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 Russian culture of the XVIIIth century, development of the basic cultural values, the Russian language as the mirror of sociocultural transformations, definitions of the terms 'fatherland', 'motherland', 'native land' as the basis for the development of cultural identity and national self-identification. Extension of the knowledge about the basic constants of the Russian culture does not only improve the understanding of historical and cultural patternns of the society development but might be also useful for planning the state policy in the sphere of cultural heritage preservation under the globalization conditions. In her research Smirnova has applied the method of historical systems analysis of particular cases of the use of 'fatherland', 'motherland', and 'native land' in different texts. The main conclusion of the analysis of how the aforesaid concepts originated under the conditions of changing mental models of the Russian society, the author points out the importance of the latter on the development of self-identification of the Russians at a particular historical stage. The article also presents new information about transformations of the basic cultural constants. 
 

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.