I feel like I need to vent a little bit so I apologize in advance if this blog comes across too negative or disorganized.
Up until this point, I really haven't had any issues with Russians or trying to shop with my extremely limited vocabulary. Probably because we are usually accompanied by our friendly classmates-turned-translators. But recently we have begun venturing out on our own. This really hasn't been a problem, either. Between the few words or phrases we know, some strange form of sign language, and a lot of pointing, we make due. What really has been the point of frustration for me lately is the feeling of...contempt, maybe? I have sensed from the Russians we have encountered at stores or restaurants. Contempt is probably too strong of a word. Miles and I were discussing this as we were coming back from downtown Moscow. He doesn't get the vibe as strongly as I do (maybe I'm just reading too much into it) but has encountered it a little.
In the major centers of the city, most restaurants offer English menus and many of the stores have English text under the signs (if not strictly English signs). And yet I'm surprised, whether I should be or not, by the limited ability we have to ask for help or understand directions. Most of the staff seem to know just a little English, if any, and I get a sense that our ignorance and perhaps even mere presence is annoying. This might just be a wrong impression or a stereotype but I can't help but feel a little awkward or dumb when I stand there unable to communicate. It's made worse by the fact that every time I fail to communicate or understand, I feel like the Russians talk to each other about it. I suppose in the same situation in America, I would expect nothing less, either. Maybe foreigners are merely a curiosity, if not a slight frustration, to workers in general.
Yesterday, I went to the grocery store and when I went to pay, the cashier tried to tell me to pay with some small change I had to make it even. It took me a while to get what she was saying (and I only did because I was rescued by Nadia) and as she handed me my change, she turned to the other cashier and started laughing and talking as she glanced at me. Maybe it had nothing to do with me, but I couldn't help feeling a little irritated as I left. It's times like these that I really wish I knew Russian fluently. I know that not all Russians behave in this manner, but I know that it has happened on more than one occasion because I can tell by the expression in our translators' faces that something perhaps less-than-friendly is being said. Obviously, there's nothing I can do about it.
But it's frustrating.
If it's any consolation, Russian cashiers and shop assistants are notoriously rude and disrespectful to ALL customers. Next time you are at the store, try to act more assertive and unapologetic. So what that you don't have the exact change? Let them deal with it! I'd recommend preparing a shopping list in Russian ahead of time. Spend some extra time looking up words in Russian and write them down in Russian. That way, you will grow your vocabulary and won't end up buying СОДА instead of МУКА.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the consolation, I don't feel quite so bad about it now and I will work on my Russian assertiveness (and preparation with the packing list). I appreciate your input, I'm glad my observations aren't completely off the mark!
ReplyDeleteHi Marie, I'm one of the students that was in the program last year. I sympathize with your frustration. It's difficult to live in a place where every interaction is a chance for embarrassment.
ReplyDeleteI know it's probably obvious, but it wasn't for me: when buying anything, always watch the digital readout of the cost, then prepare exact change from that. That way it doesn't matter if they mumble the cash amount. Also, the shopping center two metro stops north takes credit, which means you don't have to deal with making change.
We found it helped relieve stress to spend time at bilingual restaurants and bars. Our favorite was the Don John, an English-style pub near Taganskaya metro station. And of course there is always the Starlight.