Text 2. Russian Character

Vocabulary

Russians — Обратите внимание: названия национальностей могут употребляться как с определенным артиклем, так и без артикля

burst — вспышка, прилив (энергии)

harsh — суровый

to overcome — преодолевать

hardships — трудности, лише­ния

cautious — осторожный

reticent — молчаливый, скрытный

reserved — сдержанный

hospitable — гостеприимный

according to — согласно, в соответствии с

to welcome — приветствовать

to be devoted — быть преданным

to fight — бороться, сражаться

independence — независимость

enemy — враг

on the contrary — напротив, наоборот

to encourage — способствовать, поддерживать

research — исследование

innovation — нововведение, новшество

outstanding — выдающийся

to agree — соглашаться

There are a lot of wonders in Russia. But it is true to say that Russia is most famous for its people.

To understand Russian people, one must know from where they come. Nature has not been kind to Russia. Winters in Russia any cold, windy and snowy. So in old Russia people could do little during; long winter months. But in spring there was a lot to be done, and in a short period of time. Perhaps, this explains why the Russians are; often inactive for long periods of time and then show bursts of energy

The harsh climate explains the Russians' strength and their ability to overcome hardships. Climate has also made them cautious.

Yet most of the Russians are open people. They are neither reticent nor reserved as the British. Russian people love to sit down for a nice long chat. They like having parties and receiving guests!; The Russians are known to be a hospitable people. According to old traditions, a guest should always be welcomed with the symbol of life-giving food — bread and salt.

Russian people have always loved their country, though life in Russia has never been easy. They have always been devoted to their Motherland, fighting for peace and independence against enemies.

We can't say that the Russians are conservative. On the contrary, they encourage research and innovation. Still, there are a lot of customs and traditions in their life. For example, before leaving on a journey, many Russian people sit down quietly together for a few minutes.

Russian people are clever and talented. We can name a lot of outstanding Russians who are well-known all over the world. And we can say that we are a nation that has done a lot for the world civilization.

When foreign guests leave Russia, they usually say different things about the country. Some of them like it, others don't. But practically everybody agrees that Russian people are wonderful. They are friendly, kind and very hospitable.

Answer the following questions:

1. How much is the Russian national character influenced by geography? 2. How can you describe your nation? 3. How different or alike do you think the Russians and the British arc? 4. Why don't the Russians trim the grass, bushes or trees? Why does everything just grow wild? 5. Why do Russian people often gather around the samovar on holidays or when guests come to their places? 6. The British are said to be polite. And what about the Russians? 7. What are the main traits of the Russian character? 8. How can you prove that Russian people are very hospitable? 9. What Russian traditions do you know? 10. Do the Russians have a sense of humour? 11. Do Russian people love their Motherland? And what about you?