Russians’ Manners

Manners and politeness take different forms in different societies. In the Russian language, polite requests are expressed primary through the rise and fall in intonation or through expressions such as “be so kind” (Visson 1998:136). Consequently, West Europeans could find Russians rude because they hardly ever say “please” and “thank you”. Russians do not smile on meeting people. In Russia, a smile on meeting a stranger may be interpreted as a sign that the person is not serious about upcoming talk or that he has a hidden agenda under a superficial and hypocritical smile (Visson 1998:137). Russians consider it acceptable to intrude into the private affairs of others, even that of complete strangers, doing it in patronizing form. However, noted behaviour is appreciated and expected as if it were valuable information or advice (Richmond 2003:19). Russians, used to a single prevailing truth, rather than to a tolerance of diverse individuals’ meanings, regard compromise as a sign of weakness and, thus, morally incorrect (Morrison 1994:317). Russians are convinced they are right and, hence, they do not listen to any opposing views. Their authoritarian mindset does not let them aim for compromise. They are not shy about speaking up in public or asserting themselves, forcefully requesting things that they need or want (Richmond 2003:95). Russians can raise their voices, express indignation and imply threats or walkouts. Loss of temper during negotiations is expected by the Russians (Morrison 1994:314). Objective facts are not the indicator of the truth. Many Russians look to faith in some ideology or their own personal feelings to guide them to the truth.