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 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.