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VALUES
Dear friends, after reading this section, you will be able to:
– Understand values and their importance;
– Identify and describe different categories of values.
Needless to say, that the notion ‘a value’ is a very complicated phenomenon. Finding an adequate definition is always a challenge even for an analytically-minded person. For exploring the notions mentioned in the headline work in pairs to discuss the definition of a value.
3.5.1. Use one of these rules to define the word:
– find a synonym (a word with the same meaning) or a more general word with the same concept
– find words or phrases that specify the general into more specific.
Now share your ideas with your peers, choose the definition that you find the best and formulate the reasons for it.
3.5.1.2. Study the definitions given in the text and write out the key words used to define the word “value”.
What are values?
Values are ideals that guide or qualify your personal conduct, interaction with others, and involvement in your career. Like morals, they help you to distinguish what is right from what is wrong and inform you on how you can conduct your life in a meaningful way.
Values can be classified into some categories: universal, national, personal, cultural, social, work values.
“Values are defined in literature as everything from eternal ideas to behavioral actions. Values refer to criteria for determining levels of goodness, worth or beauty. Values are affectively-laden thoughts about objects, ideas, behavior, etc. that guide behavior, but do not necessarily require it. The act of valuing is considered an act of making value judgments, an expression of feeling, or the acquisition of and adherence to a set of principles.” (Rokeach, 1973)
“A value is an ambiguous concept that governs human behaviour.” (Unknown)
“A value is anything of interest to a human subject”. (Perry)
Gordon W. Allport: “A value is a belief upon which a man acts by preference”.
Stephen C. Pepper says about values as referring to interests, pleasures, likes,
preferences, duties, moral obligations, desires, wants, needs, aversions and attractions, and many other modalities of selective orientation.” ((From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
3.5.1.3. What do the key words specify, what ideas are highlighted:
a) Desires, pleasures, reward?
b) Needs, obligations, enforcement?
c) Choice, preferences?
d) Group, community, society?
Do some dictionary research and compare definitions for a value given there with those mentioned above.
3.5.1.5. Make a small presentation concerning the definitions of a value in the class according to the plan:
– Introduction (the complexity of the phenomenon, multiplicity of approaches, diversity of application);
– The main body (the words and ideas used in definitions);
– Conclusion (the best definitions from your point of view and reasons).
GLOBAL VALUES
3.5.1.6. Read “Ten Commandments” - God’s Revelation in the Bible’s Old Testament, Chapter 20. They were given by God to the people of Israel at Mount Sinai after He had delivered them from slavery in Egypt. What values are still of great importance? Are they universal?
And God spoke all these words, saying: “I am the LORD your God…”
ONE: “You shall have no other gods before Me.”
TWO: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image – any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.”
THREE: “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.”
FOUR: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”
FIVE: “Honor your father and your mother.”
SIX: “You shall not murder.”
SEVEN: “You shall not commit adultery.”
EIGHT: “You shall not steal.”
NINE: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”
TEN: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”
3.5.1.7. Skim the text “Global (Universal) Values” and comment on the necessity of them.
The values of our founders are still not fully realized. Far from it, they are much more broadly accepted today than they were a few decades ago. The Universal Declaration has been accepted in legal systems across the world, and has become a point of reference for people who long for human rights in every country. The world has improved but universal values are also more acutely needed, in this age of globalization, than ever before.
Every society needs to be bound together by common values, so that its members know what to expect of each other, and have some shared principles by which to manage their differences without resorting to violence.
That is true of local communities and of national communities. Today, as globalization brings us all closer together, and our lives are affected almost instantly by things that people say and do on the far side of the world, we also feel the need to live as a global community. And we can do so only if we have global values to bind us together. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki)
3.5.1.8. Do you agree that a value is universal if and only if the same value is applicable:
A) At all times
– In the past
– At the present
– In the future?
B) To all humans
– Different cultures
– Different genders
– Different religious background?
C) Under all circumstances
– Among members of a family
– In work setting
– Between nations?
3.5.1.9. Read the definitions of different categories of values. Do you agree with them? What can you add there? What categories of values are missed? Complete the list of definitions.
Personal values are principles that define you as an individual. Personal values, such as honesty, reliability, and trust, determine how you will face the world and relate with people.
Cultural values, like the practice of your faith and customs, are principles that sustain connections with your cultural roots. They help you feel connected to a larger community of people with similar backgrounds.
Social values are principles that indicate how you relate meaningfully to others in social situations, including those involving family, friends, and co-workers.
Work values are principles that guide your behaviour in professional contexts. They define how you work and how you relate to your co-workers, bosses, and clients. They also reveal your potential for advancement.
3.5.1.10. Analyze the examples of values. Consult the dictionary to learn the words unknown to you. Sort out the words given below according to your understanding of different categories of values:
Examples of values: caring, altruism, autonomy, courage, ethnic roots, diversity, competitiveness, creativity, faith, eco-consciousness, conscientiousness, friendliness, linguistic ties, equality, dedication, honesty, national ties, fairness, ethics, honour, regional ties, family closeness, loyalty, independence, tradition, lovingness, professionalism, integrity, morality, punctuality, spirituality, reliability.
| Universal Values | National Values | Personal Values | Cultural Values | Social Values | Work Values |
3.5.1.11. Scan the text “Do We Still Have Universal Values?” Answer the following questions.
– Why was the Millennium Declaration adopted?
– What does it state?
– What fundamental values are reaffirmed?
– Why is it necessary to reassert the values today?
– Does the document say about human rights?
– Do we still have Universal Values?
– What problems are mentioned in the text?
– Are there any solutions recommended?
Three years ago, in the Millennium Declaration, all states reaffirmed certain fundamental values as being “essential to international relations in the 21st century”: freedom, equality, solidarity, tolerance, respect for nature and shared responsibility.
They adopted practical, achievable targets – the Millennium Development Goals – for relieving the blight of extreme poverty and making such rights as education, basic health care and clean water a reality for all.
Globalization has brought us closer together in the sense that we are all affected by each other’s actions — but not in the sense that we all share the benefits and the burdens.
“Values are not there to serve philosophers or theologians – but to help people live their lives and organize their societies.”
We have seen what disastrous consequences particularistic value systems can have: ethnic cleansing, genocide, terrorism and the spread of fear, hatred and discrimination.
This is a time to reassert our universal values. We must firmly condemn the cold-blooded nihilism of attacks such as those that struck the United States on September 11, 2001.
Values are not there to serve philosophers or theologians – but to help people live their lives and organize their societies.
At the international level, we need mechanisms of cooperation strong enough to insist on universal values.
“Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing, medical care and necessary social services.”
But they must be flexible enough to help people realize those values in ways they can actually apply in their specific circumstances. In the end, history will judge us not by what we say but by what we do.
Those who preach certain values loudest – such as the values of freedom, the rule of law and equality before the law have – a special obligation to live by those values in their own lives and their own societies.
Human rights and universal values are almost synonymous – so long as we understand that rights do not exist in a vacuum. They entail a corresponding set of obligations, and obligations are only meaningful where there is the capacity to carry them out. “Ought implies can.”
So what is my answer to the provocative question that I took as my title?
Do we still have universal values? Yes, we do but – we should not take them for granted. They need to be carefully thought through. They need to be defended — and strengthened.
We need to find within ourselves the will to live by the values we proclaim in our private lives, in our local and national societies – and in the world.
(Adapted from Kofi Annan's speech “Ethics, Human Rights and Globalization” given in Germany on December 12, 2003. For the complete version:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Universal_value)
3.5.1.12. Skim the text “The Search for Universal Values”. Find the answers to the following questions:
What is Schwartz’s definition of values?
What types of human need would universal values relate to?
What is the result of the research?
What are Schwartz’s types of universal values?
What type of values is not recognized by all cultures?
S. H. Schwartz, along with a number of colleagues, has carried out empirical research investigating whether there are universal values, and what those values are. Schwartz defined “values” as “conceptions of the desirable that influence the way people select action and evaluate events”. He hypothesized that universal values would relate to three different types of human need: biological needs, social co-ordination needs, and needs related to the welfare and survival of groups. Schwartz’s results from a series of studies that included surveys of more than 25,000 people in 44 countries with a wide range of different cultural types suggest that there are fifty-six specific universal values and ten types of universal value.
Schwartz’s ten types of universal value are: power, achievement, hedonism, stimulation, self-direction, universalism, benevolence, tradition, conformity, and security. Below there is each of the value types, with the specific related values alongside:
Power: authority; leadership; dominance
Achievement: success; capability; ambition; influence; intelligence; self-respect
Hedonism: pleasure; enjoying life
Stimulation: daring activities; varied life; exciting life
Self-direction: creativity; freedom; independence; curiosity; choosing your own goals
Universalism: broadmindedness; wisdom; social justice; equality; a world at peace; a world of beauty; unity with nature; protecting the environment; inner harmony
Benevolence: helpfulness; honesty; forgiveness; loyalty; responsibility; friendship
Tradition: accepting one's portion in life; humility; devoutness; respect for tradition; moderation
Conformity: self-discipline; obedience
Security: cleanliness; family security; national security; stability of social order; reciprocation of favours; health; sense of belonging
Schwartz also tested an eleventh possible universal value, “spirituality”, or 'the goal of finding meaning in life', but found that it does not seem to be recognized in all cultures.
Match the words and prepositions. Translate the parts of the text where these words are used. Make the situation with the words mentioned below.
| 1. result | a) with |
| 2. relate | b) out |
| 3. carry | c) from |
| 4. along | d) to |
Find the nouns corresponding to different values. Mind their suffixes. Think of adjectives with the same roots. Give some word combinations with these adjectives.
Example: health – healthy – healthy people.
3.5.1.15. Work in the groups of three. Make the list of adjectives that can be considered as personal traits of one of your peers. Can they recognize themselves?
3.5.1.16. While scanning the text below do the following tasks:
– Pay special attention to Infinitives, Participles I, II, Gerunds;
– Mind linking words: starters and connectors;
– Using the English-Russian dictionary translate the first paragraph of the text in writing;
– Analyze the second paragraph. What does the author say about? What is his attitude to it? What is your opinion of it?
– Explain the meaning of the words from the paragraph 3 with the help of synonyms, opposites, or definitions:
Abruptly
Prior to something
Turn something into
Under the pressure of something
Hand-in-hand with
To be resistant to
External
– Write a short summary of the text (in writing). Use non-verbals and linking words.
At the dawn of global civil society, the test for humanity is to achieve unity while preserving cultural differences as well as the distinctiveness of nations and peoples. Such unity can be reached only by recognizing human values, especially human rights. However, these rights must be strictly determined and more than mere obligations. Hence, the most important task is to develop foundations and principles for a world society and to formulate a global consciousness and a humanistic worldview that adequately reflects the realities of our epoch. Our action must increasingly be based on an acknowledgment of global values.
Since morality is closely intertwined with social and technological achievements, I want to underline the necessity of moral reevaluation and the need to be flexible and tolerant concerning value orientations if we wish to avoid global instability.
Undoubtedly, contemporary global problems find their roots in the consequences of scientific and technological progress. The most important of these problems are the threat of global nuclear war, ecological imbalance, unsustainable population growth, and a growing developmental gap in the socio-economic conditions among countries intertwined in this unprecedented global economy. Yet, the reason for many of these problems is pedagogical because only through education (which facilitates a realization of our role in the existence of global problems) does the human race have a chance to minimize, if not eliminate, the negative consequences of science and technology.
Despite constant efforts and urgent attempts to overcome these global problems the best we have are only some moderate results. Important decisions have not been made and important actions have not been taken. Serious reasons exist to think we are proceeding in the wrong direction in trying to find solutions. Our efforts aim to influence effects, not causes. As a result, we disclose new unintended problems even as we overcome some difficulties. And like a person trying to remove weeds by their leaves without removing their roots we go on wondering why the weeds continue to grow thicker and richer. So to seek the roots of our global problems one should first attempt an active beginning. This beginning should start with the human condition including relations with others and the environment.
In the last decade, science and technology have abruptly changed the human condition. Prior to the twentieth century, a nation's habits, norms, values, and social relations tended to be resistant to external influences and to be conservative in character. Under the pressures of science and technology, especially influencing a nation's economy, the modern world began transforming into our more global contemporary world. As this transformation continues, every aspect of the human condition alters. For example, transnational corporations turn the sphere of trade among countries into a global common market. Communication advances create a common space of information (which increases the speed while decreasing the time for social relations). Alterations in our spiritual life, also, go hand-in-hand with these changes in culture, science, and politics. Thus, all of these transformations which influence our human condition create a smaller planet in which people become more interdependent.
Despite the pressures of global interdependency (which impels social, political, and economic change), the world remains divided into highly developed and underdeveloped nations with the gap between these two groups ever-widening. Only one billion (called a golden billion) among the six billion inhabitants of our planet currently live in conditions which sustain, promote, and guarantee quality of life. The majority of our planet’s inhabitants lives in poverty and see no prospects for themselves.
Our contemporary world still represents a mixed picture of sovereign national states. Some of them are rich and successful. The majority lag hopelessly behind in their socio-economic development. All of them undertake immense efforts defending their national sovereignty and carrying out politics exclusively on the basis of national interests. Such a nationalistic approach is unacceptable in our new context, when acknowledgement of global interdependency and the maintaining of a balance in social and environmental relations become the most important conditions for the advancement and survival of human beings.
In other words, our given circumstances leave us no choice but to seek to achieve a coordination of our actions, a unity in our aims, and an overcoming of the nationalistic separatism in our world. A necessary consideration, in overcoming such nationalism, is the recognition and acceptance of the diversity of cultural traditions which currently exist in various nations and among people.
However, imposing a value system (which respects diversity) on the basis of force or decree is unthinkable. Only two ways exist of regulating social relations in a civilized manner, by morality and by law. Yet moral development and legal processes take time to develop and renew slowly. Moreover, people need to respond now while they have time. We should not nourish illusions that we can guarantee our security by only banning and/or eliminating the proliferation and use of our nuclear arsenals. While such acts are necessary steps, they are insufficient to removing us from our dangerous situation.
People live in an epoch which poses numerous possibilities and means by which we may eliminate ourselves on a global basis. For example, the destruction of the ozone layer of the planet’s atmosphere, the possibility of chemical or biological warfare or terrorism, and the destruction/meltdown of nuclear power stations offer similar fates as nuclear warfare. Of course, we should continue to promote the elimination of nuclear weapons, but people must recognize that no comprehensive solution exists, and hence there is no secure future for humanity.
The primary effort of people should be directed away from destroying each other (militarily and especially socio-economically) and our environment and toward the creation of moral, just, peaceful, and sustainable social and environmental relations. In order to reach these goals, we need to reinterpret and reevaluate ourselves and our world and alter our behavior and value orientations. Human values must reflect the idea that all of us live as one large family on one small earth. We have nowhere to go and cannot change this awful aspect of our existence.
What we can and must do is reevaluate our values, promote a global oriented morality, and implement appropriate international laws. In this case, human rights legislation becomes of utmost importance. Yet prior to such legislation is the necessity that everyone should receive an education which facilitates an understanding of our current global situation along with a respectful appreciation for diversity and otherness. All human beings must recognize themselves as inhabitants of one world and act accordingly. Hence, all nation-states, despite their traditions, beliefs, and values, are obligated to give priority to the common interests of human beings in order to preserve all life on earth. No one can with certainty forecast the fate of humanity or of our planet. But the degree to which we are able to influence conditions of life on our planet requires each of us to acknowledge global values and our responsibility for acting on such values. (Alexander Chumakov, Russian Philosophical Society)
3.5.1.17. Read the text once again and find different sentence starters and connectives (linking words) which can express:
Presenting the results
Giving evidence
Drawing a conclusion
Providing additional information
Providing illustrations
Generalizing
Specifying
Contrasting
Think of some other sentence starters and connectives which structure the text and make the reading easier and the information clearer.
Make a presentation of your project for peer evaluation. Peer Review Form for Project Evaluation gives a set of criteria for consideration the quality of project presentation.
| Criteria | Excellent | Good | Poor | Comments |
| Layout: structure, clearly stated purpose and objective(s) | ||||
| Development: ideas, explanation and proves; supporting material, references and resources | ||||
| Style: sentences and words variations, level appropriate for the audience | ||||
| Grammar and spelling | ||||
| Recommendations: 1. 2. 3. |
Project work 1. Shared Values. Work in group of four. Make a list of 15 values and ask different people from different countries (using chats, e-mails, blogs) to check off the 5 most important values in their daily lives. Then you have to rank those top 5. Make a presentation of any kind (diagrams, charts, tables, posters, PowerPoint, etc.) State the objectives for your survey give the statistics (the number of the participants, the number of the countries involved, the gender of the participants, their age if possible) and make the conclusion.
Here are some values you can use in your survey: truth, compassion, responsibility, freedom, reverence for life, fairness, self respect, preservation of nature, tolerance, generosity, humility, social harmony, honour, devotion, respect for elders, respect for life, liberty, justice and equity, mutual respect, caring, integrity and others.
Project work 2. Human Values. You have to assess “the moral barometer” in your community (group, university, neighbourhood) and determine if you think it is rising or falling?
Based on the activity results identify the items on the falling and rising “moral barometer”. Suggest what, as students, you feel you could do about the items found on the falling barometer list. What could you personally do, what could your community do, and what could the government do? And finally, what items from the rising barometer list would help you to improve the situation?
3.5.2.1. Read the text “Cultural Values” and do some tasks:
– Pay special attention to its structure; underline one sentence in each paragraph that best expresses the message of the passage. Are these sentences positioned at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of the paragraph?
– Write out all verbs that can be used with the word “value”; make a ‘spidergram’.
– Be ready to compare the values in the USA with the values in Russia. What do we have in common? What is different?
Groups, societies, or cultures have values that are largely shared by their members. The values identify those objects, conditions or characteristics that members of the society consider important; that is, valuable. In the United States, for example, values might include material comfort, wealth, competition, individualism or religiosity. The values of a society can often be identified by noting which people receive honor or respect. In the US, for example, professional athletes are more highly honored than college professors, in part because the society values physical activity and competitiveness more than mental activity and education. Surveys show that voters in the United States would be reluctant to elect an atheist as a president, suggesting that belief in God is a value.
Values are related to the norms of a culture, but they are more general and abstract than norms. Norms are rules for behavior in specific situations, while values identify what should be judged as good or bad. Flying the national flag on a holiday is a norm, but it reflects the value of patriotism. Wearing dark clothing and appearing solemn are normative behaviors at a funeral. They reflect the values of respect and support of friends and family.
Members take part in a culture even if each member’s personal values do not entirely agree with some of the normative values sanctioned in the culture. This reflects an individual’s ability to synthesize and extract aspects valuable to them from the multiple subcultures they belong to.
If a group member expresses a value that is in serious conflict with the group’s norms, the group’s authority may carry out various ways of encouraging conformity or stigmatizing the non-conforming behavior of its members. For example, imprisonment can result from conflict with national or social norms that have been established as law.
Agree or disagree with the following statements. Give some reasons to prove your ideas.
Russians don’t care about material possessions.
Russians most important values are its economical power and political independence.
Russian and American most important symbols are moral values and human rights.
You can’t condemn people as having no values.
3.5.2.3. Here is the information about human values in one of the democratic countries. What values can be considered the same for Russia?
| Time span | |
| Eternal (timeless) | Temporary |
| Freedom Peace Justice Love Loyalty Tolerance | Cultural tolerance Self-reliance Employment Quality of life |
| Span of coverage | ||
| Personal | Social | Universal |
| Freedom Honesty Independence Self-reliance Education Responsibility Intelligence Financial security Health | Human rights Cultural tolerance Morality Socialization Flexibility Cooperation | Peace Human rights Social justice Environmental protection |
| Sphere of application | |||
| Economy | Family | Religion | Constitution |
| Stability Progress Material possessions | Love Responsibility Harmony Respect Faithfulness Kindness | Faith Sympathy Tolerance Compassion Chastity | Law and order Political independence Human rights Social equality Federalism Justice |
Read all the paragraphs about Russia, join them into logical parts, give each part a heading and arrange the text as to the priority.
a) The national symbols of Russia are a part of the cultural heritage of the country which has given the country its national identity. These national symbols of Russia represent the significance of the traditional values and customs which have been a part of this country since ancient times. Here's the information on national symbols of Russia such as National Flag of Russia, National Anthem of Russia and Two-Headed Eagle.
b) Virgin Komi Forests are recognized as one of the popular world heritage site by U.N.E.S.C.O. Virgin Komi Forests is situated in the Ural Mountainous region. With an area of 32,800 square kilometres it is regarded as one of the largest forests in Russia.
c) The two heads of the eagle stands for the two parts of vast Russian empire, European and Asian, which are believed to be the important parts of the country of Russia.
d) Thus, an analysis of the background of the national symbols of Russia gives you an idea of the rich historical heritage of the country.
e) The rich heritage of Russia has different facets which have been accumulated over the past many decades as a result of confluence with other nations. The varied aspects of Russian heritage bear testimony to the great historic events that left an impressive string of wide monumental records, which are hard to ignore.
f) Here’s some information on heritage of Russia and the important heritage sites: Moscow Kremlin --- this historic site has been inhabited since the 2nd century B.C. Till the14th century it was known as the grad of Moscow, however the term
“kremlin” was first recorded in 1331. It was built between 1320 and 1330 and later became the residence of the Tsars. In 1812 Napoleon’s invaded Russia, and occupied the Kremlin from the 2nd of September to the 11th of October. This magnificent architectural landmark of Russia has undergone significant changes as originally there were 18 towers in Kremlin but later they were increased to twenty in the 17th century.
g) Veliky Novgorod is situated between Moscow and St. Petersburg. The historic city of Novgorod is regarded as one of the oldest Slavic cities of the world. It was first discovered in 859 and well known as a hub of international trade. The city has been witnessed to great historic wars and events which changed the very face of the country. One of the famous leaders of that time was Novgorodians Yaroslav the Wise, who promulgated a set of code of laws and ordered the construction of the St Sophia Cathedral.
h) The national flag of Russia is a tri-color flag: white colour which lies on the top, blue in the middle and red on the bottom. White stands for nobility and frankness; blue symbolizes loyalty, honesty, chastity and scarlet represents self-sacrifice, generosity and love. While some Russians believe that red means the land, blue stands for sky, and white symbolizes heaven.
i) Altay Mountains is thehuge mountain range, that covers central Asia, China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan come together, along with rivers such as the Irtysh, measuring the Ob and the Yenissei and forms an essential part of Russia. A vast area 16,175 square kilometres comprises of Altai and Katun Natural Reserves, Mount Belukha, Lake Teletskoye and the Ukok Plateau has been accredited as World Heritage Site by U.N.E.S.C.O.
j) Kamchatka Peninsula is situated between the Pacific Ocean which lies to the east and the Sea of Okhotsk onto the west. It is also an important part of the Russian Kamchatka Oblast. The surrounding river valleys coupled together with the presence of few active volcanoes contributes to its scenic beauty, thereby attracting tourists from different parts of the world.
k) Lake Baikal finds special mention in many Russian mythological scriptures and literary works. Geographically, it is the deepest and oldest lake of the world and one of the biggest fresh water lake of the world. The presence of unique wild life species makes it the ideal destination for nature lovers as it is home to 1085 plant species and 1550 animal species.
l) In 1944 the national anthem of Russia was accepted. The music was composed by Alexander Alexandrov and the lyrics were written by Russian Federalist Sergey Mikhalkov. In 2000, Vladimir Putin the President of Russia of that period made some minor changes in the Russian national song.
m) The two-headed eagle first appeared in Russia during the time of Moscovia, in the 15th century. Two-headed eagle has been the symbol of the monarchy of Russia for more than four hundred years. But with the advent of Russian revolution and dethroning of the Tsar Empire, it was on the verge of extinction. In 1993, under the initiative of President Boris Yeltsin it was again adopted on the 30th of November, 1993.
n)The origin of the Russian culture can be traced back to the early Slavic roots. However, Byzantine influence is also pre-dominant in much of Russian architecture. Throughout many decades, the art and culture of Russia has been under the influence of other European countries such as France, Germany, Spain and even Mongolia, too. However, the evolution of avant-garde in Russia led to the rise of modern art which flourished all throughout the country and continued to be like that till the second half of 1960s. One of the most interesting features of the art and culture of Russia lies in the fact that the emergence of Soviet art significantly contributed to the emergence of Proletarian culture added by new wave of political upsurge during that time and the Russian art in general.
o) It’s important to note that Russian icon painting was inspired by Byzantine churches, and later it was transformed into mosaic and fresco art forms. An overview of Russian art and culture is its rich literature and its varied forms. Russia has more than 50,000 state public libraries and a thousand or more art galleries. The Russian literature has undergone significant changes at different periods, each era having distinct characteristics of its own. Popular Russian writers include Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Chekhov, Joseph Brodsky, Sergei Dovlatov and others. Thus, this information on art and culture of Russia provides you a glimpse of the rich Russian cultural heritage.
p) The kingdom of Russia was founded in the 12th century, followed by rule of the Mongols during the 13th and 15th centuries. The geographical coordinates of Russia state that the country is located at 60,00 N, 100,00 E degrees. The total surface area covered by the country includes 17,075,200 square kilometers of which land covers 16,995,800 square kilometers and water 79,400 square kilometers. The major seas of Russia are the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
r) Information on geography of Russia remains incomplete without mentioning its neighboring countries. They are: Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Mongolia, North Korea, Norway, Poland and Ukraine.
s) The vast stretches of Russia is divided on the basis of its unique geographical features such asthe Ural Mountains which are regarded as one of the famous mountainous regions extending from Europe to Asia. This mountainous range extends about 2,100 kilometers from the Arctic Ocean to the northern fringes of Kazakhstan. It’s important to note that formidable part of this range is spread across Russia.
t) Nearly 10% of Russia’s land is a marshy plain stretching from the Finnish border in the west to the Bering Strait onto the east, along with the Pacific coast which lies onto the northern Kamchatka Peninsula. This place is also home to various industries. Here, oil and natural gas deposits have been found in abundance.
u) The steppe has been a unique identity of the scenic Russian landscape, since time immemorial. It extends from Hungary, southern Russia, Kazakhstan and ends in Manchuria. However, majority of the steppe was found in parts of Ukrainian and Kazakh republics; the other ones are seen across southward the Black and Caspian Seas before especially around the territory of Kalmykia. This geographical zone is favorable for agricultural cultivation as it has a moderate temperature.
v) Situated between the Black and Caspian seas, the Caucasus Mountains are a formidable boundary between Europe and Asia. Mount Elbrus is the highest peak of this region with an altitude of 5,642 meters. It extends from the Crimean and Carpathian Mountains to the south east to Central Asia covering the Tan Shan and Pamir. Thus, the geography of Russia consists of wide landscapes and scenic natural valleys.
w) To know more on the geography of Russia, you need to know about its wonderful wildlife. Major animals found are tigers, polar bears, orcas, wild leopards, walruses, seals, foxes, partridges, snowy owls, etc.
x) “Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.” These words by famous British statesman Winston Churchill aptly throws light on the pulsating art and culture of Russia. The Russians are world famous for their unique artistry coupled together with awe inspiring architectural landmarks. The different aspects of Russian art and culture find its best expression in its rich heritage. Russian handicrafts are the most talked about items for their intricate craftsmanship widely known as Gzhel, Khokhloma and Pisanka.
y) If you’re in Russia, you cannot afford to miss out on the string of entertainment activities which form an essential part of art and culture of Russia. In 1920, cinema came to be widely used to motivate and inspire people to take active part in national politics; this form of entertainment still continues to serve as the source of amusement for all sections of Russian society. A comprehensive analysis of art and culture of Russia remains incomplete without mentioning Russian ballets and the majestic Russian operas. Since the early ages, the native music forms of Russia has undergone significant changes and today are invariably an amalgamation of varied rock and pop music. The scintillating night life in the major cities of Russia also offers variety of gastronomical delights, which are hard to ignore.
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