Cultural Contacts Between Russia And China: Contemprory History

Abstract

The Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China perceive each other as strategic, independent and equal partners with joint projects in bilateral trade, national security, tourism, education, etc. Countries are committed to long-term and mature cooperation and to peaceful and balanced settlement of disputes. Successful intercultural communication, based on an understanding of the values and norms of another nation, is a guarantee not only of peaceful relations but also of mutually beneficial partnership. We should understand that communication does not take place between States and organizations, but between real people and representatives of their countries. The communicator is the bearer of the collective experience of his people. Its national and cultural identity is shaped by the society in which he was brought up. In intercultural communication «their» norms are treated as reference norms, and «others» as incomprehensible, non-motivated and inadequate. The article discusses the cultural codes of Russia and China, examines the influence of national way of thinking on the vision of different reality and mentality, analyzes patterns of behaviour and judgment, which have a negative impact on the effectiveness of communication in various areas of joint activity. The article also describes recent intercultural contacts and highlights the most significant differences between the two countries. The article may be of interest to specialists and teachers in the field of intercultural communication, since it gives an idea of the manifestations of national and cultural identity in the individual, in his behaviour and in his speech. The article explores the reasons for negative impact on intercultural contacts in the recent period.