Russian Culture

1. Russian Culture profile
KBI12I
Kliment Riabov
Matvey Titov

2. 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%)

3. Main cultures of Russia
Ethnic
group
Main
area
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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Working/Office hours, punctuality

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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.

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