columnists

‘The Russian Tongue’

Sara BuzadzhiIf you’re talking toilets, make sure you know how to distinguish outhouse terrorists from men who leave the seat up

Bookworms and bestsellers

01/08/2011 19:44

Russians don’t just read the latest pulp fiction – they devour it

Baby talk and Russian gangsters

18/07/2011 20:01

Russian peek-a-boo can easily turn into street slang, so talking to kids is not all child’s play

Werewolves in epaulettes (and other bloodsuckers)

04/07/2011 20:18

In the world of Russian vampires, there are more types of vurdalaki that you can shake a stake at

Flights in dreams and reality

20/06/2011 21:12

Whether it’s 40 winks or a chance to daydream, Russian has plenty of evocative phrases to sleep on

Hey, teacher!

23/05/2011 20:44

From detsky sad to university, getting the Russian terminology right can avoid a visit to the principal’s office

Is there a doctorate in the house?

10/05/2011 20:39

Describing Russian academic qualifications can be a tricky business, so it’s good to know a professor from a specialist

Repairing the horses

25/04/2011 20:21

From Napoleon’s cavalry to evro-remont, home improvement is a pain. But the right phrases can help

Fighting over kopeks

11/04/2011 20:43

If the line at the supermarket turns ugly, or your son comes home with a black eye, it’s good to know a fight from an argument

Down ‘n’ dirty in the springtime

28/03/2011 19:59

It’s time to talk mess and household disorder, so here are some clean (and rude) Russian ways to get spring cleaning

How to lose friends and annoy people

14/03/2011 18:46

It’s tough getting Russians (and foreigners) to curtail those irritating habits that drive us up the wall – but here’s how to ask

Let’s talk about love

28/02/2011 18:18

In the season between Valentine’s and Women’s Day, there are lots of useful ways in Russian to meet (and leave) your lover

When sorry is the hardest word

14/02/2011 18:35

Expressions offering sympathy in Russian can range from the sincere to the philosophical

Minding your Russian Ps and Qs

31/01/2011 19:18

The etiquette of when and how to use pozhaluista can be tricky for students of Russian to master

Bombing your way around Moscow

17/01/2011 19:32

If you’re seeking or giving directions in a strange town, it pays to speak (or think like) a little old lady

Making merry with Father Frost

20/12/2010 17:42

Learn a few useful holiday phrases and maybe the old year won’t end like most Russian fairy tales

The big freeze

06/12/2010 17:15

From cold-hearted villains to frozen poets, knowing frosty terminology can bring you in from the cold

Talking Tolstoy

22/11/2010 19:17

From famous beginnings and new words to smocks and philosophy, the legendary writer has much to tell students of the Russian language

Let me hear your body talk

08/11/2010 20:14

Russian gestures may have completely different meanings in other languages – and it pays to know whether your throat is being cut or a drink is in the offing

There is nothing like a dame

25/10/2010 17:26

Being chivalrous by opening doors and waltzing around the ballroom is one thing, but guys – you also have to know how to treat (and speak to) a lady right

Babes and babushkas

11/10/2010 13:13

The line separating acceptable ways to describe women in Russian from the more derogatory terms is remarkably thin, so it pays to know your babkas from your babushkas

Consider yourself one of us

27/09/2010 17:53

Among Russians, foreigners may sometimes feel like the enemy within, but here are the phrases that may help you be ‘at home with strangers’

Welcome to the house of fun

13/09/2010 21:59

Listening to Ukrainian can be like looking into a strangely distorted mirror for foreigners learning Russian – but hang in there and you’ll hear some gems

Going postal

30/08/2010 23:04

Negotiating the bureaucracy at Russian post offices may have you wishing you had a sawn-off shotgun, but help is at hand

When the smoke ain’t so sweet

16/08/2010 21:11

Ever since the days of Alexander Griboyedov and and Anna Akhmatova, peat fires and smog have been a hot topic for Russians

A plane that flies itself

02/08/2010 21:09

Apparently, we have Russian poets to blame for quirky aviation terms – not to mention the odd attempted hijacking

Let’s get physical

19/07/2010 18:53

Hearing your body talk is one thing – but what of talking about your body?

Sizzle in the sun

05/07/2010 19:18

Along with your sunscreen, remember these useful Russian phrases for your summer holidays

Haring around Moscow

21/06/2010 20:35

In a metro carriage or a marshrutka, it pays to know tickets from turnstiles

Idiots, roads and traffic cops

07/06/2010 22:01

Of course, Russia has more than just the proverbial two problems. But those two can lead to a whole lot more…

Marathon man tours Russia to raise hopes for orphans

24/08/2011 15:12

Possible breakthrough in Politkovskaya killing

24/08/2011 13:12

Putin talks tough on the North Caucasus

24/08/2011 10:30

Avianova faces license threat

23/08/2011 16:20

Eto'o deal is done at last

24/08/2011 12:13

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