As Lynn Visson explores in this fascinating book, sometimes simply knowing a language is not enough to ensure good communication. Speaking a language without understanding the culture in which it is spoken can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunication. This book explores the problems of language and culture facing both Russians speaking English and Americans speaking Russian. An introduction to the basic issues of the link between language and culture is followed by a discussion of the reasons for some common errors in Russian and English. Numerous practical examples help readers to understand the importance of cultural markers and signposts in both languages.

About the Author
Lynn Visson holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University, taught Russian language and literature at Columbia University, and was a staff interpreter at the United Nations. She teaches interpretation and translation at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and at other American and European universities. Of Russian background, she is the author of several books including Wedded Strangers: The Challenges of Russian-American Marriages (Hippocrene Books, 2001), and numerous books and articles on Russian language, literature, and culture. Dr. Visson travels frequently to Russia; she is a member of the editorial boards of Mosty, a Moscow-based journal on translation and interpretation, and the American-based journal SlavFile.


Book Information
ISBN 9780781813228
Author Lynn Visson
Format Paperback
Page Count 152
Imprint Hippocrene Books Inc.,U.S.
Publisher Hippocrene Books Inc.,U.S.
Weight(grams) 196g