Russia is a European country, and the living environment and customs are very different from those in China. Therefore, before going to study in Russia, you must first understand the local customs. Let’s take a look at the introduction to Russian social etiquette. What should international students know?
First, let’s take a look at the living habits of Russians.
1. Transportation in Russia
It is worth mentioning that taking the Moscow subway is very cheap. Unlike in China, where you are charged according to the distance, it is 8 rubles no matter how far away you are. to 2 yuan), it’s no wonder that in an international metropolis with a population of 10 million, there are hardly many pedestrians on the streets, and cars can drive up to 80 mph.
The subway in Moscow is shocking and impressive. Someone has roughly calculated that the area of ??Moscow’s urban area is about three times that of Beijing. In such a large urban area, its subway is like a capillary and a spider. The network seems to extend to every corner of the city, and the subway has three levels in the city center. The total length is nearly 400 kilometers.
What is extremely impressive is not only its length, but also its grandeur. Countless stations are exquisite architectural masterpieces, like palaces, more like the underground Kremlin. Each station is different, with stone carvings, murals, and marble arches that make people linger.
2. Living conditions of Russian students abroad
Russians like to go on vacation. When summer comes, even ordinary cleaners will give up the opportunity to make money and go on vacation with the whole family. The economic conditions are good Go abroad as soon as possible. In recent years, China's Hainan Island has become more and more famous in Russia. Russians like the sun, the sunshine and beach coconut trees in Hainan, and like their skin to be tanned by the sun.
When eating with Russians, you will feel very passionate. There is no need to encourage them. After a while, they will become lively, singing and dancing, and the atmosphere is very lively and lively.
You will find that people here, regardless of gender, old or young, like to drink, and people always buy a few bottles of vodka when they go to the supermarket. In a lively event, it is not surprising for even a little girl to drink a bottle of vodka.
In Moscow, there may be more flower shops than rice shops in China. Russian people cannot live without flowers. For a Russian girl’s birthday, if you send her a bouquet of flowers, she will be moved for a long time. .
At the airport, you will see couples from the elderly to young people holding flowers to greet them everywhere. Whether they are welcoming or sending them off, they will kiss deeply. The scene is both romantic and touching.
Before I went there, I heard that the Russian police were very corrupt, unfriendly to the Chinese, and the underworld was prevalent. But when I actually arrived in Russia, I felt that was not the case at all. The Russian police were very polite and friendly, except that they did not know how to speak. English.
We asked for directions once in Moscow. A policeman listened to us very carefully for a long time, but he could not understand English, and certainly did not understand Chinese, but he still listened very patiently, and there was nothing wrong with us. Looks impatient.
Finally, we found out that we were Chinese, so we immediately contacted the police station and finally the Chinese Embassy to ask what help we needed and said that if we were not sure, we could go to the police station to rest first.
The high quality of Russians makes us Chinese really feel very ashamed. In Moscow, you don’t need to take a taxi at all. Just wave and a car will stop, get on and go. Some charge money, some don’t, and the ones that charge money are also cheap, because Russian cities are very big, and there are many in Moscow. Everyone works part-time as a taxi, but the government never cares.
It can be seen that the living conditions of Russian students studying abroad are very good. After studying, we can also go out and take a look. Of course, many people sincerely help you for free, and sometimes if you go to a place that is different from theirs, they will help you go around. In short, the Russian people are very enthusiastic.
Next, let’s take a look at what Russian customs you must know.
When you are invited as a guest, or when celebrating New Year, festivals or birthdays, it is essential to give flowers.
However, you must not send an even number of flowers. Generally, three, seven, or nine are acceptable. Sending even numbers of flowers is considered to be prepared for the dead during funerals. In addition, if you want to give it to an older lady, give it something brighter, such as rose red or bright red, which looks energetic. For young girls, generally choose lighter-colored flowers, pink, yellow, etc. to express purity. But Valentine’s Day roses must be red.
Most Russians believe in Orthodox Christianity. When going to some churches that are not fully open to tourism, women need to wear headscarves and men need to take off their hats. It doesn’t matter if you are Orthodox or not.
Consciously queuing up to buy things and waiting in line will be considered rude behavior. In addition, do not make loud noises in public places, otherwise you will be looked down upon. You should take the initiative to offer your seat to the elderly when you get on the bus, otherwise they will ask you to stand up and then sit down with peace of mind.
When chatting with Russians you are not very familiar with, try not to talk about issues such as the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Stalin, and the ownership of the Chechen territory.
Except for fast food restaurants, tips are generally required when dining in restaurants or restaurants, because most of the service staff’s income comes from tips. It depends on how satisfied you are with the waitress, usually around 10-15 of the meal fee.
In Russia, there is basically no bargaining time, especially in large state-owned stores. Except for the discounts or discounts marked on the products, there is basically no room for negotiation on the price. You can bargain at flea markets, but the range is not large. Generally, you can basically get a good idea of ??the price of the goods by visiting two or three stalls.
Russians mainly shake hands when meeting. Especially good friends will hug and kiss when they meet again after a long absence. Usually after hugging each other, kiss each other on the cheek three times, first on the right, then on the left and then on the right. When meeting a strange woman, do not shake hands or be overly affectionate. Unless the other party takes the initiative to shake your hand, you can say a few words to praise the lady's youthfulness and beauty, and you will definitely gain the other party's favor.
Watching a performance in the theater, whether it is ballet or opera, is a very important thing in life for Russians. For such occasions, you must wear formal attire. And never be late. Do not talk or eat after the performance starts, let alone answer the phone. Otherwise you will be asked out.
You and you cannot use it indiscriminately. Generally speaking, elders or teachers should be addressed as "you (вы)", and strangers they meet on the street, no matter how old they are, are called you to show respect. Only familiar friends or brothers and sisters at home are called "you (ты)".
When renting a house in a private house, generally don’t hold the party too late. You can’t play music or speak loudly after eleven o’clock. Otherwise the neighbors will knock on your door. Also try not to call people after ten o'clock, otherwise it will be very rude. When renting a house with a landlord, it is best to obtain the landlord's permission before inviting classmates to play at home. And you can't mess with the landlord's things. It’s best to discuss with the landlord about cooking and stagger the time so that you don’t have to scramble for the kitchen. In addition, you should generally not cook fried dishes with a lot of fumes at home, because most Russian families do not have range hoods in their kitchens, and it is not good if the home is dirty.
Finally, let’s take a look at the introduction to common sense of life
1. Be polite
Never make loud noises or talk in public places. In Russia, "thank you" means Polite words are heard all the time, and "please" or "you're welcome" in return are also common.
2. Pay attention to hygiene
Don’t spit and litter.
3. Queue
Consciously queue up when shopping. Queuing is an order that everyone must abide by. Even when taking the subway, you get on and off the train in a very orderly manner, and there is absolutely no crowding.
4. Taking a car
When taking a car, you should take the initiative to give up your seat to the elderly, otherwise they will take the initiative to let you stand up and then sit down with peace of mind.
5. Crossing the road
You must use the crosswalk and the light is green to pass.
6. Dressing
Dressing is a manifestation of a person’s basic qualities. It must be well-dressed, neat and clean.
7. Ladies first
Russians have always regarded respecting women as a sign of a person's high quality and good cultivation. Ladies should be given priority in almost all places, such as: opening the door for ladies, Give up your seat and wait first.
8. Conversation
When chatting with Russians you are not very familiar with, try not to talk about sensitive issues such as the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Stalin, the ownership of Chechnya’s territory, and ethnic and religious issues.
9. Pay attention to etiquette
Russian citizens have a high level of education and attach great importance to etiquette in formal occasions. When entering restaurants and nightclubs, you must take off your hat and coat and leave it in the foyer.
10. Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in most places in Russia, such as: workplaces, transportation, medical and educational places, and closed stadiums, and can only be smoked in designated areas. Smoking is allowed in the area and violators will be fined.