Russian culture and language

Influences of Russian culture

Russia, one of the world’s largest economies, boasts an ancient culture and a language that is considered as one of the most difficult to learn. Throughout its history Russia has suffered many influences by many cultures like Mongols, which conquered Moscow in 1234 controlling this region by over 200 years, bringing the Tatar blood and combining it with Slavic and creating the modern Russian nation. To understand Russian culture, you must realize that it is a unique culture that mixes European culture with influences of Asian culture making this country one of the most culturally rich.

Living in Russia

Living in Russia is not easy, because most Russian regions have very harsh climate that could explain the well-known Russian’s strength and their ability to adapt to different climates and situations. But, despite all difficulties, Russian inhabitants themselves never consider their life miserable; on the contrary, they consider these situations as an opportunity for personal growth. Russian people also consider themselves as a well educated nation, being reading one of the most common habits.

Russian cultural elements

Russian folklore

One of the main things that characterizes Russian is definitely its folklore, from its colorful folk costumes, elaborated architecture to the well-known holidays like New Year, considered the most important holiday, Christmas, Defender of the motherland Day, Victory Day, Cosmonautics Day, National Unity Day and Old New Year.

Russian cuisine

Another important thing to mention is definitely Russian cuisine. Russia boasts an amazing cuisine that evolved over the years, suffering many changes due to the constant influences of other cultures. Because Russia is mainly a northern country with long winters, food should give Russian people energy to survive the climate especially in winter having as main ingredients potatoes, bread, eggs, butter and meat.

Russian language

If you want to learn more about Russian culture, the best way is definitely learning Russian. Although, as we said earlier, Russian is considered one of the most difficult languages to learn, this will help you to have a better understanding of Russian traditions and everyday Russian life. 

Learning the Russian language is not an easy task, especially for those who speak another language that is not related with the Russian language family, but with hard effort and dedication, you will see results in a short time. So, if you are planning to learn Russian, remember that the best place to do it is where it is spoken, this means learning Russian in Russia will be a great help to improve your Russian vocabulary and pronunciation, because you will be in constant contact with native speakers. But if you do not have the possibilities to study in a language school, remember that the internet also offers many Russian courses with useful resources like a funny video where you will learn many of the basic aspects of Russian language.