Lynn Visson: Russkie Problemy v angliiskoi rechi: Slova i frazy v kontekste
dvukh kul'tur (English title: Where Russians Go Wrong in English: Words and
Expressions in the Context of Two Cultures (Moscow: RValent, 2003).
(The book is in Russian).
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! In the US available at www.lexiconbridge.com and
www.russia-on-line.com
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