What Is The Ratio Of Russian To English Speakers These Days?

[RabC]

I travel worldwide with my work, normally with English (my native language) or my small knowledge of European languages I can manage to be understood. The black sea coast of Russia was the first place that I have been where I was totally stuck, I ended up calling my agent on the phone to get him to translate when I was in a hotel. The Russians appeared to have had no education in any other language so making communication impossible.

[metisdead]

Comments on moderation have been removed as well as some nonsense posts.

[rinteln]

Looks like the thread has gone off course slightly but to have my opinion on the original comment.

I could not disagree more, for 4 reasons.

1. Apart from the obvious Brits, most people from Europe who come here will be speaking English and perhaps some German. Plus all the Amercians, Canadians, Aussies will obviously be speaking English.

2. Are we forgetting all the areas of Pattaya. What about Naklua, Darkside. I live near 3rd Road, loads of Brits, Aussies etc.

3. I think maybe people are judging their opinion on concentrated areas. Yes if you go to Central shopping centre then it does feel like Moscow. Yes Jomtien is overrun, yes Royal Garden Plaza might aswell change Mcdonalds to a Russian menu but I think over the whole of Pattaya they don't run us over.

4. Are we forgetting the Thais and other Asians. They dont/wont aspire to speak Russian, they want English as their 2nd language.

Lastly, English is the most widely used language over the world. Pretty much everyone apart from Russians, Chinese or North Koreans will either speak some of it and/or will want to learn it.

I don't really have a conclusive opinion on Russians but I have 2 quite general observations that I have seen enough times to make me think its their culture. The blokes seem to speak to their women like dog poo (unless ofcourse shouting with anger is a nice thing in Russia) and I never see Russians smile.

Edited January 16, 2012 by rinteln

[tropo]

4. Are we forgetting the Thais and other Asians. They dont/wont aspire to speak Russian, they want English as their 2nd language.

I disagree. Right now many Thais are aspiring to speak Russian. They'll aspire to speak any language if there's a profit in it. Russian speaking real estate agents are now making a killing.

[Awohalitsiktoli]

Looks like the thread has gone off course slightly but to have my opinion on the original comment.

I could not disagree more, for 4 reasons.

1. Apart from the obvious Brits, most people from Europe who come here will be speaking English and perhaps some German. Plus all the Amercians, Canadians, Aussies will obviously be speaking English.

2. Are we forgetting all the areas of Pattaya. What about Naklua, Darkside. I live near 3rd Road, loads of Brits, Aussies etc.

3. I think maybe people are judging their opinion on concentrated areas. Yes if you go to Central shopping centre then it does feel like Moscow. Yes Jomtien is overrun, yes Royal Garden Plaza might aswell change Mcdonalds to a Russian menu but I think over the whole of Pattaya they don't run us over.

4. Are we forgetting the Thais and other Asians. They dont/wont aspire to speak Russian, they want English as their 2nd language.

Lastly, English is the most widely used language over the world. Pretty much everyone apart from Russians, Chinese or North Koreans will either speak some of it and/or will want to learn it.

I don't really have a conclusive opinion on Russians but I have 2 quite general observations that I have seen enough times to make me think its their culture. The blokes seem to speak to their women like dog poo (unless ofcourse shouting with anger is a nice thing in Russia) and I never see Russians smile.

I think the OPs point is clear: how many native-Russian speakers vs native English speakers (not Russians, Thais, Chinese, etc. who speak English). I would say 9 native-Russian speakers to 1 native English speaker. The place has turned into a Russian town, IMHO. I have nothing to say about whether it is good or bad. I will say the people pollution has gotten way out of hand.........way, way too much development and going in the wrong direction.

[rinteln]

4. Are we forgetting the Thais and other Asians. They dont/wont aspire to speak Russian, they want English as their 2nd language.

I disagree. Right now many Thais are aspiring to speak Russian. They'll aspire to speak any language if there's a profit in it. Russian speaking real estate agents are now making a killing.

Yes ok I think you are correct on that one.

[rinteln]

Looks like the thread has gone off course slightly but to have my opinion on the original comment.

I could not disagree more, for 4 reasons.

1. Apart from the obvious Brits, most people from Europe who come here will be speaking English and perhaps some German. Plus all the Amercians, Canadians, Aussies will obviously be speaking English.

2. Are we forgetting all the areas of Pattaya. What about Naklua, Darkside. I live near 3rd Road, loads of Brits, Aussies etc.

3. I think maybe people are judging their opinion on concentrated areas. Yes if you go to Central shopping centre then it does feel like Moscow. Yes Jomtien is overrun, yes Royal Garden Plaza might aswell change Mcdonalds to a Russian menu but I think over the whole of Pattaya they don't run us over.

4. Are we forgetting the Thais and other Asians. They dont/wont aspire to speak Russian, they want English as their 2nd language.

Lastly, English is the most widely used language over the world. Pretty much everyone apart from Russians, Chinese or North Koreans will either speak some of it and/or will want to learn it.

I don't really have a conclusive opinion on Russians but I have 2 quite general observations that I have seen enough times to make me think its their culture. The blokes seem to speak to their women like dog poo (unless ofcourse shouting with anger is a nice thing in Russia) and I never see Russians smile.

I think the OPs point is clear: how many native-Russian speakers vs native English speakers (not Russians, Thais, Chinese, etc. who speak English). I would say 9 native-Russian speakers to 1 native English speaker. The place has turned into a Russian town, IMHO. I have nothing to say about whether it is good or bad. I will say the people pollution has gotten way out of hand.........way, way too much development and going in the wrong direction.

Far enough but thought I would comment on what is also a larger picture in Pattaya. Maybe i caught the conversation in its deep stage. If we are talking about Russians vs only Britons then I would say maybe yes the Russians do out way Brits. Although again we shouldnt just concentrate on certain areas. There are many surrounding areas with many Brits. Many Brits like to stay in their own areas, bars, locals, use local shops, never go to Central, Royal Garden etc. For example I havent been to walking street for months...hate the place. Havent been to Central hardly ever and never will do unless I fancy walking around pretending I can afford to spend stupid money for clothes and 5000 baht on bloody sushi,,,lol Which I dont !!!

For sure there are fewer Brits coming here, no doubt about that but still many living here.

Although I would say my first reply is relevant if the OP, or anyone is worried about the general overrun of the Russians. They no where near out way all English speakers and/or other nationals that speak English. Our language is still the most desirable after Thai. Also don't forget we are only talking about a small (so called) City in Thailand that's what..........15KM - 20KM in radius.....thats nothing. My shitty home town back in Kent is bigger than Pattaya. Anywhere else in Thailand and English is dominant after Thai.

Anyway either way Im gonna hold out until I see a Russian smile...lol So ill be here for a while.

Edited January 17, 2012 by rinteln

[craigt3365]

One racist remark and an associated reply have been removed from view.

[tropo]

. Our language is still the most desirable after Thai. Also don't forget we are only talking about a small (so called) City in Thailand that's what..........15KM - 20KM in radius.....thats nothing. My shitty home town back in Kent is bigger than Pattaya. Anywhere else in Thailand and English is dominant after Thai.

Obviously you're very proud of your language but bare in mind that some of your dialects are virtually unintelligeable to non-native English speakers and even some native English speakers.

You're very hard on Central. The Russians are there for a good reason - it's the best shopping mall in Pattaya by far.

[rinteln]

. Our language is still the most desirable after Thai. Also don't forget we are only talking about a small (so called) City in Thailand that's what..........15KM - 20KM in radius.....thats nothing. My shitty home town back in Kent is bigger than Pattaya. Anywhere else in Thailand and English is dominant after Thai.

Obviously you're very proud of your language but bare in mind that some of your dialects are virtually unintelligeable to non-native English speakers and even some native English speakers.

You're very hard on Central. The Russians are there for a good reason - it's the best shopping mall in Pattaya by far.

Yes I am proud of the language. I would say justified and for good reason too. Are you not ? Are you not proud of that fact that you can go to many countries in the world and not only get by but also live and conduct business with this language. With the world getting more connected everyday would not agree at least one international language is needed.

Whether your correct on the dialects or not I don't know. We all know there are many types of English. In fact English even varies within England let alone worldwide. You are right but I'm not sure how your point is either relevant to the generic discussion of English speakers vs Russians or even a point against what I said. I personally havent met a single fellow English speaker from anywhere in the world that I could not understand or they understand me. Are you suggesting that because there are different dialects of English that this somehow doesn't count or something ? Are you saying its actually only "the Queen's English speaking people" vs the Russians ? Are we to now speak about British English or Indian English or T'english or Sin'glish as seperate entities ? Its all English, just changed a bit to suit certain cultures. Sorry if I got the wrong end of the stick but I'm confused about your real point on this.

In regards to Central, yes I suppose they are there for that reason and thank goodness for Central they are as not sure anyone else shops there...lol, sorry perhaps when the American sailors come to Laem Chabang they pop in as their bored in the daytime. Again though my reference to Central was to try an illustrate it as being a "concentrated area" where you will find Russians and not to use it as a benchmark for the whole of Pattaya. The cheap joke about sushi was perhaps not needed. Sorry if I inlsulted anyone with shares in Central...lol

Edited January 17, 2012 by rinteln

[Rimmer]

Starting to wander off topic rather here guys.

[tropo]

In regards to Central, yes I suppose they are there for that reason and thank goodness for Central they are as not sure anyone else shops there...lol, sorry perhaps when the American sailors come to Laem Chabang they pop in as their bored in the daytime. Again though my reference to Central was to try an illustrate it as being a "concentrated area" where you will find Russians and not to use it as a benchmark for the whole of Pattaya. The cheap joke about sushi was perhaps not needed. Sorry if I inlsulted anyone with shares in Central...lol

Sorry, I can't comment on the English language stuff as it's been deemed a bit off topic, but regarding Central...

I shop at Central often. In the electronic stores, the supermarket, department store, speciality stores - dine in the restaurants and food court... go to the cinemas. I prefer it there compared to any other options currently available in Pattaya. We buy a lot of higher quality clothing and shoes for my wife - not to show off but because it's better quality and we can find stuff not available anywhere else in Pattaya.

Now just to balance it out, we also shop at markets for other stuff, but Central is the best thing that has happened to Pattaya in recent years.

As I said, the Russians are there for good reason - they must have good taste. The Russians there don't bother me in the slightest, even right now in the high season. I really don't understand the problem some people have with them being here in such large numbers. I think it takes the hard edge (sex-tourism image) off Pattaya.

I've never had any threatening gestures from a Russian, but certainly have from drunk and aggressive young sex-tourists. Mostly the tattooed ones from Great Britain.

Of course, every popular tourist destination will go through changes over the years. Some people won't not mind the changes and stay - others who can't handle the changes move on - such is life.

Edited January 17, 2012 by tropo

[RabC]

In regards to Central, yes I suppose they are there for that reason and thank goodness for Central they are as not sure anyone else shops there...lol, sorry perhaps when the American sailors come to Laem Chabang they pop in as their bored in the daytime. Again though my reference to Central was to try an illustrate it as being a "concentrated area" where you will find Russians and not to use it as a benchmark for the whole of Pattaya. The cheap joke about sushi was perhaps not needed. Sorry if I inlsulted anyone with shares in Central...lol

Sorry, I can't comment on the English language stuff as it's been deemed a bit off topic, but regarding Central...

I shop at Central often. In the electronic stores, the supermarket, department store, speciality stores - dine in the restaurants and food court... go to the cinemas. I prefer it there compared to any other options currently available in Pattaya. We buy a lot of higher quality clothing and shoes for my wife - not to show off but because it's better quality and we can find stuff not available anywhere else in Pattaya.

Now just to balance it out, we also shop at markets for other stuff, but Central is the best thing that has happened to Pattaya in recent years.

As I said, the Russians are there for good reason - they must have good taste. The Russians there don't bother me in the slightest, even right now in the high season. I really don't understand the problem some people have with them being here in such large numbers. I think it takes the hard edge (sex-tourism image) off Pattaya.

I've never had any threatening gestures from a Russian, but certainly have from drunk and aggressive young sex-tourists. Mostly the tattooed ones from Great Britain.

Of course, every popular tourist destination will go through changes over the years. Some people won't not mind the changes and stay - others who can't handle the changes move on - such is life.

Can you not make just one post without having a pop at the UK?

[Darrel]

As I said, the Russians are there for good reason - they must have good taste.

Never thought I would read a phrase that included "Russians" and "good taste", unless it also included "know sod-all about".

[tropo]

Can you not make just one post without having a pop at the UK?

Not easy in this thread, which is substantially a thread about Brits "having a pop" at Russia.

Edited January 17, 2012 by tropo

[RabC]

Can you not make just one post without having a pop at the UK?

Not easy in this thread, which is substantially a thread about Brits "having a pop" at Russia.

Sorry where in the title are Brits mentioned, and what is your excuse for having a pop at Brits in other threads?

[rinteln]

In regards to Central, yes I suppose they are there for that reason and thank goodness for Central they are as not sure anyone else shops there...lol, sorry perhaps when the American sailors come to Laem Chabang they pop in as their bored in the daytime. Again though my reference to Central was to try an illustrate it as being a "concentrated area" where you will find Russians and not to use it as a benchmark for the whole of Pattaya. The cheap joke about sushi was perhaps not needed. Sorry if I inlsulted anyone with shares in Central...lol

Sorry, I can't comment on the English language stuff as it's been deemed a bit off topic, but regarding Central...

I shop at Central often. In the electronic stores, the supermarket, department store, speciality stores - dine in the restaurants and food court... go to the cinemas. I prefer it there compared to any other options currently available in Pattaya. We buy a lot of higher quality clothing and shoes for my wife - not to show off but because it's better quality and we can find stuff not available anywhere else in Pattaya.

Now just to balance it out, we also shop at markets for other stuff, but Central is the best thing that has happened to Pattaya in recent years.

As I said, the Russians are there for good reason - they must have good taste. The Russians there don't bother me in the slightest, even right now in the high season. I really don't understand the problem some people have with them being here in such large numbers. I think it takes the hard edge (sex-tourism image) off Pattaya.

I've never had any threatening gestures from a Russian, but certainly have from drunk and aggressive young sex-tourists. Mostly the tattooed ones from Great Britain.

Of course, every popular tourist destination will go through changes over the years. Some people won't not mind the changes and stay - others who can't handle the changes move on - such is life.

Shame, would of been interested to see exactly where you were going with the English stuff.

As for the Central argument, I'm sure it is a lovely place to shop for expensive goods on a regular basis but Ill have to take your word for it though.

I haven't got a problem with Russians in Pattaya and I hope that isn't the way it has come across. For Pattaya they seem to be a positive, I mean this place is about how to get the most amount of money in the easiest fashion and that's what Russians do for them, for me personally no thanks. They are rude, never speak to anyone, very antisocial and only grunt in recognition towards a gesture like if you hold a door open for them or let them through a crowd. Almost as if years of communism has cemented their faces.

So as I say, great for Pattaya and for that reason I have no problem. I always want Pattaya to be better. This is not my country, if it was I would have a problem but for me personally, no thanks. I have 4 walls to speak to if I want to socialise Russian style.

As for the Brits vs Russians beef as you imply. I think you may be over crediting the Russians a bit. Have you ever spoken to someone in English about what Russia is really like to live in ??!!! Not nice I can tell you. Its a little bit different to when they are here on holiday. The country hasn't even abolished racism yet on a national scale, along with many other basic human issues. Believe Brits are not losing any sleep !!!

Edited January 17, 2012 by rinteln

[Rimmer]

Oh dear lets not fall out over this please guys, The topic is:

What Is The Ratio Of Russian To English Speakers These Days?Have the Russians overtaken the British/English speakers?

[WaywardWind]

"Have you ever spoken to someone in English about what Russia is really like to live in ??!!! Not nice I can tell you. Its a little bit different to when they are here on holiday. The country hasn't even abolished racism yet on a national scale, along with many other basic human issues. Believe Brits are not losing any sleep !!!"

How long did you live in Russia, and where?

[tropo]

Sorry where in the title are Brits mentioned, and what is your excuse for having a pop at Brits in other threads?

I'm not going to offer excuses. It's all in good fun... sorry you take it so seriously.

Edited January 17, 2012 by tropo

[rinteln]

"Have you ever spoken to someone in English about what Russia is really like to live in ??!!! Not nice I can tell you. Its a little bit different to when they are here on holiday. The country hasn't even abolished racism yet on a national scale, along with many other basic human issues. Believe Brits are not losing any sleep !!!"

How long did you live in Russia, and where?

I didn't say I lived there. I said has he ever spoken to someone in English who lives there. My question would imply that I have and that was the basis on which I was passing my opinion on it not being so nice. In fact spoken to quite a few Russians as I used to work in Bangkok with a few of them. Plus one of my best friends who is German has a Russian girlfriend.

Even if you think I am wrong (which I am willing to concede I could be) I think I have had enough information to justify at least an opinion on the subject.

Edited January 17, 2012 by rinteln

[tropo]

"Have you ever spoken to someone in English about what Russia is really like to live in ??!!! Not nice I can tell you. Its a little bit different to when they are here on holiday. The country hasn't even abolished racism yet on a national scale, along with many other basic human issues. Believe Brits are not losing any sleep !!!"

How long did you live in Russia, and where?

I didn't say I lived there. I said has he ever spoken to someone in English who lives there. My question would imply that I have and that was the basis on which I was passing my opinion on it not being so nice. In fact spoken to quite a few Russians as I used to work in Bangkok with a few of them. Plus one of my best friends who is German has a Russian girlfriend.

Even if you think I am wrong (which I am willing to concede I could be) I think I have had enough information to justify at least an opinion on the subject.

Spoken by a Brit who loves England so much he chooses to live in Thailand.

Sure, there are Russians who don't enjoy life in Russia, but aren't there also plenty of Brits who don't really appreciate life in Great Britain?

[rinteln]

"Have you ever spoken to someone in English about what Russia is really like to live in ??!!! Not nice I can tell you. Its a little bit different to when they are here on holiday. The country hasn't even abolished racism yet on a national scale, along with many other basic human issues. Believe Brits are not losing any sleep !!!"

How long did you live in Russia, and where?

I didn't say I lived there. I said has he ever spoken to someone in English who lives there. My question would imply that I have and that was the basis on which I was passing my opinion on it not being so nice. In fact spoken to quite a few Russians as I used to work in Bangkok with a few of them. Plus one of my best friends who is German has a Russian girlfriend.

Even if you think I am wrong (which I am willing to concede I could be) I think I have had enough information to justify at least an opinion on the subject.

Spoken by a Brit who loves England so much he chooses to live in Thailand.

Sure, there are Russians who don't enjoy life in Russia, but aren't there also plenty of Brits who don't really appreciate life in Great Britain?

I know you mentioned before this is all a bit of fun and good job it is I suppose as if it was a real debate i'm not sure I could take you too seriously. You seem to have a habit for raising comments that are either totally irrelevant or don't really have a point against me whatsoever and then not really expanding on them. What has my love or lack of love with Britain got to do with the quality of life in Russia or whether the Russians I have spoken to are correct. So if I don't love the UK and I'm here in Thailand then that discredits my comments ????!!! Or is it because I live here that means I cant comment on another country because Im not living in my own. Strange politics. Even if I hate Britain does that also change my earlier comments on English....no!! In fact your comments above change absolutly nothing about what was previously discussed or my point about Russians living there. More or less a waste of typing really.

Its an obvious point but I agree with your comment regarding Brits. Of course many Brits don't like living in the UK, me also and yes I do prefer to live here but its totally irrelevant to the discussion and cant see why anyone would see it as a point in your favour.

Edited January 18, 2012 by rinteln

[Rimmer]

I have removed two posts which I believe to be duplications.

[gk10002000]

Too large.

[Darrel]

There were three groups of Russians in the restaurant I went to yesterday evening. Never seen many Russians in there before. Apart from them there were some Germans, some French and a couple of Americans. Other people were sitting alone and/or eating rather than talking, so I don't know where they were from.

[DD13]

Spent today on Koh Larn............the only english that "I heard being spoken" was me to my gf

I have no problems with Russians.......those of us who remember newsreels of the food queues in Russia will understand why they "push and shove" people out of their way....(especially the queue for the ferry)......but why are they such an "angry" race of people ??.....or are can they just not forget their past lives of hardship......

Lighten up guys and enjoy "the real world"

[zzaa09]

<deleted>. Americans have a home cuisine. We're (American travelers and expats anyway) just as a generality more adventurous than other nationals in the food department.

<deleted> to you too. There's too many cultures in America to indicate a specific "home cuisine". It's just a silly as saying Australia has a "home cuinsine" when people may originate from all over the world.

They do have the ubiquitous hamburger. Very American....

[tropo]

<deleted>. Americans have a home cuisine. We're (American travelers and expats anyway) just as a generality more adventurous than other nationals in the food department.

<deleted> to you too. There's too many cultures in America to indicate a specific "home cuisine". It's just a silly as saying Australia has a "home cuinsine" when people may originate from all over the world.

They do have the ubiquitous hamburger. Very American....

The "American Hamburger" may have started out as an American invention (using ingredients of German origin), but thanks to McDonalds and Burger King it is now an international food.

[Darrel]

It's more an American food that is sold internationally.

Sushi is Japanese but that doesnt stop it being sold worldwide.