(no subject)

[lollydoll.livejournal.com]

Oooh, Hello again ^^
I'm in a bit of a puddle here. Next week I will be headed to Moscow, and well.. My language skills still aren't at a good level. I know how to speak a few basics "Hello, my name is ___, Do you speak English, I know a little Russian, I am American" etc, and a few other sayings and questions, but that is about all. Teaching myself with audio cds and books dosen't get very far even with a few months practice. Story goes I will be meeting someone. He knows how to speak and understand English pretty fluently, but his friends and parents do not (atleast not as well) What worries me is my pronounciation and if I will be able to understand hearing something actually spoken. Has anyone ever been to Russia before, or lives there? Also, do many people know English in Russia? I'm curious to know how well someone in my position will be able to get by and if so, how well you got by :)

Comments

[welgar.livejournal.com]

In general, I agree with Pashili's comments. It's best to address young people (or middle-class ones) and not elderly ones. However, better don't communicate to any suspicious young people (like skinheads and so on) because they may not be adequate. ;-)
There's nothing bad or weird about smiling. It may not be a national tradition but they won't take you to a hospital. :-)

Regarding transport, I wouldn't recommend you to use buses unless you know which one to take and when to go out for sure. Otherwise you may easily get lost (I used to do it often myself). Metro is, IMHO, much more convenient and fast, although may be not as comfortable as London's underground, for example.

You may try to look for some travel guides on the Net. I've seen a few rather good ones (but I don't remember where).
Also, if you have any questions or problems, you may also write to me at my LJ (it's in Russian but never mind) or by e-mail (on my info page).