Word: phrasebook
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Last year more than 7,000 Soviet citizens visited the U.S.-many of them armed with the official Russian-English Phrasebook, now in its third printing by Moscow's Foreign Literature Publishing House. Far from bridging the communications gap between East and West, this vade mecum is sure to cause confusion if not some international incidents...
...core of the communication problem is contained in three preliminary sentences that the phrasebook recommends to Russian tourists: "I don't know English. I know no other language except my native tongue. The study of foreign languages is greatly developed in our country." On his arrival, the Soviet visitor may be asked how he enjoyed his Aeroflot flight to the U.S. If so, he can be expected to reply: "Flying in the TU-114, I felt myself excellently." After his long journey, he clearly requires strong drink and a hearty meal. A profound cultural misunderstanding may be provoked, though...
Fortunately the language of international trade is universal-or is it? Take these-consecutive sentences, suggested by the phrasebook. "Whose invention is this? When was this invention patented? This is a Soviet invention." A more forthright approach is manifested by: "Show us your devices for outer space research work. How powerful is this reactor? Show me a working diagram of the reactor...