What is RUSSIAN CULTURE Like? - Books, Cartoons, Music, and People - I WANT TO GO TO RUSSIA S1 E3

Summary

This video explores key aspects of Russian culture, focusing on the importance of literature, music, and art. It highlights how Russian education incorporates classic literature, with authors like Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy, and Pushkin playing a central role. Cartoons, museums, and proverbs also form an integral part of daily life, with shared cultural references linking generations. The video introduces famous Russian figures such as Yuri Gagarin, Mikhail Kalashnikov, and Dmitri Mendeleev, as well as the impact of music through both historical and contemporary artists. It offers a comprehensive view of Russian cultural traditions and artistic heritage.

Takeaways

• 😀 Russian literature is a cornerstone of education, with students reading classic works by Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy, and Pushkin starting in middle school.
• 😀 Literature is not only read in Russia but also analyzed and discussed in-depth, and references from books are frequently used in everyday conversation.
• 😀 Russian cartoons like *Vinni Pukh* and *Troye* are an integral part of childhood, with many cultural references stemming from these cartoons.
• 😀 Museums are a vital part of Russian culture, with major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg home to world-class museums like the Historical Museum and Hermitage.
• 😀 Proverbs and sayings play a key role in Russian daily life, with expressions like *Bistro* emphasizing the value of hard work and perseverance.
• 😀 Russia has a rich literary tradition, with iconic authors such as Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy, and Pushkin shaping national identity and culture.
• 😀 Russian music spans various genres, from classic rock bands like *Kino* and *Machine* to contemporary artists such as *Little Big* and *Miyagi & Andy Panda*.
• 😀 *Vesotsky*, a singer, poet, and actor, is known for his emotionally charged music and storytelling style, making him a beloved figure in Russian culture.
• 😀 Russian scientific achievements are significant, with figures like Yuri Gagarin (the first person in space) and Mendeleev (creator of the periodic table) recognized globally.
• 😀 The AK-47, created by Kalashnikov, remains a powerful symbol of Russian engineering and has had a lasting global impact, despite its controversial use.

Q & A

What role does literature play in Russian culture?

Literature plays a significant role in Russian culture, with Russians reading a lot from a young age. Books are studied in school, starting from middle school through high school. Literature is not only read but also analyzed in depth, with discussions on the author’s intentions and key takeaways.

How does Russian literature influence daily life in Russia?

Russian literature is frequently referenced in everyday conversations, with people using well-known quotes and phrases from books to communicate ideas or values. For example, phrases like 'I brought you into the world, and I can take you out' from *Taras Bulba* are part of everyday language.

What are some popular Russian cartoons mentioned in the video?

The video mentions cartoons like 'Vinipu Troye' and others that people in Russia, particularly those born in the 1990s, grew up watching. These cartoons are beloved and often referenced in Russian culture.

What are some notable Russian museums?

There are many famous museums in Russia, including the Historical Museum in Moscow, located near the Kremlin, the Pushkin Museum, and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. These museums showcase Russian history, art, and culture.

How are proverbs used in Russian culture?

Proverbs are an essential part of Russian culture, used frequently in daily conversations. For example, the proverb 'Bistro' means that nothing can be achieved without hard work. Proverbs reflect the values and wisdom passed down through generations.

Who are some of the most famous Russian writers mentioned in the video?

The video mentions several famous Russian writers, including Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Leo Tolstoy, and Alexander Pushkin. These writers are considered classics, with works like *War and Peace* and *Crime and Punishment* being widely known and studied.

What is the significance of Russian music in the culture?

Music is an integral part of Russian culture, ranging from classic rock bands like 'Machine' and 'Kino' to contemporary genres like hip-hop. Famous musicians like Vladimir Vysotsky have had a profound impact, and current artists like Little Big and Miyagi continue to shape the music scene.

Who are some famous Russian scientists mentioned in the video?

The video mentions several notable Russian scientists, including Yuri Gagarin, the first person to fly into space, Mikhail Kalashnikov, the creator of the AK-47, and Dmitri Mendeleev, who developed the Periodic Table of Elements.

What is the historical importance of Yuri Gagarin in Russia?

Yuri Gagarin is a national hero in Russia for being the first human to journey into space. His achievement is celebrated annually on April 12, and he is widely honored with streets and stations named after him, including in cities across Russia.

What can tourists learn about Russian culture through art and museums?

Tourists can gain a deeper understanding of Russian culture by visiting museums and experiencing the art, literature, and history that shape the Russian way of life. Key landmarks like the Hermitage and the Pushkin Museum provide valuable insight into Russian artistic traditions and history.