Russian-American differences
I was recently in the city of Kirov (Viatka) for 4 weeks.
I noticed that Russian people NEVER say 'hello' to strangers passing by on the street. At least, not that I saw in my time there. A few times, when walking alone, I greeted a few people in a very mild fashion, by nod or a smile, and my greeting was always ignored. I mean this as NOT a negative criticism, but as an observation only. I should also say that I live in a part of the USA where this behavior is relatively common (that is, greeting strangers on the street), so I was most likely behaving in a culturally insensitive manner when I tried to 'transplant' this behavior to Russia.
Conversely, when I visited people in their homes, they invariably went out of their way to make me feel more than comfortable. At every home I was treated as an 'honored guest', which sometimes almost embarrassed me.
Every single person I actually visited with while in Russia was exceptionally (in comparison to Americans) gracious and kind to me. I came to greatly admire the Russians for their great generosity of spirit.
Anyway, it is a cliche to say that people are basically the same all over, but, of course, it is also true. Still, the cultural differences I noticed were VERY interesting.
Re: Russian-American differences
Quote:
Originally Posted by ronnoc37
I noticed that Russian people NEVER say 'hello' to strangers passing by on the street.
That's true for cities. In many rural areas, however, it is customary to greet everyone you meet, including total strangers. In bigger cities, like Moscow, that would be physically impossible.
Re: Russian-American differences
Quote:
Originally Posted by ronnoc37
I was recently in the city of Kirov (Viatka) for 4 weeks.
I noticed that Russian people NEVER say 'hello' to strangers passing by on the street.
Jeez guys, could you explain to me why I should say anything to unknown people - i guess it means to disturb them - if I don't want to strike up an acquaintance with them? :? Don't you think it's stange to disturb someone without any reasons?
Re: Russian-American differences
Quote:
Originally Posted by translations.nm.ru
Quote:
Originally Posted by ronnoc37
I noticed that Russian people NEVER say 'hello' to strangers passing by on the street.
That's true for cities. In many rural areas, however, it is customary to greet everyone you meet, including total strangers. In bigger cities, like Moscow, that would be physically impossible.
Of course it is physically imposible. That is true for evry part of the world not only Russia. In villages things are diferent.