Job Discussion Forums

[grahamb]

[Sashadroogie]

True, I suppose. But all made in China these days. Fraternal countries all.

[Sashadroogie]

- people here who don't speak English can still figure out generally what non-Russian speakers are trying to say. Basic context clues are used logically. Not something to be taken for granted, especially in other parts of the world.

[water rat]

[spiral78]

[Sashadroogie]

Never said it was confined to Russians. Just that it is a positive aspect to living here. I wouldn't say literature and opera is uniquely Russian either. But their canon is another plus to living here. For me anyway.

While you may be able to use context clues on China to great effect, remember you are an English teacher. That's part of what we do. It is possible that many of your own family, with an equal lack of Russian blood, might not figure out what your Chinese chap is saying.

Russians are generally quite good at this. As Spiral noted, the French can't be bothered. In my time in Turkey and travelling around the region, I experienced many Fawlty Towers situations trying to extract a menu from waiters. This despite the fact 'menu' is a French loan word. No amount or changing the pronunciation of this word helped. If it wasn't perfect pron, there was no comprehension. The notion that a customer just walking into a restaurant or cafe would probably be asking for a menu wasn't something that the locals could be depended on to figure out. Quite tiresome.

But not in Russia, at least. Other issues abound, but not that, thankfully.

If you've always assumed that logical context clues are universally acted upon, then you've some surprises in store for you in your further travels : )

[Phillip Schofield]

I always have issues ordering Long Island Ice Teas.
If I say it in my standard accent, they have no idea what I'm asking for. If I try and say it in as Russian a way as I can, they are even more perplexed.
Usually I just have to resort to pointing at it in a menu.

But this only really happens in places which don't deal with many foreigners.

I really don't know how else to say a word which is entirely English.

[Sashadroogie]

Tsk tsk, then you should just be ordering vodka instead - much easier for all concerned : )

[Phillip Schofield]

One of my favourite aspects of Russia (although this isn't limited to Russia) is putting my vodka out on the balcony during winter. Who needs a fridge when it's colder outside? It's closer to hand and it's certainly enjoyable to sit out on the balcony and drink a nice cold shot of vodka whilst the snow falls around you.

[Sashadroogie]

Just don't do it with beer...