I’ve been living on the island for more than seven years and the question of how many Russians are actually in the UK is just some kind of attack. All seven years I listened to all and sundry pouring from empty to empty, produced urban legends, multiplied entities and argued. Moreover, as in conversations about fishing and hunting, the treasured figure each time only grew ...
I wanted to voice a couple more ethnographic observations before moving on to the facts.
- Disputes about the number of Russians were conducted exclusively in the Russian-speaking community. Not a single Briton asked me in seven years how many Russians live in Britain.
- Each time the alleged figure was less than the previous one, pronouncing it was obstructed. Former compatriots began to show on their fingers that only in the last couple of years there have been noticeably more Russians and so on.
In general, the Russian-speaking associates did not suddenly behave as the largest country in the world, but as a small but proud nation on the borders of the empire.
And then there was pseudo-journalism. Some impressionable journalist had heard a lot of city tales and wrote that there were at least 300 thousand Russians on the island. There was no evidence attached. But the figure settled on the Internet and since then it was most often quoted.
There is another version that marketers inflated the figure in order to justify budgets and tell their advertisers how incredibly profitable it is to publish ads from them. Quite a working version, I think.
And now for the facts. The year before last, a census was held in Britain. The data, of course, was processed for a long time and is released gradually. One of the census questions was about the language. There was data on how many people consider Russian as their native language. Next, let me Perepost inscriptions of Sasha Smotrov. He put everything on the shelves well.
Originally posted by smotrov at Russian is not so scary as he is painted
Another small but very important touch in my blog research on the true number of Russians / Russians in Britain and the debunking of the myth of 300, if not 500 thousand, "come in large numbers" of Russian speakers.
In December, I wrote a large post on the basis of the 2011 census, when the results of the population calculations by country of birth were published. But then we limited ourselves to indirect conclusions, because the number of births in Russia was not displayed in a separate column, and it was necessary to calculate their approximate number hypothetically. But even then it was clear that it was widely replicated without indicating the source the figure of 300 thousand is at least several times overstated.
Now this is new, clearer evidence. In the next tranche of the census data published there is a clear number of those who considers Russian as a mother tongue (basic for communication). The data are for England and Wales so far, but considering that approximately 90% of the total population of the United Kingdom lives in them, the figures taking into account Scotland and Northern Ireland will not change the picture.
So, the Russian language was called the main language of communication just over 67 thousand people, and to be precise, then 67 366, that is, less than 0.1% of the total population of England and Wales. Of these, 66.3 thousand lived in England, a little over a thousand in Wales, and 26.6 thousand people owned Russian as the main one in London.
Russian takes 21st place by prevalence among the languages \u200b\u200bof England and Wales. Native native speakers live in all the municipal districts of England and Wales, with the exception of one Welsh mining town - Merthyr Tyddville. Even on the tiny islands of Scilly, southwest of Cornwall, there is one native Russian speaker (if you could find him or her!).
Of the other languages \u200b\u200bof the former USSR, Lithuanian was named the main 85.5 thousand people, Latvian - 31.5 thousand, Estonian - 3.4 thousand, Ukrainian - 6.6 thousand people. For the rest, there is no separate data. But even if we assume the incredible - that ALL the Balts and Ukrainians in England and Wales speak and / or understand Russian (which is clearly unrealistic), then still comes out in the amount of less than 200 thousand.
What other evidence is needed?
The end of CROSS.
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Great Britain, and in particular the capital of this great country - London, is the home of a huge number of Russian-speaking population. This is largely due to the economic and political aspects of cooperation between the two powers. So most often in England, businessmen and politicians find refuge, wishing to find peace and protection from representatives of the Russian authorities. However, ordinary residents are happy to change their native expanses into a foggy and rainy metropolis in the outskirts of Europe.
When did it all start?
In the distant XVII century, London received its first inhabitants from Russia. They were families sent by Boris Godunov to receive an education, and still remaining in England. Later, seekers of a better life, people who were politically objectionable to the current regime and simply wanting change, began to move to a foggy island. In the 19th and 20th centuries, banned political newspapers were printed in London, which were then transferred to Russia, and there were well-known revolutionaries who had a significant influence on the history of the Russian Empire and the formation of Soviet power.Russian life in London
It is worth noting that excellent conditions for adaptation and living were created for emigrants from Russia in London. The Russian diaspora is strong enough, and therefore in different areas of the city are represented:- russian Orthodox churches;
- shops offering "Russian" products;
- restaurants and cafes with Russian cuisine.
At the moment, in London, as in other cities in England, there are no areas where only Russians live. This is a fundamental difference from the situation of emigrants in the United States, France, and Asian countries. Volunteer and internally displaced persons select housing for themselves depending on financial opportunities in different quarters - from the poorest to the most prestigious and expensive. Mostly now representatives of working professions and the middle class (construction specialties, financiers, lawyers, managers, translators) are moving to London.
Now the British are more sympathetic towards Russians, which is supported by the destruction of stereotypes about ignorance, rudeness and savagery of the “Russians”. It is noteworthy that in London, like in no other city in the world, emigrants from Russia and the native English coexist perfectly, finding a common language in the domestic and political plan.
The most famous and wealthy Russian Londoners
Over the years, representatives from a wide range of professions have flocked to London, from poor workers to billionaires. In the history of the British capital, you can see what a significant imprint left by Russian emigrants:- The famous ambassador S.R.Vorontsov in the 18th century prevented the sending of the fleet of England to participate in the Russian-Turkish war. In memory of this, a street called Vorontsov Road was named in London, and the inhabitants of foggy Albion speak extremely positively about this great man.
- It is also known that Russian revolutionaries, writers and political figures of the XIX-XX centuries - A.I. Herzen, N.P. Ogarev, P. Kropotkin, P.N. Milyukov, A.F. Kerensky lived in London.
Of the most famous personalities living in London, one can note:
- Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea Football Club, a major businessman, multi-billionaire.
- Vladimir Gusinsky is a major entrepreneur, a political opponent of the current government.
- Akhmed Zakayev.
- Boris Berezovsky.
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One of the most popular developed countries for immigration among Russians is England (or Great Britain, or the United Kingdom - as you like best, but for some reason everyone goes to England). There are three main reasons for this: a high standard of living (and salary), a rich well-advertised culture, and of course, the English language - no one wants to learn French or German from scratch.
About how cool it is to live in Britain Reconomica She spoke with a Russian immigrant who has been living and working in London for a long time. You will learn about salaries, taxes, housing and food prices, bureaucracy and many other problems of visitors, about which there is very little information in the media.
My name is Aleksey. The other day I turned 37 years old, most of which I lived abroad. After graduating from ZhurFak St. Petersburg State University, when the thought of emigrating to Europe took shape and a decision was made to go to the UK, the question arose before me:
Is it so expensive to live abroad?
Many of you have repeatedly heard about the incredibly high prices, high taxes and much more that would spoil the life of an ordinary person. So let's see how much life in Europe actually costs.
in 2016, more than 50 thousand people left Russia forever. Many of them leave for work, many to relatives, but there are also adventurers who risked leaving their native lands in the hope of life “beyond the hill”. I also belonged to such adventurers. It's not so easy to part with places where you grew up, but the thirst for adventure is often stronger. So I ended up at the arrival terminal of Heathrow International Airport.
What awaits you in the UK
According to statistics, about 35% of people arriving in the United Kingdom from outside do not stay here longer than a year. The reasons are different: from homesickness to lack of money. A well-known myth - the EU does not like Russians in Russia, fueled by hundreds of reviews from our emigrants - is not entirely true. Europe does not like those who are not ready to work and those who have long lived on social benefits. Regardless of your nationality, appearance, or the country you came to, you will always have to work.
Anyone who has come for permanent residence is likely to encounter financial difficulties. Rent, taxes on income and property, the purchase or rental of a car, the cost of food. And you still want to have fun, right? But the question is, there is almost no money! What to do in this situation?
What to live in another country? We provide sources of income
Well, I will sign for the points. The first thing you need is a work permite.
Work Permit Types of work permits in the UK
My main income was the salary issued by the employer. To obtain a work permition, it was necessary to submit the correct set of documents for a work visa. In total there are 3 types: Tier 1 (for high-class, rare and experienced specialists), Tier 2 (for mid-level specialists), Tier 5 (for low-skilled or seasonal workers). I approached the Tier 2 visa, which I, albeit not without problems, received.
UK average salary for visitors
For an hour of work the average specialist receives 6.5 pounds, which is approximately equal to 510 rubles. Thus, the average earnings is 1500 - 1800 pounds (about 125 thousand rubles). But you should not deceive yourself. Firstly, not everyone gets such salaries, and the expenses are rather big. Personally, my profit at first was only 900 pounds per month for a full-time correspondent. For comparison, in 2017 it is about 475 pounds.
Types of social benefits in England. Is it realistic to come to Europe and live on benefits?
Various benefits in England, there are more than a hundred. Among them are Child benefit (payments to parents of a child working more than 30 hours), Jobseeker’’s Allowance (unemployment benefit), Housing Benefit (housing allowance for the poor), Income support (general support) and others.
But you should not count on them. Both at the time of my arrival, and now, long-term queues are being built in Social Centers for receiving a particular payment. However, you still will not listen to me, and you are interested in the list of documents for receiving benefits, right?
The registration procedure is simple, it only requires a set of documents:
- Passport
- Immigration Status Document
- Employer Confirmation Letter
- Tax forms P45 and P60
- Letter from employment agency stating that you are looking for work
- Leaving in case of leaving work
- A letter from school if there are children
- ... and very, very much patience.
Lotteries
In the UK there is an interesting national lottery system. The total prize pool is quite large, and sometimes reaches millions of pounds. But, as in any lottery, one has to rely only on luck. I admit, sometimes I myself let go of the last money for participation, but fortune disliked me. Not a single ticket brought me luck. Any resident of the United Kingdom over 16 years old can buy the right to participate. If you are still in England passing, ask any boy to buy a ticket. Maybe you are more lucky.
Cost of living in the UK. Main expenses
It is clear that you need to rely on the whole only on salaries and sources of income in Russia, if you have any (rent an apartment for the time of departure, for example). Now about the sad - about the cost of living in Europe.
Prices for rental housing in London
Housing is incredibly expensive. Now the average cost of renting an apartment in London reaches 700 pounds per week, 2800 per month, which equals 220 thousand rubles.
When I was just starting to learn this topic, I found a woman renting a two-room apartment for 90 pounds a week. Bureau working with tourists - and there are about 10 of them - are ready to provide housing of any class for pretty decent money. If everything is not very good with finances, try searching through Social centers for old women who are ready to turn in cheaper. Also, a small remark, if you want to rent an apartment with children, try to explain in advance to them that making noise in the evening and at night is a bad idea. Neighbors are likely to call the police, who will impose a significant fine (up to 500 pounds) and make a mark. If you only have a residence permit, this may serve as a reason for denial of citizenship.
UK Home Buying
Across Britain, there is a whole network of brokerage and real estate companies. When buying an apartment, it is better to trust them, but only if you have money. Acquisition Agent will help you quickly find housing, but also request a rather large percentage. Otherwise, the realtor will be chosen by the seller. All of you have repeatedly seen “For Sale” signs near the houses in the cinema. This means that the seller turned to a company ready to help sell housing. My advice, do not get fooled by the exterior decoration of the house and the stories of brokers. Carefully check every little thing and do not hesitate to ask questions on each item. This can save you from unintended costs in the future. Prices for economy housing range from 13 to 90 thousand pounds (about 4 million rubles at the current rate).
Nutrition. The cost of products in England
Food is supplied by several large companies that own a chain of stores and supermarkets. London is a tourist city and, therefore, filled with shops for tourists. Such outlets should be avoided. Prices are too high for the same assortment. The best solution would be to choose one of the “For Yours” supermarket chains. Such stores are hidden in the centers of residential and commercial areas and in any non-tourist places. A distinctive feature is the lack of bright signs and advertising banners designed for an inexperienced tourist.
It's better to go to the store with your grocery bag. This advice will greatly improve the cashier’s attitude towards you. The British authorities are now pursuing a policy of preserving the environment, getting rid of bags and plastic containers.
The average check for one goes a little over 120 - 200 pounds per week when buying meat, dairy products and vegetables. For a family of three, the amount will increase to 400-450 pounds.
Many stores have a cashback system, but more on that below.
UK Taxes
Profits for each person residing in the Kingdom are taxed. Income tax (ranging from 10 to 45%) is levied annually. United Kingdom Income Tax Rates for 2017:
- 20% on income from £ 0 to £ 43,000
- 40% on revenue from £ 43,001 to £ 150,000
- 3.45% on income above £ 150,000
Also, inheritance is taxed, the amount of which exceeds 150 thousand pounds (40%), the sale of real estate and securities (from 0.5 to 2%), capital gains (up to 40%).
My annual income is 18,472 pounds, which means I fall into the first category. In a year I pay the state 3,694 pounds (20%).
Communication Tariffs of European operators are robbery
The UK connection is also not very low prices. The largest operator, covering its network throughout the country, is Vodofone. Vodophone tariffs, however, are highly undemocratic. For 9.5 £, 250 minutes (+ roaming) and 250 mb of mobile Internet are offered. If the tariff limits are exceeded, the same amount is automatically debited. In my opinion, the most optimal option is the tariff category Extra, which gives unlimited calls. The cost of such tariffs exceeds £ 18.
I spend on communication: £ 18 for a personal phone and £ 25 for a worker.
Transport in London (public, forget about the car)
Having a car is becoming less and less profitable. The government raises taxes, gasoline rises in price, repair costs increase. The business part of the city is totally transplanted by taxi, of which there are not so few. Unlike Russia, there are almost no private owners, which ensures low prices and little competition.
Public transport deserves special attention. Famous double-decker buses and the subway are familiar to many. Yes, only in use are not convenient. More than 1300 people descend into the subway every hour, and only 800 leave. Buses are also crowded, delivering more than 4000 people a day.
The best option is Car Sharing Systems, allowing you to quickly take a car anywhere in the city.
How to survive an immigrant with such prices? I share my life experience
Yes, you understood correctly, everything is expensive in London. But people live! And I live a normal life. I developed several rules from everyday observations, I will share them with pleasure.
St paul’s cathedral
Bank accounts and cashbacks
A bank account is a must. Without it, you can’t get a salary, do not pay the realtor. But becoming a bank customer is not easy. To do this, you need a voluminous package of documents, knowledge of the language and a clear understanding of the work of British banks. The opening procedure takes from 3 to 14 business days and often ends in failure. Be patient, for the rudeness said in a fit of emotions can forever close the entrance to this bank.
Cashback is very popular now. This is a refund system for purchases at specific stores. Usually, it is from 3 to 10%. A cashback is issued at the bank that issued the card.
- Save money and resources. They are very expensive and often irreplaceable.
- Smile when talking with government officials. A simple smile increases your chances of getting what you want.
- Keep track of expenses and income. This will help not to stay with empty pockets in the middle of the month.
- Do not take a loan. No way. Interest rates will ruin you faster than you can pay
- Use cashback. Your expenses will decrease markedly.
conclusions
Life in the EU, and especially Britain, is extremely expensive. Remember this when emigrating.
It is believed that the character of the English nation was greatly affected by the numerous conquering tribes: the Angles, Romans, Celts, Normans, Scandinavian Vikings, Utes and Saxons. It is this multifaceted intervention in the life and history of England that explains the special character of the native English: he combines Celtic reverie, Anglo-Saxon practicality, the courage of the Vikings and Norman discipline.
In the UK today there are more than 300 thousand Russian emigrants, and this figure can be increased to one million, if we take into account Belarusians, Ukrainians, emigrants from Latvia and Lithuania and some others, who prefer Russian to their native language (due to lack of demand) more than english.
What Russians say about Great Britain
At first glance, this country is very welcoming and friendly - even strangers smile on the streets, only “excuse me” or “sorry” respond to every careless action and it seems that everyone treats you incredibly good-naturedly.
But such impressions very quickly give way to the true state of affairs: no British hospitality exists, it is imitated by a polite mask, complemented by endless apologies flying out of the mouth on the machine and not bearing any emotional load. Who even compared the English “litter” with the “red” Russian word tearing out if, for example, a hammer instead of a nail head lands directly on a finger.
There is an opinion that the majority of the English people are not quite respectable towards all foreigners: to someone with sympathy, to someone with disgust, to someone even with contempt, while considering their nation the best in the world. As one of the bloggers expressed in his opinions about the British, “among British subjects, Russians in the ranking of nations occupy the line next to immigrants from Eastern Europe, perhaps giving way only to representatives of African countries and Indians.”
Often a Russian becomes an object of irony - a kind of English humor, which is sometimes expressed in very unpleasant moments: so in banks you may encounter a mocking offer to cash a check in Russia, and instead of renting an apartment approved after viewing, you don’t end up renting one.
By the way, about a sense of humor - in England, its presence is considered one of the most important advantages of a person, and therefore everyone in this country is trying to show himself as a person with an excellent sense of humor, which often looks ridiculous enough. The British often plunge foreigners into sincere bewilderment by their penchant for physiological jokes, such as greasings, falling trousers and other things. However, most jokes do not imply a particularly deep context, but rather serve as a kind of outlet for the accumulated feelings and emotions. Many British people not only love to make fun of others, but often laugh at themselves, which contrasts strongly with their stiffness and arrogance.
If we return to the topic that Russians are not much favored in the UK, it is worth mentioning that an active anti-propaganda about Russia in the media plays a big role in this. Many Russian emigrants living here complain that the broadcast news consists entirely of negative ones, where the image of a Russian person is presented as an ignorant “barbarian” who prefers to make money illegally.
Vladimir Milovanov, who has been living in the UK since 2003, says that for all ten years he has not heard on official TV and has not read anything good about Russia in official sources. “The minimum of information that can be found,” he writes, “is always negative. At the same time they manage not to talk about what is impossible to keep quiet. ”
All of the above does not mean at all that the Russian emigrant will be an outcast in the UK, although, of course, you can’t count on a warm welcome. At the same time, it is within the power of man himself to form a kind and positive attitude towards himself, albeit not immediately, but over time. And first of all, you will have to start with a good knowledge of the English language - until the ability to speak and understand is brought to signs of perfection, it is almost useless to expect a respectful attitude towards yourself.
Despite the fact that the British are quite closed and sensitive people, who do not openly show their emotions, all the more negative, their attitude towards an educated foreigner is quite acceptable. By the way, the education of the Englishman himself also plays a role: if it is difficult to find an ardent Russophile among the middle class and above, then among the less educated you can meet those who think that the Russians (meaning the hardworking Baltic people) have taken all the jobs.
By the way, there is an opinion among immigrants that Russians in the UK are treated with sympathy, which is explained by Russian non-aggression, law-abidingness, hard work and rapid assimilation in this country. But the attitude to other emigration ethnic groups is much more restless.
About life in the UK for Russians
Most of the Russians in England are the middle class, having an apartment or a house on credit near the center, working as an average manager, vacationing once a year in Europe and children studying in an English public school.
In general, life in the UK can be answered quite positively - there are a lot of work with low earnings and not requiring special qualifications. In this case, the funds received are usually enough to rent a room and food. For many Russians from the Baltic states, especially those who are aged, this is enough - if you reach the age of 60, you can hope for a pension that is due even to that person in the UK who has not officially worked a day in his life. Such a pension entitles you to free travel, a free apartment somewhere in a dysfunctional social reservation and allowance.
About the English mentality
The dominant feature of the English character is a commitment to tradition. And the British are trying to leave some of their traditions, habits and rituals in their original form in order to preserve all the features of gentlemanly behavior. It is interesting that the British are extremely difficult to part with the past - for them a certain difficulty is the process of getting rid of old furniture, they tend to plant gardens in the same style as their ancestors, and the restrained manner of dressing is characteristic of most British people - regardless of financial situation.
As for the famous English coldness, it is actually just a special ability of the British to self-control. It is this coldness that is considered the basis of "gentlemanly behavior" and is a characteristic feature of the English mentality. In order to control himself and wear a mask of equanimity, every Englishman from childhood has to wrestle with his own temperament and accustom himself to tough self-control. By the way, an open or uninhibited manifestation of feelings in people is considered a sign of bad manners in the UK and greatly affects every Briton in foreigners (especially in emotional French and passionate Spaniards).
This explains the excessive severity of the British in raising children - they are convinced that softness in relation to offspring is not good for them. As elsewhere, the British treat children with restraint, thus trying to form their habit of curbing their own feelings. Children in the UK are usually sent to study at a direct distance from the parental home in order to instill in them independence and responsibility (often in boarding houses and eminent schools where British children are taught quite strict orders and strict discipline, according to parents, which promotes the education of a true Englishman).
In general, the British are a special nation. In this country, every self-respecting Englishman is required to have a hobby - no matter in what form, the main thing is that this hobby be brought to perfection. They say: "My house is my castle." They are characterized by snobbery, arrogance in relation to other nations and stiffness. They do not share problems or difficulties, because it is not accepted. And their main tradition is the invariable loyalty of the monarchy, although the queen long ago became just a symbol of Great Britain.
232 987 people - 47 thousand more than a year earlier. On this basis, many experts started talking about a new wave of emigration. Most often, our compatriots go to Germany and Israel. However, the UK is also gaining popularity. Sociologist at Leeds Beckett University of England, Ph.D. Anna Pechurina, has been studying the life of Russian-speaking settlers for many years. She summarized her observations in the book “Material Culture of Migration”. Lenta.ru talked with her about the role that Russian dolls, carpets and Putin play in Russian life, how easy it is for them to adapt in a foreign land, and why the children of Russian migrants often do not know their native language.
Lenta.ru: Are there many Russians in England?
Hard to say. According to the latest census of 2011, approximately 68 thousand people speak Russian. But this includes almost all immigrants from the former republics of the USSR. The diaspora is very young and has not yet taken shape. A large influx of Russians began in 2000.
What did you want to know as a result of your research?
How does the feeling of home in migration manifest itself. Namely, how Russian-speaking immigrants behave and fit into British society. Do they try to be like the British or remodel something native, Russian. And I was very interested in the identification of the Soviet generation. After all, in the USSR, before, Ukrainians, Lithuanians, and Belarusians were considered citizens of one country. Therefore, it was curious to see how they feel in exile.
Who were you talking to?
I ruled out wealthy businessmen, illegal immigrants and students. I was interested in family migrants who managed to live in the country for at least five years. That is, they have already overcome the first stages of immigration associated with the search for housing and its arrangement, which means they have developed a certain system of opinions and habits in relation to the country of residence and its culture. Accordingly, from this group it is more likely that you can expect a thoughtful approach to home improvement and its interior, or at least a set of things accumulated over the years in one place. Many had children of school or university age. There were also those who are married to the British or Europeans. Only one lady temporarily did not work. The youngest respondent was 29 years old, the oldest was 80.
What distinguishes the homes of Russian immigrants?
It’s a long-known fact: when people immigrate, regardless of their social class and education, they suddenly wake up interest in “domestic” souvenirs or things that they probably would not have bought in their country. At my interlocutors, for example, in houses you can often find Gzhel services, calendars with domes of churches, icons, Russian flags. Someone even had a portrait of Putin.
Photo courtesy of a study participant
Also a kind of souvenir?
The portrait of the president here acts as a symbol of the homeland. Just like the icons. But I was not interested in the number of nesting dolls in someone’s house, but in what importance they attached to these things. A typology stands out here: people who feel insecure in a new country are attached to material symbols. That is, in a new house they really build a little Russia, a shelter where they can take refuge in the surroundings of familiar and familiar things. This helps them come to terms with a foreign land. But there were those who did not attach much importance to Khokhloma.
Who is more homesick - old immigrants or those who left relatively recently?
This is mainly characteristic of the generation of conditional “Soviet” emigration. That is, those who left in the early or late 1990s. Then social networks, the Internet were not developed, it was impossible to quickly buy a ticket and fly to their homeland. That is, there was an informational vacuum.
Modern immigrants are in more favorable conditions. In England, the Russian diaspora is now very active. It operates simultaneously in Russia and in Britain. There are Russian press, and shops, and restaurants, educational services and schools. The feeling that you were home and did not leave anywhere.
Do the British regard such dominance?
There is no dominance. Despite their activity, the Russians are not so noticeable. According to 2013 data, Russia ranks 41st in the list of countries of birth of immigrants in England. And, let’s say, the Poles are on the second. Cultural, social events for Russians are usually localized within London. For example, a festival of Russian cinema is organized, but not throughout England, but in one or two cinemas. At the household level, I don’t feel that there is any special relation to the Russians. There are not many Britons who would personally know someone from the Russians.
Is there a re-emigration back to Russia?
I have no data, but I can assume that if our people move from Britain, then more likely to other European countries. For recent immigrants, it is not a problem to go to their historical homeland to visit friends and relatives. This is enough for them. But those who left the country 20-30 years ago are not always psychologically prepared for a meeting with their homeland. I know a woman who left the USSR when she was about 20 years old. At 70, she visited her homeland. And she was disappointed with how much has changed there. I was very upset that I did not find any familiar houses or people.
Does the degree of adaptation of immigrants depend on the length of stay?
Hardly. I interviewed a family with children. Already 11 years in England. And they kept saying all the time: “We are not here for long, we’ll leave soon, we don’t like it here.” That is, decades can pass, but a person does not have the feeling that he is in his place. Feeling at home is a subjective category. Partly psychological, partly cultural. For some, this is self-realization in the profession, for some it is a family, for someone it is peace. But if none of this can be achieved, they create a feeling of home artificially. They are building a small homeland with the help of some interior items, food or clothing.
Mash dumplings, boil cabbage soup?
Both women and men speak about food with equal enthusiasm. The theme is gracious. Everyone - both new arrivals and old-timers - love to talk about how bad English cuisine is. And how they miss some Russian dishes. Among the diaspora, there is now a huge interest in the entire Russian-Soviet cuisine, and in particular in the "Book about tasty and healthy food." She even translated into English. There are companies that organize dinners in the Soviet style and with the appropriate food. Herring under a fur coat, vinaigrette, Olivier in tartlets, beautifully decorated dryers, gingerbread cookies, everyone’s favorite cakes “Napoleon” and “Honey”. This is all very popular.
How did the Russian British meet the news of the ban on the import of European products into Russia?
With enthusiasm. Previously, immigrants puzzled for a long time what to bring as a gift to Russian friends. Now in most cases the issue is resolved unambiguously: cheese, sausage. Around the "sanctions" looms a whole culture. Sociologists will soon be able to conduct a separate study on the topic of what people are now taking with them to Russia.
Today's Russian immigrants - who are they? What is their social status? Are they rich?
Most are with higher education. Those with a Russian passport and residence permit, as a rule, work in financial organizations, IT-technologies, in the field of science and culture. A lot of journalists. About five newspapers in Russian are published here. Low-skilled work, contract work or freelance work is usually done by those who already have British or European passports. I would not say that the bulk of immigrants are truly wealthy people. It’s just that there is a certain circle of millionaires who constantly live here, who often flash in the press. Due to this, a feeling is created that Russian immigrants are rich.
Does everyone know the language?
When it comes to family immigration, some wives come without a tongue. If they are busy looking after children, their education, then, working among their own, they may not learn English at all. But the old-timers with whom I spoke all spoke English.
Do immigrant children speak Russian?
Of those who were born here, not all. To teach Russian, you need to take children to Sunday schools. Or there is an upbringing technique when parents talk at home only in their native language. But this requires a lot of endurance, patience. And school also needs time and money. Often in families with non-Russian-speaking offspring a conflict of cultures arises. There are cases when children who study their native language quit this activity.
Has the situation in Russia and around it somehow influenced relations within the Russian-speaking diaspora?
The war in Ukraine caused a split. There were times when immigrants stopped communicating with each other because of this. And the Ukrainians themselves in Britain, on the contrary, rallied. They have very interesting cultural centers. In London, for example, some events are held there every day: debates, performances by artists, exhibitions. In the Russian community is not so. There is no basic unifying core. There are several competing foci representing different groups of immigrants. There are informal financial leaders, there is a Russian embassy with a state program to support compatriots, and so on. But all this is fragmented and does not always work in unison.
Do people in the community help each other, or is each for himself?
It is known that in the Chinese diaspora it is customary to help with money and to find work. Mostly ours have information exchange and help with advice. Although the Russians are already trying to bring here the employment scheme adopted in Russia: to take friends. Basically, this happens when it comes to media projects or some services: shops or restaurants. This is normal. After all, people who can be trusted are much more difficult for an immigrant to meet.