Smile and Laughter in Russian Culture and Language

Unlike many other cultures, the Russian culture encourages loud laughter (xoxot) and more often than not discourages smiles (ulybki). The paper presents linguistic evidence for such attitude: etymology (ulybat'sja "smile" from the word for scull with allusion to bared teeth), the use of the words for laughter and smile in the present-day Russian discourse, the role of laughter and smile in the Russian linguistic model of the world, etc. It is consistent with the strong emphasis that the Russian culture places on sincerity and open expression of emotions. In addition, it is consistent with the whole system of the Russian non-verbal etiquette (e.g., it is not good to meet a stranger's eyes with your eyes; if it has happened by chance, you should turn off your eyes rather than smile). This attitude often leads to cross-cultural miscommunication (a typical American smile may seem non-natural and false to many Russians while foreigners who are involved in communication with Russians sometimes find them rude, impolite, ill-mannered).