Sochi Notebook: Russian vs. Western Styles of Talking

File Photo of Sochi Olympics Banner Near Highway in Warm Weather with Vehicle and Cyclicsts Nearby

(Moscow Times – themoscowtimes.com – Ivan Nechepurenko – SOCHI – February 17, 2014) Russians tend to become reticent when approached by reporters at the Winter Olympics.

In contrast, North Americans and many Europeans show no qualms at all. They go up to reporters on their own initiative and are not wary about giving their last names. They also volunteer details about where they are from, what they do and where their children go to school.

The Olympics is one of the most international events in the world, and Sochi 2014 is offering a stage where the differences in communication practices are especially apparent.

Here’s an example: The atmosphere was jubilant as fans watched the U.S-Russia hockey match broadcast live on huge screens in central Sochi on Saturday. The consensus was that the team played well despite Russia’s ultimate loss. But Russian fans, when approached one-on-one, were aloof and cautious about revealing their thoughts.

“I am just watching the game,” one spectator told me, shyly refusing to continue the conversation.

When asked for last names at this and other events, some people answered, “What do you need it for?” Others smiled timidly and changed the topic.

With the Americans and many Europeans, the experience was different. For instance, Amanda Ammar, a cross-country skier from Alberta, Canada, came up to me on her own and started sharing her views and experiences. I, in turn, was expected to smile, be polite and never cross the boundaries of casual conversation.

At the same time, my conversations with Westerners always seemed to run up to certain impenetrable boundaries and, while it was easier to get straightforward answers, something essential felt like it was missing from the interactions.

Russian fans, athletes and officials have rarely given an outright “no” to an interview request. But many, at least initially, have sought to shrink away from the conversation. To obtain a proper interview with full names, you have to draw on all your emotional energy to cut the ice.

But once you are successful, Russians become overwhelmingly genuine and sincere. They invite you over for a second and third interview on subsequent encounters, try to shower you with gifts, and talk to you as if you are a close relative.

Once the bond is built, you cannot refuse an invitation to continue the conversation elsewhere.

“Just as I cannot say, ‘No,’ you cannot refuse as well,” one spectator told me.

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