-What American (British) holidays do you know?
-There are many holidays in the USA (see card 12). The British have less holidays.
-What holidays are celebrated both in Russia and the USA/Great Britain?
-The New Year's Day, Christmas, Constitution Day and Independence Day.
-What is your favourite Russian holiday?
-My favourite holiday is the New Year's Day, because we celebrate it with lots of tasty food and many presents. To add to this, the winter vacation starts right after the holiday.
-When is Victory day celebrated?
-It is celebrated on the 9th of May.
-Is this day important for the Russians?
-Yes, it is. This day can be called sacred because the 9th of May was the last day of the most terrible war in the world for all times. During that war Russia lost 40 million people and a lot of resources. That's why this is a holiday with tears in our eyes, as it is sung in the famous song.
- How is Christmas celebrated in Great Britain?
- Children gather in groups and go from house to house singing carols, traditional songs for Christmas.
-What are Bank Holidays?
-These holidays were established by Act of Parliament in 1871 and now, as two centuries ago, banks do not work. That's why these holidays are called Bank Holidays. There are four Bank Holidays in a year. They are Easter Monday (in spring), Whit-Monday (in summer), the first Monday in August and the Boxing Day (the day after Christmas).
-Do Russian holidays show the Russian national character and the Russian way of life?
-Yes, they do. One of the aspects of the Russian way of life is live to friends and holidays, hospitality and generosity. All these Russian national traits of character can be seen in celebrating holidays. Heaps of food are cooked, all friends and relatives are invited, many expensive presents are given.
-Is the Russian national character influenced by geography?
-Well, partly, I think. Russian nature is beautiful and it seems to me that's why Russian people feel the beauty of nature and of the people. Russia has spacious plains, long rivers and deep forests, I think that's why Russian national characr\ter is known as broad.
-Are there any negative traits in the Russian character?
-I would call only trait really negative, it is expressed the very Russian word "авось" ("per haps"). Some Russian don't thoroughly plan or perform their activities and duties, but they do as they like hoping that everything will be all right, or, as they name it, on the off-chance.
-What national traits are you proud of?
-I'm proud of Russian people's being strong and brave, which they prove in all difficult situations. Russian people like to learn and to read, I think that's very important for any nation.
-Are Russians and Americans different in many ways?
-Yes, there are some differences. Americans like new things and new ideas where as Russians are mare conservative and try to keep to the old traditions. But both people are friendly and hospitable. "Pot luck" dinners are popular in America and in Russia.
-Is it easy now to speak about the Russian way of life and the national character?
Well, it's not, and we can see the Russian way of life, though now Russia is a multi-cultural and multi-national state. The Russian way of life, for example, includes the phenomenon of granny, who is the bosom friend for a child. Americans are not so close to their grannies. Their grannies don't tell them fairy-tales, don't help with school homework. Another example is the tendence of the children who are of age to with their parents. And I shouldn't forget about datcha. where almost all Russian children spend their holidays.