Culture Shock! Russia: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette

Culture Shock!

by Anna Pavlovskaya

With over three million copies in print, CultureShock! is a dynamic and indispensable range of guides covering countless destinations around the world. The series is especially intended for travellers who are looking to truly understand the countries they are visiting and who might even consider residing there. into the local environment and is packed with useful details on transportation, taxes, accommodation, health, shopping and festivals. Additionally, each book provides concise insights into the history, language, cuisine and business practises of each country, as well as explaining the customs, traditions and social etiquette in a lively and informative style.

Genres: Travel, Russia, Nonfiction

310 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2007

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great quotes and referenced material to help even an American understand what to do and say while in Russia. I especially enjoyed the contrasts called out between the big city meccas of Moscow and Saint Petersburg to the more rural part of the county that lie only 30 miles away! If you're thinking about a trip to Russia, this will get you etiquette there ; )

[Fionnuala · Rating 4 out of 5]

As of now, I am not making any plans to visit Russia (though it is definitely on my list of things I'd like to do); I got this both out of interest and for research. I'm currently learning the language, and it's impossible to learn a language without becoming fascinated by a culture; I also write, and several of my stories are set in Russia or feature Russian characters, so this book was a useful read.

While all of the information was interesting, a lot of it does focus on the business aspect of things. It's less a general overview or a heads-up for tourists and more a guidebook for somebody intending to stay for a while, but I found this to actually be more useful for my needs. It assumes that you're going to be there for some time, and therefore it gets into all the nitty-gritty about things that a guide book wouldn't really speak too much about, like what trying to rent an apartment would be like, or registering cars, and other similar things that tourists wouldn't have to worry about.

Another example of the assumption of a long stay being useful was that there was plenty of information about the etiquette surrounding being invited to people's homes. There was a lot about various superstitions, appropriate gifts, what such a gathering would be like; there was a fascinating section about which holidays are celebrated, and how they would be marked. There was also a lot of information on the differences between Russian friendships and Western ones, and the various expectations each culture has for such relationships. All of it was incredibly interesting, and very useful from a research point of view.

The book also goes into detail about the history of the country from a growth and cultural perspective, tying it in to the national character and attempting to explain why certain traits seem to be present in everyone, regardless of where they live and how they grew up. The book makes no secret that such a thing would be impossible to do accurately -- the situation is far too complex -- but it does a good job at illustrating the kind of cultural common denominator. All countries tend to have common qualities in its people that they become known for worldwide, and the cultural and historical background in relation to this is a very interesting read.

The information is packed in quite tightly, but it's clearly written and lightened by various anecdotes and lightheartedness. It has both answered many of my questions and raised many more, and certainly makes me definitely want to visit one day, so I suppose in that respect it's done its job!

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I dunno; I just didn't get as much out of this entry in the series as I did from Australia or others. Many Russians still live in primitive villages. Many are still very poor. All will insist guests feast and drink with them. Many don't have a sense of personal space or privacy, but will chat with you about intimate details of their lives and expect you to share, too. Fewer speak English, at least in the countryside, than in other 'developed' countries. That's about it.

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very comprehensive and interesting guide to Russia and Russians. It has definitely helped me understand their mindset better.

[Mrs. Denise Molloy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful guide with good links.

I love the "Culture Shock" travel guides, and this one about Russia is no exception.
The series features everyday advice for getting by in a strange land, which you don’t really get from most tourist guides.

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna Pavlovskaya's "Culture Shock" is quite informative.

Reading about the Russia people inspires us to learn the Russian language better.
Learning the Russian language better enables us to observe the Russian people more accurately.
(Yes, I actually missed the Russian language while reading this book. Perhaps there will one day be a Russian language or bilingual version of "Culture Shock!)

The fear of developing preconceived notions prevents reader's from believing all they read. Luckily, Anna Pavlovskaya's approach is light and humorous.

google translate ~ Анны Павловской "Culture Shock!" является весьма информативным .

Чтение о людях России вдохновляет нас изучать русский язык лучше.
Изучение русского языка лучше позволяет более точно наблюдать за русский народ .

Страх развития предвзятое держит читателя верить все они читают . К счастью , подход Анны Павловской свет и с чувством юмора .

[Ace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never been to Russia, so I can't speak for the validity of the statements in this book, but Cultureshock! Russia was by far a fun read for me as a student of the Russian language. This book offered me a more well-rounded look at the culture of Russia; it presents its material in a fun, easy-to-learn way and includes chapters on a variety of topics - just don't quiz me on it! Because the material is densely packed into this book, I learn something new each time I review it.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and seems to be objective and comprehensive. Having never been to Russia, I cannot really vouch for any of it's accuracy. It did increase my interest in learning more about Russia. I hope someday to put some of the information to use. When that happens I will update my review.

[Tidtii]

**

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

finished on the plane earlier today.. from 2007, makes for interesting read, if not as up-to-date as it could be.

[Kathye]

Russians think you are stupid if you smile on the street. hahaha! very interesting.