ETIQUETTE

One of the most common standards of etiquette has to do with how to address others. Russians use a formal second-person plural form of you to address elders (except for their grandparents and parents), as well as persons of higher social status, casual acquaintances, and strangers; they use an informal second-person singular to address family members, close friends, and colleagues of equal status. Also, it is expected that one address a stranger or casual acquaintance with the full name and patronymic, a kind of “middle name” formed from the person’s father’s first name. Thus, a man named Sergei who is the son of Pavel would be addressed as Sergei Pavlovich; a woman named Anna who is the daughter of Pavel would be addressed as Anna Pavlovna. Because Russians lived for so long under authoritarian rulers, they make wide distinctions between public and private behavior. In public, Russians tend to be reserved and formal; in private, they are much warmer and more cordial.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE

Russians place great emphasis on appearing in public well groomed and in neat clothing. Russians typically do not have extensive wardrobes, preferring instead a few articles of clothing of high quality. Many people wear fur during the harsh winters, not out of fashion considerations but to stay warm; most wear the “shapka”, a fur hat with ear flaps.

fromEncyclopedia of the World’s Nations and Cultures

ST. PETERSBURG – THE CITY OF CULTURE

St. Petersburg is the cultural capital of Russia. Tourists from all over the world visit it all year round. What can you tell them about it? In a group brainstorm for ideas.

LISTENING

Exercise 2. Watch a video about St. Petersburg using the following Internet resource: http://on.aol.com/video/travel-guide-of-st--petersburg-in-russia-516939762

Exercise 3. Answer the questions.

1. What historical facts are given about St. Petersburg?

2. What is said about people who live in St. Petersburg?

3. What places of interest are described in the video?

4. What was the city called throughout its history?

5. How many bridges are there in St. Petersburg?

Exercise 4. Tell about the most famous sights in St. Petersburg using the key words and phrases:

St. Isaac's Cathedral

a) the dome, the highest building, the city's skyline, spectacular view of the city, popular attraction, crowded;

The Peter and Paul Cathedral

b) the first establishment of the city, island, tomb of the czars, church for important ceremonies, open to visitors, 34 tombs;

<== попередня сторінка	\|	наступна сторінка ==>
RUSSIAN CULTURE	\|	The Hermitage

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