ESL Blogs

 Hello everyone, this time I want to talk to you about some Russian " rules" when it comes to what not to DO or SAY, if you will go to there or intend to go. Here they go:

Don't be an empty-handed person

   Russians are corteous regarding receiving visitors in their houses. They prepare delicious dinners, with delicacies and the best dishes of Russian kitchen. So, the least you can do when coming a Russian host house  of yours is bring anything, simple things really, like a box of chocolates or flowers.

Never use shoes in a Russian house

   In general, Russian houses are full of rugs,  expensive Persian rugs. They have the custom to take off their street shoes when coming at their houses. This custom is explained by some reasons:because they walk through dusty streets and  because that is a tradition which goes on for centuries. So, take off imediately your shoes at a Russian home.

 Never tell jokes about the parents

   Very correct politically, Russians don't enjoy anybody tell jokes about somebody's mother or father. But, you can try to tell  jokes called " anyekdot" (uh-neek-doht), which are based on ethnicity, appearance or gender stereotype.

 Don't say " Na Zdorov'ye" when toast with your host

  " Na Zdorov'ye" (= nuh zdah-rhov'-ee) is used when somedody thank them for a good meal, and can be translated as "for health" in English. The problem is Russians use a more complex, greeting at table, something like " Za druzhbu myezhdu narodami!" ( To friendship between nations!). You can count on a generic toast used at russian tables " Za vas!" ( zuh vahs - To you!).

At first, always try to refuse something offered

  Russians always insist to offer something for your guests. In fact, they don't want to get rid of something valueless they don't want anymore. They just want to be nice for their hosts. Just accept something if you really feel you need it. Because if you accept everything they offer to you, it looks like you were plundering their home's objects.Moreover, if you take something offered to you, always try to offer something in return. It's polite, it's good!

Be dressed up most of time

Russians like to wear fashionably most of ocassions. Women plays a big role in this aspect. Even in a casual walk women wear high heels and a fabulous dress. The reason is that they say they live just once and they want to feel the best. Going to dinner parties, restaurants and theathers  are a few occassions which you'll have to dress up. So, put your best clothes on and go without fearing of making a faux paus.

Going dutch is not taken kindly

This particular subject is where Russians are different from most of Europeans. If you ask a girl out for eating out, don't hope she will pay for her meal. Of course, if you ask her to pay, this probably will be the last time you'll see her in front of you.  So, just ask somebody out if you really afford the bill.

Stand up and offer your seat

In public transportion, it's a duty to give away your seat on a bus or tub for an elderly. If you don't do this, most of people around will be staring at you scared. In Russia, respect to elderly people is taken seriously. It's also good to offer your seat for young ladies, but, this action is optional, even though is fairly polite.

No way burp!

Burps aren't tolerated in Russian lands. It's a clear sign of impoliteness. But, on the other hand, if your burp is unavoidable, don't apologise, drawing a huge attention to you. It's worse! Try to blame on  a nearby dog or whatever other noise that happened at the moment.

Women shouldn't carry weighty stuffs

It's a well-known rule that being gentle with women is nice. In Russia is not different. If you see a women with lots of heavy cartoons come at her and try to help her out. Women are physically weaker than men. So, the sensible men are welcomed.