Search by tag «Russian culture» 8 results

• Swear like a Russian (not): Russian "Mat"

  It's a common thing to ask someone to teach you a swear word in their native language: you think it’s funny and cool and wins you points. For some, knowing how to swear even helps build their confidence with a language. Then again, swear words and slang hold a special place in every culture, and are very easy to misuse. For this reason, we’ve decided to touch upon this topic, and start with Russia’s most notorious way of speaking: the infamous “mat”.

  23.03.2020

• Speak Like a Russian: the Unfathomable "Авось"

  To tell you the truth, today started as a total disaster for me. Just yesterday, I had plans to post a nice winter-themed article, and the first thing that I didn't see this morning were any traces of snow. A few hours later, when I was working on a gloomier backup topic, the heavy morning rain gave way to some glorious sunshine, which messed up my plans once again. Needless to say, I was ready to burst out in anger! Then suddenly, I remembered one peculiar Russian expression which helped me calm down, contemplate on the situation that I got myself into, and recall the one word that you definitely have to learn in order to truly understand the Russian culture. 

  18.02.2020

• Russian Language Summer School: Behind the Curtain

  After asking students about their experience of learning the Russian language we decided to take a peek behind the scenes and ask the teachers about their experiences teaching the Russian language to foreign students. 

  22.08.2019

• The Magic of the ‘90s

  From runways to video games, the ‘90s are hot right now. What were they like for us and our families? Were they the “wild” years of the post-Soviet era when money vanished and mafia ruled? Or the times of frizzy hair and first music videos? Or just a childhood when all of this seemed normal? We asked around:

  02.07.2019

• “Calmness, Only Calmness.” Classic Soviet Cartoons to the Rescue

  As we get to the end of the semester, here are some words of wisdom from the cartoons we grew up with that will help you go out with a bang!

  20.05.2019

• Anecdotes: Telling Jokes the Russian Way

  The teacher asks the class: “Did you know that elements contract in the cold and expand in the heat?” Vovochka raises his hand… This is how anecdotes, a particular type of a Russian joke, often start out. With April Fools' Day just around the corner, we’re taking a deeper dive into this cultural phenomenon that is the most popular form of Russian humor.

  26.03.2019

• Six Tips to Help You Navigate in Russia

  Moving to a new country can be daunting and it comes with many twists and challenges. I know this from my own experience and talking to friends who have lived abroad. Here are some tips that I hope will help you when you move to Russia!

  20.03.2019

• This Weekend in St. Petersburg: March 9-10

  This week, Russians celebrate Maslenitsa, a folk holiday of saying goodbye to winter and welcoming spring. One of the brightest and liveliest celebrations of the whole year, Maslenitsa is all about Russian pancakes called blinis, coupled with lots of amazing outdoor activities. In this article, we cover the best Maslenitsa spots to visit this weekend!

  06.03.2019