A Dictionary of Russian Gesture

by Barbara Monahan

This dictionary is offered as an introduction and guide to the non-verbal component of Russian which can not be ignored in the teaching of Russian. Even pages contain descriptions of the performance of gestures, while the odd pages bear photo illustrations. The dictionary could make a helpful companion for reading Russian literature. Bibliography.

Genres: Russia

184 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1984

About the author

I love writing paranormal time travel filled with fantasy and romance, especially if the story has anything to do with Scotland. My first series, Ancient Echoes, is about a group of angel warriors who have come to this world to fight dark magic. Each book is a different adventure, and centers around the magical and mysterious castle where they live.
I can be reached at: barbaramonahan350@ yahoo.com.
I'm always looking forward to your ideas, comments and suggestions!

Reviews

[sweet pea · Rating 5 out of 5]

this seemed like a novelty when it came into the bookstore. but it's actually an amazing book. quantifying some of the gestures is fairly ludicrous, just as it would be in any culture. but the history behind them is fascinating. as the author states, gestures are much more endemic to Russian culture than in the US. actually she refers to the "paucity" of gestures in the US, the use of that word instantly endeared me to her. it's a fantastic book to read in a bar so that you can practice the gestures on your friends. i've already used "the brains are upside down" after a 12 hour workday. i've tried to use the gestures seeking others to split the cost of a bottle of vodka with me, so far to no avail. some of the gestures need to have a little more explanation as to their exact execution. others would benefit from more historical information. the origins, some from criminal or circus elements, are fascinating. one of the models is stunning in the way of a silent movie star, while others are ridiculous in mesh shirts. much more of a fascinating read than i expected!

[Trinity · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many of these gestures are now common in our society as well. Some unfamiliar ones, esp. in the second half of the book.