Russian toasting and drinking as communication ritual

Abstract

This article applies Cultural Discourse Analysis to studying toasting and drinking as a communication ritual in Russian culture. Based on the analysis of 149 instances of Russian toasting and drinking, the article identifies the symbolic phrasing and cultural sequence of the toasting ritual. Symbolic phrasing is based on drinking “to you”, “to us”, and “so that”/“to” important things happen and desires come true. The modal particle “davai(te)” serves to facilitate and urge the act of joint drinking. The cultural sequence during toasting and drinking involves unsolicited contributions, side conversations, personal comments, and emotional responses on part of the participants of the drinking act. The “sacred object” of the ritual is “understanding”, and it is built by deep cultural premises of Russian personhood, relations, actions, emotions, and place.