Abstract: The subject of this research is the Russian-speaking community of Great Britain in the modern sociocultural context, which is traditionally characterized by distinct national, cultural and social disunity. The object of this research is the Russian world of Great Britain within the framework of modern Russian-British relations and sociocultural context of the country of residence. The attitude towards Russian-speaking immigrants from the former USSR republics was affected by multiple stereotypes. The current changes in foreign policy, deterioration of relations between the two countries, amendments to British legislation, Brexit, on the one hand, while economic cooperation and cultural exchange between the countries on the other hand, influence life of the community, forming a new context of being in a foreign cultural environment. The novelty of this research lies in the attempt to assess the impact of the ongoing social processes upon the image, public perception, and quantitative indicator of the Russian community in Great Britain, which is extremely relevant due to the absence of such data in the research literature. Based on the historical and analytical analysis of media materials, sociological surveys, legislative and diplomatic documents, it becomes evident that the number of Russian-speaking citizens who are ready to make Britain their place of residence has significantly reduced compared to the end of the previous century, and there are no prospects that this number would increase. The lifestyle these people is also undergoing changes due to the introduction of new laws in Great Britain. In the conditions of the overall deterioration of political situation, the contacts in economic and cultural spheres remain unchanged, creating a positive image of Russia in the eyes of the British people, as well as the presence of initiatives to improve cooperation between the two countries.

Abstract: The subject of this research is the learning of English language by students of the department of Foreign Languages and Area Studies of M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University in the context of the basic course curriculum “Foreign Language I (English)”. The object of this research is the motives for learning English language and their impact upon motivation in the educational process. Based on results of survey carried out among students, analysis is conducted on the motives for learning English language and their transformation during the educational process. The acquire data present new relevant information that allows determining the forms of motivation contributing to successful acquisition of the curriculum, formation of professional and general cultural competencies of students, and improvement of educational process. The conclusion is made on the prevalence in students of inner motive for learning aimed at development of communication skills and overcoming language barrier. Implementation of classes in form of discussions into the educational process enhances positive motivation, and involvement of the specifically developed textbooks contribute to successful learning of foreign language within the framework of educational standard.

Abstract: The subject of the research is the image of England in the perception of English national cuisine by Russians. As special means of reproduction and understanding the reality, the image of an item or matter presents an integral reflection of all processes and phenomena happening in the cultural environment. National cuisine is a significant instrument that develops an image of a country. Creation of an image as a result of experiencing another socio-cultural environment is an important aspect of cross-cultural communication which provides  a better understanding of cultural processes and phenomena. Based on the socio-cultural analysis of letters and memoirs written by Russians at the end of the XXth - beginning of the XXIst centuries, Smirnova deffines the main peculiarities of eating traditions in modern England which gives a new insight into the culture of the region, mentality of people living there and, as a consequence, creates the image of the country and the ground for a successful dialogue of cultures. Introducing new sources for academic analysis that tell us about the understudied aspect of the history of Foggy Albion, Smirnova describes features of the image of this country, national character of Englishmen that has such typical features as traditionalism, tendency towards preservation of local traditions, substantiation, rationalism, adherence to the trends of the time, and ability to adopt values of other cultures. 

Abstract: The subject of this research is the worldview of the Russian elite of the period of enlightened absolutism; while the subject is the peculiarities of patriotism in Russian in the late XVIII century. The questions of patriotism always spark interest, because love for the country is one of the basic values of the Russian culture. Historical, social and cultural contexts affect the content of the socially significant constants. The concepts of “patriotism” and “serving country” are prone to transformation with the flow of historical development, but always remain the foundation of national mentality. Analyzing the statement s of the Russian of noble descent of the examined period, the author finds it important to determine what did the contemporaries imply speaking of the true “Sons of the Motherland”, patriots; what was the essence of serving ountry during the period of enlightened absolutism in Russia; what was the impact of the ideology of Enlightenment upon such perception. The scientific novelty lies in analyzing the cultural peculiarities of the era through the prism of the concept of “patriotism”. Patriots of the late XVIII century are the educated, mindful, working for the good of fellow citizens, valuing their roots and cultural traditions, respecting the human person. Their duty to the country differs from the duty to the reigning person; their Motherland is the God granted home; and the foundation of love for the country is the love for home and care for your neighbors.