
Foreword. Demystifying the Russian Soul
In its opening article, The Russianist ponders about the enigmatic “Russian soul” and looks for its origins in the intricacies of the Russian language.

Best Russian Songs: Nezhnost’ (Tenderness)
On the 55th anniversary of the first manned space flight, The Russianist remembers Gagarin’s favorite song, and one of the best Russian songs ever written.

Schastye, the Russian Word for Happiness (Sort of)
The Russian word for happiness is schastye. But there are crucial differences between being happy and being schastliv. Let’s find out which ones.

“Words are a Plastic Matter”: Interview with Alexander Ray
Russian psychologist, author, and entrepreneur Alexander Ray talks his new book, Russianness, and the importance of selling one’s own talent.

5 Russian Diminutives You Don’t Want to Confuse
Russian diminutives can be quite deceptive. Make sure to read through this list before you ask someone for a glass of water!

Island of the Giant Tree by Alexander Ray
An excerpt from Alexander Ray’s new book, Island of the Giant Tree, for the first time in English, exclusively for The Russianist readers.
Recent Articles

Island of the Giant Tree by Alexander Ray
An excerpt from Alexander Ray’s new book, Island of the Giant Tree, for the first time in English, exclusively for The Russianist readers.

Schastye, the Russian Word for Happiness (Sort of)
The Russian word for happiness is schastye. But there are crucial differences between being happy and being schastliv. Let’s find out which ones.

“Words are a Plastic Matter”: Interview with Alexander Ray
Russian psychologist, author, and entrepreneur Alexander Ray talks his new book, Russianness, and the importance of selling one’s own talent.

5 Russian Diminutives You Don’t Want to Confuse
Russian diminutives can be quite deceptive. Make sure to read through this list before you ask someone for a glass of water!

Best Russian Songs: Nezhnost’ (Tenderness)
On the 55th anniversary of the first manned space flight, The Russianist remembers Gagarin’s favorite song, and one of the best Russian songs ever written.
