business in Russia make sure you take a business card.

On the whole Russians have three names. The first name is the given name while the last name is the father's family name. The middle name is a version of the father's first name…

Pitches or presentations should be simple and straightforward. Generally Russians are not impressed by foreigners doing business in Russia who use special visuals, flashy PowerPoint presentations

If your Russian counterpart decides to invite you out do not refuse the request as it would be rude.

Family

Russian families are now:

Very often divorced

Russian families are large and friendly. The meaning of the family in Russia is not limited to the husband, wife and children. It stretches to include grandparents, aunts and uncles, brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces

Civil unions have been gaining popularity in Russia lately. A civil union is a relationship where a man and a woman live together and share household expenses without officially registering a marriage.

When a child is born, the young family receives support in the amount of approximately $11,000 in 2010.

An old Russian proverb says: "100 kilometers is no distance, 100 rubles is no money and

100 grams is no vodka."