From Nyet to Da: Understanding the Russians (Interact Series)

Rating:
Summary: An introduction to Russian cultural characteristics.
Review: An introduction to Russian cultural characteristics,written for
the first-time visitor who will be doing business in Russia,
advising, consulting, studying, or merely traveling

Rating:
Summary: A readable explanation of why Russians behave like Russians.
Review: From Nyet to Da: Understanding the Russians by Yale Richmond

The author, Yale Richmond, April 28, 1999.

I wrote this book for Americans and others going to Russia for the first time--to work, study, advise and consult, or merely travel--but who know little about Russia and its people, why they behave like Russians, and how to get from nyet to da with them.

The book has five major sections. (1) "Geography and Culture" places Russian culture within the framework of the geographic and historic forces that have shaped it. (2) "Culture and Character" describes the major characteristics of the Russian personality. (3) "State and Society" discusses the principal features of the Soviet and post-Soviet socio-political systems. (4) "Personal Encounters" identifies the most important behavioral patterns a visitor may encounter. (5) "Negotiating with Russians" is a guide for negotiating a joint venture or almost anything else with a Russian. The book concludes with "Whither Russia," a preview of the directions Russia is likely to take as it moves from its communist past into the uncertain waters of democratic politics and a market economy.

Tempered by sympathetic treatment of the Russian people and their culture, the book is enlivened by entertaining anecdotes, colorful proverbs, and insightful quotes from other scholars. This edition, revised and updated, builds on the first edition, written in 1992, which was remarkably prescient in predicting what would happen in the new Russia, as Russians continue to be Russians.

An easy read, the book is an indispensable tool for understanding the Russians, in their home country or over here, and why they behave like Russians.

Rating:
Summary: Short, well written and very insightful
Review: Having lived and studied in Russia and being married to a Russian I am able to appreciate the tremendous understanding of the Russians by the author. this is a must read book if you intend to travel there, live there or marry someone who lives there; it will save you from making many mistakes or false assumptions. It is well written, concise , easy to read and inexpensive. Essential reading.

Rating:
Summary: From Nyet to Da
Review: This book is a must read for anyone traveling or living in the area of the former Soviet Union. I live in Lithuania, which is not part of Russia any longer, but everything that I have read in this book applies to these people. They may not have Russian blood but they have been under Russian rule for over 70 years and the Russian way of thinking is engraved in the minds of these people. Again, this book is a must read for anyone considering to travel or to live in the former Soviet Union.

Brian Johnson Lithuania

Rating:
Summary: From Nyet to Da
Review: This book is a must read for anyone traveling or living in the area of the former Soviet Union. I live in Lithuania, which is not part of Russia any longer, but everything that I have read in this book applies to these people. They may not have Russian blood but they have been under Russian rule for over 70 years and the Russian way of thinking is engraved in the minds of these people. Again, this book is a must read for anyone considering to travel or to live in the former Soviet Union.

Brian Johnson Lithuania

Rating:
Summary: Short, well written and very insightful
Review: This book is very informative and easy to read. My husband and I are traveling to Russia sometime in the next 2 months to adopt 2 children and I feel it is important to understand their culture both for now and for their future. I have recommended this book to others on the adoption related mailing lists I am on and others have also responded favorably.

Rating:
Summary: Modern Russian Culture: From Nyet to Da
Review: This book is very informative and easy to read. My husband and I are traveling to Russia sometime in the next 2 months to adopt 2 children and I feel it is important to understand their culture both for now and for their future. I have recommended this book to others on the adoption related mailing lists I am on and others have also responded favorably.