Art World Gears Up for St Petersburg Cultural Forum

Now in its seventh year, the forum is set to explore “culture as a country’s strategic potential”. Thousands of people are expected to attend this year’s International Cultural Forum in St Petersburg, kicking off on 15 November. More than 20,000 people took part in the forum’s public and professional programmes in 2017. This year’s event…

Business Communication Skills Tip

Ask These Questions to Understand Truths About a Company Culture 2. WHAT WAS THE LAST BIG ACHIEVEMENT THAT WAS CELEBRATED? This question “gives [interviewers] the chance to reveal if employee efforts are acknowledged and appreciated and if people enjoy having company parties/gatherings,” says Valerie Streif, senior advisor at career services company Mentat. “If they don’t do…

Business Communication Skills Tip

Ask These Questions to Understand Truths About a Company Culture There are a number of questions you can ask during an interview that, while seeming fairly straightforward on the surface, can help uncover deeper intel about the inner workings of a company.These questions seem straightforward on the surface, but they can reveal a lot of intel on…

Grammar Tip

“Advice” or “Advise”? Advice is a noun and means a suggestion about what someone should do. It is uncountable: Correct: She gave good advice. Incorrect: Let me give you an advice. If we want to use advice in a countable way, then we use the phrase a piece of advice: Example: I have two pieces of advice for you about the holiday. We use the verb advise to…

Garland (n.)

Today’s Word of the Day is: “garland” (n.) Transcription: [ˈɡɑːr.lənd]   Translation: гирлянда, венок   Meaning: a circle made of flowers and leaves worn around the neck orhead as a decoration   Example: Sprinkle the ground with flowers, adorn the doorways with garlands.- Посыпьте землю цветами, украсьте дверные проемы гирляндами.

Grammar Tip

“Should” for Obligation Should expresses an obligation that is not as strong as Must. Sometimes Should is used instead of Must to make rules, orders or instructions sound more polite. This may appear more frequently on formal notices or on information sheets. Example: On hearing the fire alarm, hotel guests should leave their room immediately. Example: Passengers should check in at least 2 hours…

Business Communication Skills Tip

Things Every Introvert Should Do Before a Networking Event 4. Learn how to listen to what they’re not saying Asking great questions is just one essential component to building a strong relationship. You also need to listen carefully to the answers, and that often involves reading between the lines. Sometimes, the person you are talking to…

Off-road in Siberia

Step into the untamed expanse of Russia’s wild heartland There are many reasons not to go to Siberia. Temperatures are below zero for most of the year and the locals are renowned for their frosty demeanour (манера поведения). But as a rule, those who decide to take the journey don’t regret it. Siberia is where…

to accentuate (v.)

Today’s Word of the Day is: “to accentuate” (v.) Transcription: [əkˈsentʃueɪt] Translation: подчеркивать, акцентировать, выделять Meaning: to emphasize something so that people notice it Example: The white dress accentuated her tan. -Белое платье подчёркивало её загар. Synonyms: focus attention on, bring attention to