Marissa Storhaug, Ciara Chantelle, Krista Wiedemer, & Kaela Coppersmith
Midterm Group Project
CAS 271
Professor Meyer-Hoess
11 October 2014
There are many ways that understanding and recognizing cultural differences can be done by
using 2 of the 6 imperative approaches that are commonly used to study intercultural communication
(Martin 40). The first, self-awareness, “…involves increasing understanding of our own location…”
(Martin 40). The second imperative, demographics, often raises “…questions of class and religious
diversity” (Martin 40). One can also recognize cultural differences by incorporating cultural values,
language, and cultural orientations. By following these reasons, one is able to make connections between
other cultures. Learning about intercultural communication, can also help one deviate from
ethnocentrism. According to Martin, ethnocentrism occurs when one believes that their culture is better
than everyone else’s (5). Thus, by learning more about the Russian culture, one may realize that there is
no need to be ethnocentric, because everyone’s culture is different and has their own values that make
them unique. In this case, much of these ideas can be used to study Russian culture: A culture that
provides vast amounts of oil, coal, natural gas, and timber (“Russia”). By providing many natural
resources, Russia has moved from a “…globally-isolated…[central] economy towards a more marketbased and globally-integrated economy” (“Russia”). Thus, its manufacturing markets are not in much
competition with other countries, and their products have been “geared toward[s] domestic consumption”
(“Russia”). With this in mind, let’s dive into Russia’s diverse culture. A culture that sets its differences
apart from other countries by its: location, history, religion, language, celebrations, and family/everyday
life.
To begin, the self-awareness approach in terms of intercultural communication, is significant
within a cultural group. This imperative enables a country, group, or individual, to recognize their own
culture’s history and its background; it helps one recognize similar and dissimilar customs in their culture
compared to others (Martin 4). Having said that, Russia is the “…largest country in the world in terms of
area but unfavorably located in relation to major sea lanes of the world…” (“Russia”). When applying
the self-awareness approach (due to its geography), Russia is predisposed to several risk factors when it
comes to agriculture. For example, the country lacks soil and certain climates that are necessary to
cultivate crops (“Russia”). Citizens of Russia need to understand their land and climates, for the
importance of food. They need to be prepared for the worst climates or the driest ones. Without being
self-aware of their cultural “layout,” how can food be grown properly?
The history of Russia is often filled with controversy. During the 19th century, territorial gains
were made in Europe, yet that was soon interrupted in the 20th century. A Lecture on the 1905
Revolution, refers to Russia’s revolution as a period of time when “…the finest elements of the wage
workers…fought with the greatest tenacity and the greatest devotion” (“Lenin”). Once factories and mills
become involved in the revolution, strikes became stronger and the occurrence of them became more
frequent (“Lenin”). Following these actions of Russians, “Bloody Sunday” was initiated on January 22nd,
1905 (“Worker’s Petition”). This event was a protest of plead, led by Father Gapon. The Orthodox priest
wished to ask the last Emperor of Russia-Tsar Nicholas II-to improve the working conditions and poverty
stricken areas of Russia. Strikes arose throughout the country, where roughly 400,000 protesters were
confronted by armed forces who fired and wounded many. About 9 months following this blood bath,
Moscow had constructed another strike, demanding a response from Tsar Nicholas II that eventually
came to involve other countries.1
During the time of World War I, after repeated defeats in the war, riots and protests occurred
throughout Russia. These violent actions eventually evoked the overthrow in 1917, of the Imperial
household. Thus, Vladimir Lenin-Russian leader of the Bolshevik Party (later known as the Communist
Party)-seized power in October 1917 (“Lenin”). Many years later, in 1928 until 1953, Joseph Stalin
strengthened communism in Russia. Unfortunately, Stalin’s position in Russia cost the country
10,000,000 million lives. The loss of this many lives, left Russia stagnated for decades.2
Aside from knowing one’s cultural history, the demographic imperative approach to studying
intercultural communication, describes the essence of diversity. In other words, it is how a population is
“measured” in terms of race, sex, class, ethnicity, and religion. Russia has an estimated population of
143.5 million people, which accounts for a lot of diversity within the country alone (“Russia”). Religion
is also very diverse within Russia. Historically, Russia has not had very strong religious identities, but
recent polls suggest spiritual climate is evolving. For instance, a survey conducted in 1991 revealed that
1Paragraph
Sources: “HISTORY OF RUSSIA,” “The Treaty,” “Lenin,” & “Worker’s Petition”
2Paragraph
Sources: “HISTORY OF RUSSIA” & “Lenin”
an atheist-dominated country, concluded that a merely 2% of Russian adults attended a religious service
at least once a month (“Russians Return”). A similar survey, conducted, 17 years later, reported
something quite miraculous. The results of this 2008 study, reported a substantial increase in the
attendance at religious ceremonies; it grew to more than 5% of the total population! Although less than 1
in 10 adults attend a religious service, more than 70% of the population religiously identify themselves as
Christian Orthodox (“Russians Return”). Besides Russian Orthodox the most practiced religions in
Russia include: Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, and Judaism.3
Since the Russian Orthodox religion is becoming more prominent in Russia, let’s consider some
of its characteristics. According to the article, The Russian Orthodox Church, the beliefs within the
Orthodox come from the Bible (“Russia-The”). The Saint, Mary, acts as the Mother of God and they also
believe in Holy Trinity and that Jesus Christ is composed of two elements: one that is divine and one that
is human (“Russia-The”). This religion is also self-governing, in that everyone has a say in their beliefs
(“Russian-The”).
Apart from religion, language is also a representative element that makes Russia’s culture
diverse. Martin and Nakayama discuss the roles of language in intercultural communication. Together,
they believe that language is a huge problem when interacting with other countries (224). Although one
may assume that Russian is the primary spoken language, many people are unaware that there are actually
27 “co-official” languages spread throughout the country. In fact, only one of these regions has declared
Russian as their official language. Typically, other languages such as Tartar, Chuvash, and Bashir are
spoken in the districts of ethnic minorities. For those who speak Russia fluently, notice that it is unlike
the Latin-based alphabet that is used in other languages, those including English
and German. Cynthia Hallen, author of A Brief History of the Russian Language, contends that the
Russian language divulges many idiosyncrasies that make Russia’s communication style unique (450).
Aside from the roles of language and reasons for understanding intercultural communication,
Martin and Nakayama also express the importance of cultural values. By definition, cultural values are
“values [that] are the most deeply felt beliefs shared by a cultural group…they reflect a shared perception
3Paragraph
Source: “Russians Return”
of what ought to be, and what is” (Martin 100). The text also mention how holidays are great ways of
expressing a culture’s values (Martin 105). In Russia, there are several holidays that are different from
those in the U.S. For instance, Russian culture celebrates Orthodox Christmas on January 7th. The
Orthodox Church holds Christmas services throughout the day. Some devout Christians choose to fast,
hoping that their abstinence will harbor a better understanding and appreciation for Jesus Christ.
Defender of the Fatherland Day, February 23rd, is the next holiday on the Russian calendar. This holiday
was created in recognition of 1918, when Russian soldiers were drafted into the Red Army. On this day,
men are given gifts and affection from women for protecting their country. In conjunction with this
holiday, International Women’s Day (March 8th) is reserved for Russian women. It is similar to Mother’s
Day. Orthodox Easter can be compared to Easter in the U.S. It occurs on April 20th, where Russians bake
bread and place them on deceased ancestors’ graves. Victory Day, May 9th, represents the day that the
Nazi’s surrendered to the Soviet Union during World War II. At this time, WWII propaganda canvases
the media, prompting ample parades and celebrations. June 12th, marks Den’ Rossii-Russia Day. This
day represents the “…first adoption of Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative
Socialist Republic” (“Russian Public Holidays”). These traditions highlight the success of intellectual
history and the continuation of theoretical development4. By celebrating holidays that are reserved for
those who fought for Russia’s independence or for those that represent religion, it shows that the country
is evolving. Russia’s evolution into being respectful for all religions, helps supports its theoretical
development. Also, having days set aside for veterans in the Red Army or in World War II, children are
able to learn the historical components about their culture. That said, by sparing a day for historical
celebration, it may give people reasons to study what the holiday is about and why it is celebrated in their
culture.
Along with cultural values, the Relationship between Humans orientation is also important in
Russia. For instance, strong family relationships are highly valued. Due to the high cost of living, most
households include multiple generations living together. Grandparents help raise the children and clean
the house while both parents are working. Men traditionally maintain more physically demanding jobs,
4Paragraph
Source: Martin & “Russian Public Holidays”
while women work in education and healthcare. Under communist jurisdiction, women were encouraged
to expand into the job market to “free themselves” of childcare duties at home. Unfortunately, as national
unemployment grew in the 1990’s, female employees were the first released from the workforce
(“Russian Translation”). Russian family life is very different in respect to childbirth. That said, when
mothers are giving birth, the father is not permitted in the delivery room. Instead, dads observe newborns
through a glass window to minimize germs that come in contact with the child (“Russian Translation”).
Russia has a relatively low national birth rate in respect to comparable countries5. The reason for such
decline is caused by several factors. The article, Explaining Fertility Trends in Russia, mentions low
income and the high cost of nurseries, as major contributors to its low birthing rate (Kumo).
Moving away from differences in Russian family life, the way that they spend their free time and
schooling, is also very different from most cultures. For instance, leisure reading is very common in
Russia. Russians also love live performances of art, especially theatre. Russia is not an individualistic
community. A country’s culture is considered individualistic, when their values emphasize doing things
individually, such as creating one’s beliefs or meeting a goal (Martin 55). Therefore, since Russia is not
considered to be an “individualistic” culture, it is in turn, a collectivistic one. Essentially, a collectivistic
community is one where people concentrate on goals and beliefs together (Martin 55). Hence, in Russia,
many daily tasks are done with family and friends. Schooling in Russia lasts for 11 years, while 6 of
those years include mandatory English classes. Russian citizens tend to be more conversationally
outgoing than other cultures, heavily utilizing a direct style of communication (“Russian People”). This
communication style is different from what one may experience in conversations with Americans. For
instance, they say what they want, without considering misunderstandings or mannerisms (“Russian
People”). In other words, Russians tend to get right to the point and not bother asking questions like,
“‘How are you’” (“Russian People”)? This is an interesting fact, because collectivistic societies typically
use indirect forms of communication-not direct styles (Martin 106). Due to Russia’s cultural values,
direct styles of communication, tends to make sense. For example, Russians enjoy being reckless and
5Paragraph
Source: “Russian People”
careless, so telling exactly how they feel, can explain why direct communication is often used (“Russian
People”)5. They also like to engage in deep conversations that may be considered taboo in the U.S6.
In short, Russia is a large country with much diversity. Who knows what Russia would be like
without the things that make it dissimilar to other countries. People learn so much from their own
cultures, that they should expand their knowledge and learn about governing countries. That way, when
one visits a culture different from their own, they might be able to embrace its beauty and appreciate its
cultural values. As always, by using the techniques that Martin and Nakayama suggest when
communicating with other cultures, effective communication is possible.
5Paragraph
Source: “Russian People”
6Paragraph
Source: “Russian Translation”
Works Cited
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Linguistics: Linguistics 450. Brigham Young University, 2 Feb. 2000. Web. 8 Oct. 2014.
“HISTORY OF RUSSIA." HISTORY OF RUSSIA. N.p., n.d. Web. Oct. 2014.
Kumo, Kazuhiro. "VOX, CEPR's Policy Portal." Explaining Fertility Trends in Russia. Web. 1 Nov.
2014.
"Lenin: Lecture on the 1905 Revolution." Lenin: Lecture on the 1905 Revolution. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Oct.
2014.
Martin, J.N:, and T.K. Nakayama. Intercultural Communication in Contexts. 6th ed. Boston: McGrawHill, 2013. Print.
"Regions of Russia." Russian Embassy in London. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, n.d. Web.
Oct. 2014.
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<http://www.justgorussia.co.uk/en/russian_people.html>.
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<http://publicholiday.org/calendar/russia-holidays-2014/>.
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10 Feb. 2014. Web. 8 Oct. 2014.
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<http://russiantranslationservices.org/home/additional-russian-information/family-life-in-russia>.
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