Russian Profile
Language and Communication Styles

Language

Language and communication are no longer a problem for Victor and Vera, who have both been in the United States for over ten years now. Vera learned English through the help of classes at the Mohawk Valley Refugee Center, and was recently trained by the Multicultural Association of Medical Interpreters (MAMI) to interpret at medical facilities.

However, communication was certainly difficult for both Vera and Victor when they first arrived in Utica - and new refugees also struggle with this problem. Like most refugees, Vera and Victor had no prior instruction in English language. The Mohawk Valley Refugee Center is an important resource for recent refugees, as the center provides English, as a second language, classes and can help refugees find employment.

MAMI is also an important resource for refugees and the health care centers which serve them. While St. Elizabeth's has used AT&T interpreter service in the past to communicate with patients who do not know English, having an interpreter present can be much more effective than the telephone service. Not only is it easier logistically, as sometimes very ill patients can not get to the phone, MAMI's interpreters also have the cultural training to bridge both the language and the culture gap that often exists between health care providers and recent refugees.

Communication Styles

At first, it may seem that Russians have a communication style very similar to those of Americans. However, their nonverbal communication style may be more subtle than those of Americans - making it even more important to pay close attention when speaking with a Russian.

One of the most striking features of the Russian communication style is the difference in interpersonal space most Russians have, in comparison to most Americans. Russians tend to approach others much more closely than most Americans would.