On the 26th – 27th of February 2008 the International scientific and practical Conference "Language as a tool for understanding and misunderstanding: Russian-American linguistic and cultural comparisons" took place in the Russian State University for the Humanities.
On the 26th – 27th of February 2008 the International scientific and practical Conference "Language as a tool for understanding and misunderstanding: Russian-American linguistic and cultural comparisons" took place in the Russian State University for the Humanities.
Leading Russian and American experts in the field of linguistics, cultural studies, history were participants in the conference.
In the opening address the rector of the RSUH, Efim I. Pivovar, greeted on participants of the conference and attending foreign guests and thanked the American Embassy to the Russian Federation for providing support in the holding of the event. Also he noted the significant importance and relevance of the Conference, which is an important instrument of the mutual rapprochement, eliminating the problems associated with cross-cultural and linguistic barriers.
Scientists from leading Russian and American Institutions of higher education spoke at the event. The following members were among them, Northwestern University, IL, USA; Monmouth College, IL, USA, University of Iowa, IA, USA, Brigham Young University, Georgetown University, Washington DC, Russian State University for the Humanities, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow State Linguistics University, State University - Higher School of Economics, Moscow State Institute of International Relations; Voronezh State University, etc.
Russian-American linguistic and cultural comparison were the main topics for the discussion. Papers illustrated the concepts of Russian and American cultures and their reflection in language, the problems of mutual study of cultures, didactic issues of teaching language and culture, the problems associated with the translation of Russian literature in America and American literature in Russia were presented there. Participants took part in the development of various sections during which they had been discussing questions of studying mass media and political discourse, mutual perception of cultures; linguistic world-image, the problems of cross-cultural communication and translation; issues didactics; Russian and American literature, and the specifics of its mutual translation.
Various methods of teaching English and Russian languages were presented at the Conference. Also possible ways to overcome the difficulties associated with the metaphoric translation of classical poetry and prose were suggested there. Presentations particularly stressed the need for mutual understanding of Russian and American cultures as a way to eliminate language barriers and communication problems.
