Russian Culture & Russian Language Translators, Interpreters, Russian Litigation Document Reviewers: August 2007 Archives

August 4, 2007

Distinguish Between Individualistic and Collectivist Cultures when Dealing with Foreign Nationals

Which culture would you rather be born into: individualistic, or collectivist?
Can you predict, how your foreign clients will answer this question?

Did you know that English is the only major language in which the pronoun "I" is capitalized? No wonder our mainstream individualistic culture values the "I" mentality, and puts the emphasis on the individual over the group. It is acceptable and appropriate in our culture to blow one's own horn. We even say, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease".

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August 2, 2007

For Russians, Influential Connections, Not Hard Work, Key to Wealth

Old habits die hard. And so do one’s cultural values. People can easily move from one country to another, from one continent to another, but they rarely travel light. They always carry their cultural baggage with them.

How well do you know your law firm's foreign clients?

Is your foreign client influenced by the "I", or by the "we" mentality? Can you guess, what moral choices your non-English-speaking clients would make? Can you predict, for instance, how your foreign client perceives he can get wealthy?

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