By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Close

Forums - Politics Discussion - If you have questions about Russia - come here! (Poll added!)

 

Di you like Russia?

Yes, I love it! 218 35.68%
 
No, I hate it. 144 23.57%
 
Russia is strange... 130 21.28%
 
Don't know yet, curious ... 67 10.97%
 
Don't know and don't care. 45 7.36%
 
Total:604
Sharu on 07 March 2014
osed125 said:

How exactly does the last-name heritage works in Russia? I know females add an "a" at the end of the last-name (like Maria Sharapova), but does this applies all the time? If Putin has a daughter her last name would be "Putina"?

Mostly you're right. Daugter of Putin - is Katia Putina. You correct. There ARE some femaly last names which not finished on 'a', but its a long story on Russian grammar! )))



Around the Network
Augen on 07 March 2014

If Crimea does become Russian are there concerns Ukraine might take it out on the province in terms of infrastructure such as energy? We saw this happen when Russia shut off gas to Europe years ago. Could it become a nebulous region like Kashmir is viewed by India and Pakistan?

Is there any concern that if this sort of precedent is set provinces all around the world could point to it as legitimate way to leave a country, join a country or found a new new nation? For example, the Basques in Spain. Could we see a new tactic of acquiring resources and land by immigration and elections along border regions?



Sharu on 07 March 2014
NewGuy said:
Sharu said:
NewGuy said:
1) Do the girls there like foreigners?
2) How hard is it to learn the language? From a speaking perspective and from a writing perspective. I know there are the rules for "feminine" and "masculine" (and also neutral) objects like in french, spanish, and portuguese. Anything else besides that? How is the grammar? Lots of verb conjugation? Any tricks to pronunciation?

And привет :)

1. Not so much, only prostitutes ))). In fact there IS an interest to foreigners - but its a part of Russian culture, we usually try to help a foreigner and interested to speak with them if possible. 
2. I think its hard for English speakers. On of my friends from Norway said about Russian Language (she was trying to learn it) - 'Russian language is like a LEGO. Its a lot of small parts and you can put it together to get words some new meaning'.

And there are some sounds which are hard for you. But for us to correctly pronounce English words is also an uneasy trick, so its OK! ))

Being quad lingual and working on my fifth might help me a bit :) I think I'll take on Russian in a couple of years or so.

1) What is true and what is myth about the russian mafia?

2) Who do Russians view as their most famous athlete? Famous celeb?

2) Do you know who Fedor Emelianenko is? What about Aleksandr Karelin? Do people in general know who they are?

1. Russian criminals was very strong in 90-s. Now the usual crimes are much less on streets. Some say that 'mafia' get together with authorities. If they don't shoot on streets and don't rob people's houses - I'm OK with it.

2. Hard to say for me. Now our olympic stars are very popular, of coarse. We have our Russian movie stars and famous singers - but I afraid their names will tell you nothing. )
3. Yes, Emeljanenko is very popular. Karelin is not so much, but of course those who interested in martial arts/wrestling know them.



Nem on 07 March 2014
Sharu said:
Nem said:
Sharu said:
 

Again a hard question. From my point of view, this is acceptable on two reasons.

1. People are living better since Putin get to power.

2. People support him.

From the law point of view they made it the way that its 100% legal. And since most of Russia support Putin we close our eyes on some things. ))
Btw, if I know correctly, Rusvelt also was a president 3 times, even against some American laws. Should you call him a dictator because of this?

So, its like i said. You claimed i was telling bullshit, but it isnt. The only reason people put up with it is because of the money flowing into the country due to oil and gas reserves.

I am sure that that Rusvelt thing was a very long time ago. No american president can do that anymore without 8 year intervals between mandates. Since theres a much better democratic system (though with its problems, its not fixed) the people probably wouldnt support that aswell and he/she would fail in that atempt.

We have a law in Russia. Putin was elected as a president according to the law. Then the law was changed, with all the nesessary procedures. With a new law in place, he can be a president two times in a raw again. Its 100% legal. You can call it a trick. But I personally support it since Putin is only possible leader for Russia at this moment (in my personal opinion).


Dont you think there is a reason why there arent other stepping up? Doesnt fear pop tp mind? You do know that by that logic before the 2 mandates end he can cheange the law to proclaim himself dictator or king or just change it to have a dozen more mandates. The man is power hungry. Dont you see that?

Well anyways, its not my place to change your mind. I'm sure with time things will become clearer and clearer and when the oil runs out things will become crystal clear.

It only becomes out problem if he tries to wage war in the west.



Sharu on 07 March 2014
Augen said:
If Crimea does become Russian are there concerns Ukraine might take it out on the province in terms of infrastructure such as energy? We saw this happen when Russia shut off gas to Europe years ago. Could it become a nebulous region like Kashmir is viewed by India and Pakistan?

Is there any concern that if this sort of precedent is set provinces all around the world could point to it as legitimate way to leave a country, join a country or found a new new nation? For example, the Basques in Spain. Could we see a new tactic of acquiring resources and land by immigration and elections along border regions?

I'm not a good person to answer these questions! ))
Just one thing - from our point of view Russia didn't stop gas to Europe. It was Ukraine stopping gas transit trying to negotiate better prices for themselves. That is why Russia started building North Stream And South Stream gas pipes - to be independent from Ukrain authorities on the gas deliveries to Europe.



Around the Network
NewGuy on 07 March 2014

Which american products are popular in Russia?



dovus on 07 March 2014
Sharu said:
dovus said:
 

As he bans every independent candidate/party from taking part in election.

This is simply not true.

Were there any independent parties in last Duma elections? I havent found any in the bulletin.



Sharu on 07 March 2014
Nem said:


Dont you think there is a reason why there arent other stepping up? Doesnt fear pop tp mind? You do know that by that logic before the 2 mandates end he can cheange the law to proclaim himself dictator or king or just change it to have a dozen more mandates. The man is power hungry. Dont you see that?

Well anyways, its not my place to change your mind. I'm sure with time things will become clearer and clearer and when the oil runs out things will become crystal clear.

It only becomes out problem if he tries to wage war in the west.

Please don't put this discussion only to Putin. I think its much more to discuss on Russia than him! ) And also - I personally don't know him and all I can say about him is a bullshit really ))



Sharu on 07 March 2014
NewGuy said:
Which american products are popular in Russia?

Maybe Coca-cola )) Movies, some music. I can't think of something else really, maybe KFC and Burger King )))



KingofTrolls on 07 March 2014

Is it easy or not to live in Russia? I mean work, unemployment, wages, price levels in stores, taxation, law, etc.

Can u buy for example PS4 in Russia ? If yes - what is the price of consoles/games ? Ofc if it is in stock.