4 Main differences in perceptions of various aspects of communication

Perceptions of facial expressions and smiling for communication

One of the immediately noticeable cultural differences is facial expressions and smiling, particularly the reserved nature of Russian smiles. Russians and Russian-speaking people generally display a reserved disposition and do not smile as frequently as Americans. However, this lack of smiling does not equate to unfriendliness; rather, smiles are reserved for genuine moments of joy. The community-based aspect of the Russian national mindset emphasizes genuine communication within specific groups, where showing emotions is expected, while a more stern disposition and apparent lack of emotions are reserved for any outsider. This phenomenon is widely observed by foreigners: as they become closer with Russian-speaking people, initial sternness and seriousness often give way to welcoming warmth. This again underscores the importance of building trust and relationships with people from Russian-speaking cultures.
Interestingly, in the US, smiling is a natural way to establish trust or connection, and Americans often smile at people as a means of building rapport. In contrast, Russians base their trust on actions rather than manners; simply smiling and being polite is unlikely to make you friends with a Russian-speaking person. Instead, actions that build closer relationships are key, which in turn can lead to opening the relationship and communication to genuine smiles and laughter.

Perceptions of directness vs. indirectness in communication

Russian-speaking people tend to be more direct and straightforward in their communication, often valuing honesty and clarity more than politeness. This directness can be seen in everyday interactions, where they might express their opinions and feelings openly, even if it means being blunt or confrontational. In contrast, Americans generally prefer a more indirect approach, emphasizing politeness and the avoidance of confrontation or hurt feelings.

Foreigners visiting a Russian-speaking country in winter often find older women scolding them for not wearing a hat or dressing inadequately for the weather. And Russian-speaking people who come to the U.S. often comment on being tired of the constant smiling, which they frequently consider fake. However, the directness in these situations is based on different social norms and is not a miscommunication per se. The impact of directness (or its absence) becomes especially significant in situations where miscommunication could lead to conflicts or disappointment. A Russian-speaking individual might perceive American indirectness as evasive or insincere, while an American might find Russian directness harsh or insensitive. Understanding these cultural nuances is crucial for effective cross-cultural communication, enabling individuals to interpret intentions correctly and respond appropriately.

For instance, in a business meeting, an American might need to brace for more direct feedback from a Russian counterpart and not take it personally, while a Russian-speaking person might need to recognize the subtle cues in American speech that indicate disagreement or concern. In less formal situations, Russian-speaking people in the U.S. need to get used to the idea that if Americans say something like: “We should definitely get together and check out this restaurant,” it does not necessarily mean that it is going to happen. It is more of a politeness marker rather than an actual invitation. Conversely, Americans should not be surprised if they get a call or text the next day from the Russian-speaking individuals asking what day they will be meeting at the restaurant.

Communication in Russian-speaking countries is based on the notion of trusting one’s words. In communal living, trust has always been and remains an essential concept. In a more individualistic and, hence, competitive society, nuances of politeness become more important for communication because of the cultural emphasis on maintaining harmony and positive social interactions. Americans are more likely to use phrases like: “I’m not sure this is the best idea” instead of bluntly rejecting a proposal, aiming to soften the impact of their words.

In summary, Russian-speaking people in the United States should tone down the habit of typically being more direct and straightforward in their communication and practice softening their language when giving feedback or reacting. They also should learn recognizing expressions in speech that mark politeness rather than concrete plans. Americans in Russian-speaking countries should be prepared for more straightforward feedback and understand that it’s not meant to be rude. They should also learn to tone down the politeness in their speech that can be mistaken for a concrete plan or a specific intention. Understanding these nuances will help people from different cultures navigate communicational differences more effectively.

Perception of time

Russian-speaking people often exhibit a more flexible approach to time compared to Westerners. While punctuality is appreciated and respected, there exists a more relaxed attitude towards scheduling, deadlines, and delays. It’s a misconception though that this flexibility means Russian speakers are prone to arriving late or cancelling last minute without concern.  In fact, punctuality is highly valued in Russian-speaking cultures, and tardiness or last-minute cancellations without valid reasons are frowned upon, much like in the United States. The flexibility of the Russian/Slavic approach to time refers primarily to the expectation of adaptability based on circumstances: being able to easily change the timeline based on circumstances or social demands is highly valued in Russian-speaking culture.

For instance, the Western approach to time puts a major emphasis on respecting individual schedules. Thus, if a business meeting is scheduled from 2-4 p.m., participants can expect to be done at 4 or shortly after. If more discussion is needed, it would be common to arrange a follow-up meeting. In Russian-speaking cultures, the same situation will most likely call for more flexibility, and the meeting will continue until everything is discussed. On a more personal level of communication, people in Russian-speaking cultures would expect guests to stay over as long as it feels comfortable—often well into the night. In fact, exceeding reasonable time limits can sometimes signal a deeper and more personal connection between guests and hosts. For that reason, American traditions of specifying end times for gatherings on invitations might seem very foreign to people from Russian-speaking cultures. In essence, both Russian and American cultures value punctuality at the start of events, but Russian culture is more flexible regarding when events conclude. This difference can be attributed to a broader cultural emphasis on relationships and adaptability over strict adherence to schedules versus seeing time as a valuable resource connected to efficiency and productivity.

These contrasting perceptions of time can lead to misunderstandings between Russian-speaking people and Americans. An American might interpret a Russian-speaking person’s desire to extend the meeting past the original plan (whether it is business or personal) as an imposition on their time and maybe even as disrespect. Conversely, the latter might find the American insistence on strict timekeeping overly rigid and can even take it personally.

Perceptions of Space and Privacy

There are differences in the perception of personal space and privacy in the two cultures that can lead to misunderstandings between Russian-speaking people and Americans, who might view closer physical proximity from a Russian-speaking person as intrusive, while a Russian-speaking individual might interpret American preference for distance as cold or detached.

Russian-speaking people often have a different concept of personal space, where closer physical proximity and physical touch are more acceptable, particularly among friends and family. It’s common for Russian-speaking individuals to stand or sit closer during conversations, engage in physical contact like hugging or touching, and share personal space more freely. For example, in a social gathering, people might sit closely together, sharing food and drinks, and even touch each other’s arms to emphasize talking points. Such close communication styles can overwhelm Americans, who typically value personal space and privacy, and usually have a clear preference for maintaining physical distance in social interactions.

When Americans visit Russian-speaking countries, they may feel that their personal boundaries—both physical and conversational—are less respected. Russian-speaking people often inquire about personal lives, health, finances, and even political views and affiliations. It’s important to remember that this behavior is not rooted in disrespect or bad manners usually, but rather in a cultural norm of communal information sharing.

When adjusting to life in the U.S., it is important for Russian-speaking individuals to adapt to the expectation of maintaining a certain amount of physical space between themselves and others, even in close relationships. Americans typically maintain an arm’s length distance in casual conversations and may feel uncomfortable if someone stands too close or leans in. This emphasis on personal space also extends to privacy in communication, even within intimate circles.

Perception of changes and innovation

Russian-speaking people often exhibit a somewhat contrastive attitude towards change. On the one hand, they tend to be more conservative, favoring stability and avoiding changes. On the other hand, they can make swift decisions on major changes that may seem risky. This dual perspective is significantly influenced by historical experiences with abrupt societal changes, especially in modern history, such as the fall of the Soviet Union and the accompanying economic and social upheavals. People who lived through the “wild 90s” both resented the changes that turned their Soviet life upside down and welcomed the wild and risky opportunities that allowed some to create great fortunes in short periods of time.

Overall, it would be correct to say that Russian-speaking people tend to be reluctant to abandon proven methods and traditions. For instance, Russian-speaking organizations might be slower to adopt new technologies or business practices in order to avoid making substantial changes. This overall conservatism extends to social norms, where traditional values remain more important than the changes in societal and linguistic norms. Thus, Russian-speaking countries tend to be slower in accepting same-sex relationships or gender-driven changes to the traditions of communication.

This conservatism is also reflected in the political sphere among Russian-speaking populations. People from the former Soviet Union often demonstrate a preference for strong leadership and centralized control whether they still live in their home countries or immigrated to the West. This political conservatism among Russian-speaking people is rooted in a political mindset that favors traditional forms of government typical for the region, along with frequent historical experiences of political instability. Changes have rarely been beneficial to Russian-speaking people, and radical political shifts have repeatedly made life more challenging for the average person, leading to a preference for leaders who promise order and predictability. This can be seen in the consistent support for established political figures and parties that emphasize national stability and gradual progress over extensive changes.

In contrast, Americans generally have a more open attitude towards change and innovation, reflecting a cultural tendency to embrace new ideas, technologies, and ways of thinking. This forward-looking mindset is rooted in the American spirit of entrepreneurship and a history of rapid technological and societal advancements that have improved people’s lives and raised standards of living. Americans often view change as an opportunity for growth and improvement in both professional and personal contexts. Historically, the areas of private business and research were separated from the state, while in the Russian-speaking countries, these areas have always been heavily state-regulated. Politically, this openness to change translates in the United States into a more diverse political landscape, reflecting broader acceptance of diversity and progressive ideas.

These differing attitudes towards change and innovation can create challenges in cross-cultural interactions. A Russian-speaking individual might view an American’s enthusiasm for changes as hasty, while an American might perceive the Russian-speaking person’s cautiousness and conservatism as resistance to progress. In a situation, when an American needs to persuade a Russian-speaking individual to accept some kind of innovation or change, it is important to emphasize the long-term benefits and show that the change will not be causing a major disruption to the existing procedures. It can also be a good idea to utilize the collectivist nature and point to other Russian-speaking people who have already endorsed or accepted this innovation. The collectivist mindset can either slow down or promote the change depending on the number of people who have accepted it — people prefer not to stand out; they will resist change if the majority adheres to old ways, and vice versa, they will accept change following the majority.

Perceptions of crime and authorities 

Another interesting aspect of the Russian national mindset is its tendency towards cynicism, often embracing a fatalistic perspective towards life’s challenges. Phrases like: “That’s life,” “You cannot run from your fate,” and “What can you do?” are commonly used to react to difficult situations. These somewhat cynical reactions—viewed as such from a Western standpoint—especially to incidents of violence or assault, can be attributed to two main factors. First, it reflects the overall less proactive and more resigned nature of the Russian national character, shaped by historical and political influences. Second, the post-Soviet generations experienced the turbulent ’90s following the Soviet Union’s collapse: during almost a decade people were forced to survive amidst the violent crimes that became an everyday occurrence. The crimes of the 90s and the general skepticism towards authorities and police made people feel that crime is an unavoidable aspect of life. In contrast, Americans exhibit a national mindset that leans towards proactive responses when confronted with challenges. In the United States, there is a consistent reliance on the criminal justice system’s ability to address and punish crime.

Russian-speaking people often express skepticism towards law enforcement and authority figures, which is rooted in historical mistrust of the authorities. During the Soviet era the police and secret service were often perceived as instruments of state control rather than protectors of citizens’ rights. Post-Soviet Russia, particularly during the “wild 90s”, witnessed widespread corruption within law enforcement agencies and their inability to curb the increased violence of this time. In contrast, Americans generally hold a more varied view of law enforcement. While there is acknowledgment of issues such as systemic racism and abuse of power within certain communities, the police are generally viewed as protectors of public safety and enforcers of the law. Trust in the criminal justice system’s ability to address crime stems from a cultural emphasis on due process, transparency, and accountability.

Perceptions of Past and Future

Belief in personal control is a key aspect of the American mindset. According to the World Values Survey (WVS) around 2000, Americans are significantly more likely than citizens of other Western democracies to feel in control of their lives. About 44% of Americans rated their freedom and control over their personal lives at 9 out of a possible 10. This belief usually stands in stark contrast to the fatalistic outlook of Russian-speaking people who tend to believe in factors other than personal control of one’s life.

While this outlook might seem as a drawback to Westerners, it might have some benefits as well. On one hand, Russians and Russian-speaking people often appear passive and resigned in their attitudes toward life. On the other hand, Russians tend to exhibit less anxiety about their present situation and future contingencies, compared to Americans who frequently experience anxiety regarding both their current circumstances and the future that looms ahead. Russian-speaking people do not lack concern or ambition, but their approach is often more resigned to the status quo and focused on the present situation. Given Russia’s long and challenging political history, this attitude has served them well. This may be perceived as passivity, but it more accurately reflects pragmatism and a focus on maintaining stability.

The lack of a habit of looking toward the future has also made Russian culture more past-oriented. This is most evident in education and national holidays. On average, Russians are typically much more familiar with the canon of literature, including the great works of national authors such as Pushkin and Tolstoy, as well as foreign authors like Dickens and Brontë. The Russian education system continues to prioritize classic literature, ensuring that students develop a deep connection to their literary heritage from an early age. Americans may have read just as widely, but their education tends to place less emphasis on classical canons and more on innovation, contemporary changes, and fostering a collaborative and diverse curriculum.

Russian culture deeply values its historical and cultural heritage, often seeking guidance and identity from the past. One of the most notable contrasts is how military history is commemorated. World War II, known as the Great Patriotic War in Russia, was a defining moment in Russian history. The Soviet Union suffered immense losses, with estimates of over 26 million Soviet citizens losing their lives during that war. The victory over Nazi Germany is seen as a monumental achievement and a source of profound national pride, serving as a cornerstone of Russian patriotism and collective memory. Immediately after the war, Victory Day was celebrated in an honored but subdued manner to acknowledge the recent trauma of the people. Since 1965, however, May 9th has evolved into a day of extensive public celebrations, featuring military parades, fireworks, and ceremonies honoring veterans. Interestingly, this national holiday has only grown in significance over time. Under Putin’s leadership, the modern Russian government has intensified efforts to underscore Victory Day as a means of fostering national unity, promoting patriotism, and reinforcing state legitimacy.

In contrast, the United States commemorates military personnel rather than specific military events with broader holidays such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day. In general, American national pride is strong but takes a different form, often centered on the country’s values such as freedom and democracy rather than specific historical events. In general, national U.S. holidays celebrate the nation’s history as a way of reinforcing the foundational values of this country. For instance, Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the civil rights leader’s contributions to equality and social justice and Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas on June 19, 1865, following the Civil War. These and other holidays reflect America’s diverse history as a way to emphasize the ongoing pursuit of civil freedoms for the people.