The main language being spoken in the country is Russian. Approximately 70% of all locals in the country are not able to speak any foreign language. This puts Russia at a low English Proficiency Index of only 52.14, a rate that makes the country 28th among 33 European countries and 48th among 100 countries within the regions nearby. It is advised that before you work here, you should try to learn the basic Russian language.

Language Skills
While roughly around 30% of Russians are able to speak a foreign language, only about 11% speak English. This rating came from a most recent poll made among the locals in the country. But don’t be troubled because there are several ways for you to be able to communicate. In preparation for your stay in Russia, you may want to consider enrolling in online Russian lessons such as those you can find at Tutoroo or MyRuskey.

Once you’ve learned the basics of Russian, you should be able to find ease asking directions from a local, ordering in a restaurant, or talking to a counterpart at work. It would be better if you start studying how they greet one another as a form of ice breaker in a conversation. The most commonly used greeting in any informal conversation is ‘privet’ which means ‘hello,’ however this is very informal and should not even be used to the elderly. If you are speaking to someone older or in a high position at work, the formal way to greet is to say ‘zdrastvujte,’ and a slightly more casual version is ‘zdrasti.’ The last two greetings may be used anytime of the day and whoever you may be talking to, it is safer to use them too because it makes a local feel respected. To hear how these words are spoken and to learn more ways to greet, you may check out this link here.

Body Language
Russians are not particular with their personal space. Locals are seen to be sitting or standing close to one another without regard to whether the other is already too close. However, mind that this doesn’t mean physical contact is always welcome. Only friends and family get to hug and kiss when greeting and more intimate physical affection are only shared amongst couples of opposite genders. Take note that when you are visiting a home of a local friend, always bring a little something to give away. It is rude to visit someone empty-handed without anything to give the host.

When greeting someone, you may extend a handshake, but this is not obligatory most especially when you are a total stranger to the one you are meeting. When locals are having a discussion, they tend to stand close to the person they are talking to, so try to be welcoming and don’t find it offensive if a Russian speaks at a close proximity.

Russians, especially males, may appear very serious when you are a stranger to them. A little frown may even be seen when you look directly at someone not familiar to you. Don’t be alarmed as well when you see that locals are not too welcoming and would rarely wear smiling faces in public. Smiling at a stranger is seen as weird and may be frowned at.

Be mindful not to put your thumb between your index and middle finger when making a fist sign, the said gesture is seen as rude. This goes the same with the ‘okay’ signal where you form a circle with your thumb and index finger while the other fingers are pointing upwards, avoid doing this.

Topics for Discussion
A good conversation starter in Russia is soccer. The sport is the most popular in the country and a local would light up to hear that you find interest in that. Try to research the Russian football team so you can blend well by asking them about some of the country’s top players and those that are really doing well in their national team. Another good sport you may want to bring up is hockey. Hockey is a popular hobby and sport in Russia and you may also try reading about popular Russian players in the said sport.

Should you bump into a younger local, you can converse about popular Russian blogs such as the ones from Igor Shpilenok, a Russian photographer. You may want to bring up topics that may refer to the natural beauty of Russia and the vast wonders of their landforms in the country. You may also try to appreciate their museums, artists, and writers as they take pride in these things as part of their country’s brilliance in terms of arts and culture.

There are taboo topics in Russia you may also need to avoid tapping into when you get into a conversation. Any topics that may have discussions leading to sex and homosexuality are one of the most avoided by any local and are considered unpleasant. Also skip any discussion about the Russian economy or any foreign policy concerning the country as it may not lead to a good conversation. Another topic to be avoided as well is the ‘dark pages of Russia’s history.’