Community Partners Program
(CPP)
The Russian
Way
Information Kit
2012
Community Partners Program
(CPP)
Information Kit
The purpose of this information kit is to provide professionals working with people of Russian
background with practical, up-to-date, accurate information, while its main aim is to assist both
the worker and the client. Most problems encountered in daily life are due to
miscommunication and we hope that this short guide will facilitate between the various service
providers and the 46,510 strong eastern European communities in Queensland.
Steering clear of stereotypes, we hope to have dispelled some common myths and
misconception. We believe that the information provided within this kit will give you an
overview of the Russian history, customs and various resources which should form a basis for
developing better relationships with your clients.
Please also remember that, just like in any other ethnic group, each Russian person is an
individual and what might be appropriate for one will not be for another. The best line of
action is to always ask questions of the person concerned to find out why they do what they
do.
We hope you find this information kit useful, your feedback and comments are always
welcome.
Table of Contents
1. Russia at a Glance
2. Demographics
3. Migration Trends
4. Culture and Customs
5. Language
6. Religion and Tradition
7. Food and Diet
8. Attitudes to Aged Care
9. Working with Interpreters and Bi-lingual Staff
10. Key Issues for the Russian Community
11. Resource Guide
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Russia at a Glance
Background
Location: The Russian Federation stretching over a vast amount of Europe and Asia is the
largest country in the world.
Languages: Russian is a Slavic language and spoken primarily in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan
and
Kyrgyzstan.
It
is
an
unofficial
but
widely
spoken
language
of
Ukraine, Latvia and Estonia and, to a lesser extent, the other countries that were once
constituent republics of the USSR. It is the most geographically widespread language of Eurasia,
the most widely spoken of the Slavic languages, and the largest native language in Europe.
Russian belongs to the family of Indo-European languages and is one of three (or four including
Rusyn) living members of the East Slavic languages. Written examples of Old East Slavonic are
attested from the 10th century onwards. The language is one of the six official languages of the
United Nations.
Area: 17,075,200 sq. km. land area.
Population: Russia has the world’s eighth largest population. 2009 survey set the
population at 141,850,000 and is declining.
Capital: Moscow
National holidays:
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New Year holidays and Christmas New Year holidays in Russia last for 10 calendar days
from the 1st of January until the 10th. Currently the New Year is a bigger holiday than
Christmas in Russia. Since 1992 Christmas has been openly observed in Russia and now
the New Year's celebration usually flows into the celebration of the Russian Orthodox
Christmas. Russian Christmas comes two weeks later than in other countries, on January
7. This difference is due to the Russian Orthodox Church following the older Julian
calendar.
Defender of the Fatherland Day 23 February,
International Women's Day every 8 March, the United Nations declares this day as the
International Women's Day to celebrate women and the accomplishments they have
made to society. Other than in the former Soviet republics, it is not celebrated much
throughout the world. It is traditional on this holiday to present women with gifts and
flowers to express appreciation for their work, love and devotion. It can be regarded as
the equivalent of Mother's Day combined with some aspects of Valentine's Day.
Spring and Labour Day 1 May
Victory Day 9 May
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Russia Day is a holiday, somewhat similar to Independence Day, celebrated on June
12th. On this day, in 1990, Russian parliament formally declared Russian sovereignty
over Russia (RSFSR). The holiday was officially established in 1992.
Unity Day November 3 - November 4.
Neighbours: Russia shares land borders with Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania,
Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia and North Korea.
Climate: Russia has a largely continental climate because of its sheer size and compact
configuration. Most of its land is more than 400 kilometres from the sea, and the centre is
3,840 kilometres from the sea. In addition, Russia's mountain ranges, predominantly to the
south and the east, block moderating temperatures from the Indian and Pacific oceans, but
European Russia and northern Siberia lack such topographic protection from the Arctic and
North Atlantic oceans.
Extensive regions experience six months of snow cover. The average yearly temperature of
nearly all of European Russia is below freezing, and the average for most of Siberia is freezing
or below. Most of Russia has only two seasons, summer and winter, with very short intervals of
moderation between them.
Natural Recourses: Russia is one of the world's richest countries in raw materials, many of
which are significant inputs for an industrial economy. Russia accounts for around 20% of the
world's production of oil and natural gas and possesses large reserves of both fuels. Russia
possesses rich reserves of iron ore, manganese, chromium, nickel, platinum, titanium, copper,
tin, lead, tungsten, diamonds, phosphates, and gold, and the forests of Siberia contain an
estimated one-fifth of the world's timber, mainly conifers.
Ethnic Groups: Ethnic groups: Croat 89.6%, Serb 4.5%, other 5.9% (including Bosniak,
Hungarian, Slovene, Czech, and Roma) (2001 census).
Religions: 70.2% of Russian Orthodox Christians, 4-6% are Muslims, a little more than 1% of
Protestants (including 0.3% of Lutherans), a little less than 1% of Roman Catholics and some
0.1% of Old Believers. About 0.1% of the population are adherents of Buddhism. A Russian
census of 2002 found 230 thousand (0.16%) ethnic Jews in the country, but only 8% of them,
which is 0.01% of the total population) self-identify as followers of Judaism.
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Migration Trends
The First Wave 1880-1905
The first major wave of Russian emigrants to Australia began in the late nineteenth and early
twentieth century, largely Jews from the Baltic and south west of Russia escaping anti-Semitism
and a wave of pogroms which raged in the wake of Tsar Alexander II's assassination on 1 March
(old calendar) 1881. By the time of the formation of the Australian Commonwealth in 1901, a
total of 3,358 Russians were resident in the newly created country, comprising 1,262 in New
South Wales, 954 in Victoria, 454 in Queensland, 251 in South Australia, 400 in Western
Australia and 37 in Tasmania. Most emigrants had come via England at this time, but in the
future many travelled via the newly opened Trans-Siberian railway and ports in the Far East,
which provided a quicker and cheaper route. Letters from Antipodean emigrants were
commonly published in the Russian press and had the effect of encouraging potential
emigrants to consider this exotic new land as a possible destination.
The Second Wave 1905-1917
A second wave occurred between the defeat of Russia in the Russian-Japanese War in 1905,
the revolution of that year and the February Revolution in 1917. According to Prince Abaza, the
Russian General Consul in Australia in 1914, there were 12,000 people from the Russian empire
in Australia out of a total population of 4.5 million. The lure of Australia's democracy and social
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mobility outweighed the hardships which many of the émigrés suffered in their first years,
often in labouring jobs due to their lack of English.
During the World War I no less than one quarter of all the Russian males living in Australia
served in the Australian Army. By percentage it was more than for the general Australian
population. There were more Russian nationals serving in the Australian Army than nationals
from any other non-Anglo-Saxon country. No less than 150 Russian nationals in the Australian
and New Zealand Army Corps participated in the Battle of Gallipoli. No less than 400 Russians
were among ANZACs on the Western Front in 1916.
The Third Wave 1917-1939
The Australian Government placed an embargo on immigration from Russia between 1917 and
1922 due to the Russian revolution and subsequent Russian Civil War. After the lifting of this
prohibition after the defeat of the white movement, a third wave of Russians migrated to
Australia in the 1920s after the defeat of the White Army by the Bolshevik forces. These were
known as the White émigrés. Many of these refuges embarked from Manchuria, having been
driven to Siberia by the rampant Red Army.
The Fourth Wave 1945-1960
A fourth wave of emigrants came to Australia after the Second World War, comprising Russian
prisoners of war and displaced Russian citizens. Several Russian born emigrants to Australia
have published accounts of their escapes from Soviet Russia and Communist China, including
Alex Saranin's 'Child of the Kulaks' and 'The Tarasov Saga' by Igor Ivashkoff (Gary Nash).
The Fifth Wave - Russians in Australia Today
The 2006 Census revealed Australia had a Russian-born population of 15,354. Most Russianborn residents live in Melbourne (5,407) or Sydney (5,367). A significant portion of Russianborn residents are women (62%), and most (69%) had arrived in Australia no earlier than
1990.[6] Also at the 2006 Census 67,055 Australian residents declared that they had Russian
ancestry, either alone or in combination with one other ancestry.
According to Russian Federal State Statistics Service there are about 1200 Russians who left
Russia for Australia from 2000 to 2008. Roughly 170 Russians leave Russia for Australia every
year.
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Russian Migration in Queensland
Local Government Area of Citizens With Russian Ancestry in Queensland
-Queensland: 2006 Census
Birthplace of Citizens With Russian Ancestry in Queensland
-Queensland: 2006 Census
The 2006 Census noted a 27.5% increase since the 2001 Census from 1,262 to 1,609 residents
born in Russian Federation.
Russian Population Distribution in Brisbane
AGE
Brisbane North
Brisbane South
Logan
(ABS Census 2006)
0-44
126
197
49
45-59
23
47
12
60-69
12
19
4
70-79
12
40
3
80+
10
63
3
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Culture and Customs
Russian culture is firmly based in its religious traditions. Even though people’s experiences
varied immensely depending on time and route of migration and whether they had an urban or
rural lifestyle, their common identity as Russians is paramount. They have language, traditions,
food and religion to unite them.
The Russian heritage is associated with high culture in terms of theatre, drama, literature, art,
concerts and opera. Russians consider themselves a well-educated nation. Art and literature
were also very strong influences i.e. Tchaikovsky, Bol’shoy Ballet, Pushkin and Tolstoy. During
the Soviet regime, religion, art and literature were under strict control. Even so, Soviet artists
made noteworthy achievements in film editing, music composition and Paternak and
Solzhenistyn were Novel prize recipients.
Whilst identifying as Russian, each person also has a strong sense of regional cultural identity.
The region in which the person lived will impact on the person’s preferences related to such
things as festivals, food, drink, clothing, cultural personality, music and language dialect etc.
Russia has had a long history of totalitarianism, which has resulted in a rather fatalistic
approach to living. This can also explain in part why many older Russians are generally quiet,
pessimistic and don’t have much faith in a better life in the future.
It should be remembered this is just one view and does not apply to every Russian-born
person’s preferences. Having established this person’s preferences the carer should be careful
not to replace one cultural stereotype with another related to what should be considered
stereo-typically ‘Russian’.
For More Information:
“The Russian-born community”, Community Information Summary, Department of Immigration
and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA). 2006. Available as a PDF document from the
following web address: www.immi.gov.au/statistics/stat_info/comm_summ/summary.htm
Customs in Everyday Life
Greetings
The typical greeting is a firm handshake while maintaining direct eye contact whilst giving the
appropriate greeting for the time of day (Dobroe utro” – Good morning: “Dobriy den” – Good
afternoon or Dobriy vecher” – Good evening). It is very important to remember when shaking
hands with someone, to be sure to take off your gloves, as it is considered rude not to. Russians
have a very demonstrative culture, and public physical contact is common (for example, hugs,
backslapping, kisses on the cheeks and other expansive gestures) among friends. Russians also
tend to stand close to the other person when talking.
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Referring to Others
Russian names are comprised of: first name which is the person’s given name: middle name,
which is a patronymic or a version of the father’s first name (formed by adding ‘vich’ or ‘ovich’
– for a male or ‘ovna’ for a female). For example: the son of Ivan would have an patronymic of
Ivanovich while the daughter’s patronymic would be Ivanovna: last name, which is the family
or surname. In formal situations, people use all three names, whilst friends and close
acquaintances may refer to each other by their first name and patronymic. Close friends and
family members call each other by their first name only.
Gestures
Putting your thumb through your index and middle fingers or making the “OK” sign is
considered a very rude gesture in Russia. If the person spits three times over his/her left
shoulder it is to ward off bad luck or to express the hope for continued good fortune (similar
meaning to “knock on wood”). A gesture linked to the Russian Orthodox religion is to cross
themselves with the index and middle finger of the right hand resting on the thumb. The
gesture begins by touching the forehead the chest just below the neck, then the right shoulder
and, lastly, the left shoulder. This gesture is used several times throughout the day, when
leaving one’s home, at the end of a silent prayer, or simply at the onset of ones workday – not
just in church. It’s use is also most prevalent among elderly women.
Entering a Room
It is courteous to open the door and let women or the host to enter the room first. It is also
polite for people to remove their shoes upon entering a home, often being given a pair of
slippers (tapki) to help keep the place clean.
Taboos
For religious reasons, ‘Friday’ and ‘thirteen’ are the most pervasive and powerful taboos in
Russian culture. Russian people never hold celebrations on Fridays or on the thirteenth day in a
month. Russians never send their friends yellow gifts, because doing such implies disloyalty.
They prefer gifts in blue and think of blue as a symbol of friendship. (The above customs are
from a time in which the older generation lived and were raised. They may not be evident in the
younger generations, nor do they necessarily apply to every Russian-born aged person. It is
important for the carer to check on whether adherence to these, or other customs unique to
their region of origin, is to be used with that particular Russian-born person.
Language
Russian language is related to Sanskrit, Greek and Latin, as well as the modern Germanic,
Romance and Celtic languages, including English, French and Irish. It has a Cyrillic alphabet.
The main languages spoken at home by Russian Federation-born people in Australia are
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Russian 76.2% and Polish 2.4% - with 13.2% of this population also speaking English very well or
well. (Source: Russian community Information Summary, DIMIA, 2003.) Many elderly Russian-born persons will
have developed a mix of Russian and English languages, using both often in the same sentence.
Care providers need to be aware that just because they once could speak English, this does not
mean a) they necessarily spoke it fluently or extensively or b) they have retained these skills
as he/she aged or c) that it is their preferred language as speaking English can be tiring to the
elderly- as they are engaging in a translation-type of process.
A variety of language guides targeted at health and everyday activities is available at a cost
from:
HENDRIKA (Health and Rapport Interactive Kommunication Aid)
PO Box 326, Beaudesert, Qld 4285 or via website address: www.hendrika.com.au
Following is a sample of communication aids available through the web. Russian Language –
Basic information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia/Russian_language
To
learn basic phrases and words:
http://www.waytorussia.net/WhatIsRussia/Russian/Part2.html
or:
http://www.guidetorussia.org/culture/russian-language.shtml
Some
examples of simple phrases/words in Russian:
English
What is the time?
It’s two o’clock
This morning
How long?
Here
House
Yes
No
Thank you
Please
Good-bye
Good
Medicines
Ointment
Fractures
Good day
Good evening
Do you understand?
I don’t understand
Excuse me
Where
Pronunciation
Kato’ryi chas?
Dva chasa
Segod’nya ootrom
Kak dol’go
Syuda’
dom
da
nyet
Spasi’bo
Pazhal’sta
dasvidanya
Kharasho’
Lekar’stva
maz
pyerelom
Dobreey den
Dobreey vecher
Vy poni’maete
Ya ne poni’mayu
Izvi’nite
gde
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Here
Left/right
Straight ahead
Behind
When
Never
zdes
‘levo/pravo
P’ryamo
Poza’di
Kog’da
Nikogda
Religion and Tradition
The majority of Russian people belong to a church, even if they may in practice not be regular
attendees. Of the total Russian-born population in Australia the major religions are:
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Russian Orthodox (27.2%)
Jewish (19.5%)
Western Catholic (5.6%)
19.3% stated “No religion’
(The Russian community Information Summary, DIMA 2003.)
Russian Orthodox is the predominant religion. Far smaller numbers of Russian-born in Australia
follow Islam, Judaism, Protestantism while some arrivals, post 1991, have no affiliation.
Remember there can be a difference between nominating a particular religion to practicing
that religion in ones’ everyday life (or whether all or some rituals/practices within that religion
are observed).
Equally, just because a person when young did not practice or observe their religion doesn’t
mean as the person ages he/she might now wish to practice.
** You need to establish each person’s religious preferences and link him/her into a minister
of that religion.
For more information related to religion in Russia visit:
http://enwikipedia.org/wiki/Religion-in Russia
Other days celebrated by Russian people are:
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March or April – Pancake week (before Easter’s Lent)
May 1st – Labour Day
May 2nd – Spring day Holiday
May 9th – Victory Day
June 12th – National Day
August 22nd _ Day of the Russian Federation State Flag
November 7th – Accord and Reconciliation Day
December 12th – Constitution Day
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** The following listing is not intended to be exhaustive; rather it lists the major shared
“special days”. You should check with the person or his/her family if there are other
special days which are important to that person.
Festivity
Month / Date
Description
Name Day
“Dien
Angela”
Advent
Every day is
connected with
different saints.
Commences 4
Sundays before
Christmas
Christmas EveRussian Orthodox 6th
January (Some
people also
celebrate 31st
December)
People who share the same name receive special gifts,
flowers and good wishes from family members and
friends. Birthdays are not popular to celebrate.
Preparation for Christmas. Some people fast and go to
church.
Christmas
Christmas
Day
Christmas Day- 7th
January
New Year’s
Eve
31st December
New Year
Russian Orthodox13th January 1st
January
Christmas Eve supper is meatless but festive. A special
porridge called kutya is served. It is made of wheat
berries or other grains and honey and poppy seeds. A
ceremony involving blessing of the home is also
frequently observed. Before supper people attend
church for a special mass. After Christmas Eve services,
people carry candles or torches and parade around the
church. After the church service people are involved in
house-to-house carolling – ritual known as kolyadki
Families spend the day together, some attending the
church and have special dinner. Everyone can eat
anything and everything. Santa Claus (Ded Moroz)
leaves gifts under the Christmas tree.
New Year’s balls, fireworks, people kiss, hug and wish
happy new Year to relatives and friends. After that
everyone exchanges gifts.
Some people celebrate the New Year on 1st of January.
New Year remains the most important holiday for
most Russians.
Food and Diet
The essential components of Russian cuisine are those foods that provide the most
carbohydrates and fat rather than proteins e.g. bread, potatoes, meat, eggs and butter. Fresh
fruits and vegetables are rarely used in meals.
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Meals
Breakfast
Usually this is a quick meal. Adults are likely to have an open sandwich with cheese, ham or
salami with a cup of tea. Children tend to eat a cooked meal consisting of a boiled egg,
omelette or kasha (any cooked grain or cereal served with milk, sugar and butter).
Lunch
This is the main meal of the day and is eaten between 1pm and 3pm. Lunch starts with a small
entrée e.g. Salted-herring or salad etc. this is followed by soup often made from the
homemade stock. After soup is the main course e.g. fish or meatballs. If a meat stew is eaten
they tend to have been flavoured using wild mushroom, pickled cucumber or special cream.
The main course is served with potatoes, pasta, cereal, salted-cucumbers and always served
with bread. Lunch is finished with either coffee, tea compot (stewed fruit) or fruit juice.
Afternoon tea
Desserts or pastries are very popular and particularly enjoyed at this time. Tea or milk follows.
Dinner (or Supper)
This meal is eaten with the family around the table. Soup can be served again and the main
course might be vegetables like potato cakes with mushroom sauce or cottage cheese.
Bread
Dark, heavy
rye bread,
toast
Cheeses
Cottage
cheese and
any other kind
of yellow
cheeses are
popular
Vegetables
Beetroot,
cabbage, peas,
beans,
potatoes,
cucumber,
tomatoes.
onion and
garlic Honey is
very popular
Meat / Fish
Chicken, fresh
water fish,
meatball,
steak,
frankfurtertype sausages
and beef, pork
meat
Fruit
Fresh fruits
not very
popular –
maybe only
apples and
berries.Stewed
or cooked
fruits
(compost) are
popular
Drinks
Tea, coffee,
tea with
lemon
beer, wine.
vodka
It is important for residential care providers to establish each person’s food preferences
cooking, style (e.g. fried versus poached), quality and timing of meals and recorded as part of
their care plan.
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Food Sources
More and more of the larger food stores e.g. Woolworths, Coles stock Russian (or European)
foods, and you should check what is available at these types of stores in the first instance.
Below is a list of known suppliers of food in South-East Qld. Often used by members of the
Russian community.
German Butcher Heinz 611 Stanley Street Woolloongabba Qld 4102 Ph (07) 3391 3530
Rene’s Smallgoods 41 Tubbs Street Clontarf Qld 4019 Ph. (07) 3283 7711
Adams’s Continental Smallgoods 206 Cobalt Street Carole Park Qld 4300 Ph. (07) 3271 3044
Swiss Gourmet Deli 181 Boundary Street West End Qld 4101 Ph. 3844 2937
Euro Continental Food Quality Greek & European Products Shop 1/75-77 Russell St West End
Qld 4101
Franz Continental Smallgoods 15 Industrial Avenue Caloundra Qld 4551 Ph.(07) 5493 936
Attitudes to Aged Care
Attitude to Professional Care and Services
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Many elderly Russians tend to be suspicious of anything related to government.
They will be very reluctant to provide information about themselves or their family in
case it is used against them.
Russians and families’ response to services like HACC are influenced by their place of
origin.
Russians mainly from rural China or smaller cities in Russia would be more resistant to
ask for help. They may have large families and be resistant to ask for help because of
existing family support received from children and grandchildren or other relatives.
They may have little or no functional English at all so language can be a barrier
Russians mainly from former USSR, Western Europe or from large cities in China are
usually better educated, are skilled migrants and have a good knowledge of English
language. They are more open to western culture and basic social and community life
and government services.
Many Russians have a fear of going into hospital or Aged Care because they have a fear
of being confined or trapped.
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Many older people are afraid of being in an English speaking environment and will
usually be receptive to having an interpreter especially if from same migration
background.
Role of the Family in Caring for the Elderly
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The elderly person generally prefers to stay at home rather than to be admitted into the
Age Care Facility.
It is expected that family will care for their parents and relatives at home for as long as
possible.
Extended family ties are especially strong. The elderly are respected and the role of the
male as the head of the family tends to be a dominant one.
Attitude Towards Residential Aged Care
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The elderly do not readily accept being admitted into residential care. Generally, this is
the option considered only as the last resort.
In home support programs will be accessed to prolong independence for as long as
possible.
They respond with appreciation to carers making genuine efforts to overcome their
feelings of dependency and isolation.
Leaving home and moving into any other communal arrangement is the equivalent to
losing their independence. Where residential placement happens, this is often due to
the loss of family members or family networks, rather than as a preference of the
person.
Attitudes Towards Illness, Pain and Hospitalisation
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Russian persons are often stoic about pain and loath seeing a doctor too quickly- trying
to cope with it for as long as possible mostly by ignoring it.
The Person generally won’t talk about it unless a close friend or family member
mentions any changes they have noticed.
Generally Russians have a strong tendency for self-diagnoses, using medical books and
natural treatment (herbs etc.) Going to health professionals is usual and Russian-born
persons are used to the medical hierarchy (i.e. General practitioners for overall health
with referral to ‘specialist as needed for more in-depth treatment).
Hospitalisation, although feared is an acceptable form of intervention.
Respecting the needs for privacy is an important factor that must be taken into account
by service providers.
A clear description of illness, the probable outcome and the treatment is most
appreciated.
Elderly people who speak little or no English may suffer frustration, as they do not
understand what is going on around them and/or why.
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Family will generally try to ‘protect’ them by keeping them in the dark as to the true
nature of their illness. This is why it is recommended for the staff to use a qualified
interpreter when it comes to discussing an important issue with the resident.
Preventative medicine and wellness programs were virtually non-existent in Russia, as
are programs to educate the public about personal sanitation, proper diet and vitamins
etc.
The average Russian person doesn’t consume a balanced diet. Vegetables often were
scarce in Russia, except in rural areas, where home-grown, and fruit has never
constituted an important element of the Russian diet. The concept of self-help (eg
exercises rehabilitation programmes) is also strong in the Russian people.
Dying and Palliative Care
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The concept of a hospice and palliative care is not known in Russia. Care of the
terminally ill has been a family responsibility, and in some cases there can be some
opposition to the perceived ‘intrusion’ by outsiders.
It is likely that Russian-born elderly persons will be unaware that such services exist or
what it entails. If the person does know something about palliative care he/she has
learnt this whilst resident in Australia.
Burial Rituals
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The deceased is bathed and dressed in the clothes he/she has usually chosen before
death and these instructions were given to a family member.
Cremation is rare, according to the individual’s religious beliefs. An orthodox priest will
conduct the burial.
Mourners wear black clothes on the day of the ceremony with the spouse choosing to
wear black for up to 1 year (the year of the burial).
It is important for the residential care provider to establish each person’s wishes in the event of
palliative care or death and recorded as part of their care plan.
Interpreters and Bilingual Staff
Although people with moderate English skills may appear to understand discussions, use of
professional interpreters to communicate complex information is advisable. For many
professionals the need to work with interpreters may seem awkward and time consuming, but
effective use of interpreting services leads to successful communication. The role of bilingual
staff is distinctly different from that of an interpreter or translator. The fact that a worker
speaks Russian does not mean that he/she is able to accurately convey messages of complex
nature between clients and service providers. Although very valuable on a daily basis, the
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language assistance of a bilingual worker should be limited to simple matters, in order to avoid
possible misunderstandings and complications of a legal nature.
Service providers are encouraged to deal only with accredited interpreters and translators. The
National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) tests and accredits
translators and interpreters, at different levels and in most languages. These professionals may
work in interpreting and translating assignments as independent (freelance) specialists, or
under contract to a commercial or government agency.
Work of translators and Interpreters is codified by the AUSIT Code of Ethics which obliges
members to:
Respect their clients’ rights to privacy and confidentiality;
Decline to undertake work beyond their competence or accreditation levels;
Decline to mix promotional activity for clients with interpreting work;
Maintain professional detachment, impartiality and objectivity.
Information shared in interpreting and translating assignments is strictly confidential.
Disclosure of information may be permissible with clients’ agreement or when disclosure is
mandated by law. Interpreters are required to observe impartiality in all professional contracts
disclose any possible conflict of interest and take all reasonable care to be accurate.
Interpreters and translators are not responsible for what clients say or write they cannot voice
an opinion, solicited or unsolicited, on any matter or person in relation to an assignment. For
example, it is wrong to ask of an interpreter: “Does this person seem depressed to you?”
because this kind of assessment would be outside of their area of expertise. In order to ensure
the same access to all that is said by all parties involved in a meeting, interpreters relay
accurately and completely everything that is said. They convey the whole message, including
derogatory or vulgar remarks as well as non-verbal clues and they cannot alter, make additions
to, or omit anything from their assigned work.
In general, interpreters are not allowed to accept gifts and tips. However, some discretionary
latitude may be exercised in accepting a gift such as a small box of chocolates as a token of
gratitude.
Key Issues for the Russian Community
Russian Community-Specific Issues
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Fear of authority and reluctance to seek assistance until crisis point is reached;
Cases of social isolation and limited English;
Service system disorientation;
Refusal to accept help due to cultural expectations that the family’s role is to provide the
necessary support;
Refusal to accept help from outsiders;
Experiencing embarrassment or even shame of having to deal with one’s personal problems in
public.
Community Partners Program
(CPP)
Many Russian elderly can speak and understand English. However, some of them cannot read
or write English and may have problems with filling out forms. Some of those who say that they
can speak English can often understand and respond to simple sentences and situations and
are able to express their needs in a limited manner.
Key Issues for Service Providers
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The need for appropriate dementia care support services for the elderly and their carers.
The need for in-home support service, that is culturally and linguistically relevant to potential
Russian consumers.
More strategic focus on the primary importance of carers.
Work on the eradication of under-utilisation of mainstream services, such as HACC and
Residential Care.
The need for culturally appropriate grief and death counselling.
References
1/ Diversicare, 2006 – Russian Cultural Profile
2/ ABS – 2006 Census
3/ Wikipedia (on-line) Encyclopaedia
Resource Guide to Russian Services
Queensland Russian Community Centre (QRCC)
19 Lotus St BURANDA Q 4102
Activities: Social, folklore, cultural functions
Telephone: (07)3391 3432
Russian Club, Brisbane
15 Trafalgar St WOOLLOONGABBA Q 4102
Activities: Venue for traditional cultural events, seminars,
library services, youth groups
Telephone: (07) 3892 2929
Russian Ethnic Representative Council of Qld
PO Box 6096 MITCHELTON Q 4053
72 Osborne Rd MITCHELTON Q 4053
St Nicholas Cathedral-Russian
Orthodox Church 1871
114 Woodlands Dr ROCHEDALE SOUTH Q 4123
Community Partners Program
(CPP)
344 Vulture St WOOLLOONGABBA Q 4102
Activities: Religious, social, welfare, cultural
Telephone: (07) 3341 8881
Fax: (07) 3341 8881
Mobile: 0419 308 3380
Additional Resources
Diversicare Resources
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Cultural Diversity resource Directory for Residential and Community Care Agencies,
2005. Lists all known resources under chapter headings of – communication, Cultural
background, Health and Personal care, Lifestyle, Legal, Management, Resources.
Phone Director, Diversicare for this resource on (07) 3846 1099.
Useful Websites
Cross Cultural Health Program (USA)
www.xculture.org/resources/order/index.cfm?Category=Articles
Centre for Culture Ethnicity and Health – Video Catalogue
http://www.ceh.org.au/video_catalogue.htm
Alzheimer’s Australia NSW
www.alzheimers.org.au
Queensland health – Multicultural Health Publications
www.health.qld.gov.au/publications/restopicmaster.asp?Rec=40&frmHealthTopic
=MulticulturalHealth
Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre
www.health.qld.gov.au/pahospital/qtmhc/multilingual_resources.asp
Cancer Foundation
http://www.cancerindex.org/clinks13.htm
Nutrition Australia
www.nutritionaustralia.org
Free Interpreting Services
The Australian Government, through TIS National, provides free interpreting services to
non-English speaking Australian citizens and permanent residents communicating with
the following approved groups and individuals:
Community Partners Program
(CPP)
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private medical practitioners providing Medicare-rebateable services and their
reception staff to arrange appointments and provide results of medical tests
non-profit, non-government, community-based organisations for case work and
emergency services where the organisation does not receive funding to provide these
services
Note: Organisations that require language services (such as interpreting) and receive
government funding should incorporate the cost of these services into their application
for funding
Members of Parliament for constituency purposes
local government authorities to communicate with non-English speaking residents on
issues such as rates, garbage collection and urban services
trade unions to respond to members' enquiries or requests
Emergency Management Australia
Pharmacies for the purpose of dispensing Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
medications.
Non-profit, non-government, community-based organisations can apply for a fee
exemption for calls through TIS National. Please download and complete the
Application for exemption from TIS charges form. Applications should be faxed to the
attention of the on-site supervisor.
See: Application for exemption from TIS charges (67KB PDF file)
Fax: 1300 654 151
If you have questions about your eligibility for free interpreting, please contact the
Client Liaison and Promotions team.
Telephone: 1300 655 820
Email: [email protected]
Free document translation service
The Australian Government also provides a free document translation service through
TIS National, for people settling permanently in Australia. Permanent settlers are able
to have their personal documents translated into English during their initial two year
settlement period. Returning Australian citizens may also be eligible for the free
translation service within two years of returning to Australia to settle permanently.
Detailed information about the free document translation service is available online.
See: Help with Translations
Doctors Priority Line
The Doctors Priority Line is a free telephone interpreting service which helps medical
practitioners to communicate with their non-English speaking patients.
General practitioners and specialists can use the Doctors Priority Line when providing
services that are:
claimable under Medicare
delivered in private practices
provided to non-English speakers who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.
The Doctors Priority Line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Community Partners Program
(CPP)
Doctors who are not currently registered for the Doctors Priority Line can arrange
access to the service with TIS National by filling out an online registration form.
See: Medical Practitioners Free Interpreting Registration Form
The form is also available to download as a PDF file which can be faxed or posted as per
instructions
on
the
form.
See: Medical Practitioners Request Form for TIS National Client Code (41KB PDF file)
Telephone interpreting service for pharmacies
Free interpreting services are available to pharmacies for the purpose of dispensing
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medications. This scheme is aimed at assisting
pharmacists to communicate with people about the proper use of medications.
To date more than 1200 pharmacies have registered for use of the service.
Lists of the pharmacies that have registered in Queensland
See:
QLD registered pharmacies ( 96KB PDF file)
Note: The lists of pharmacies that have registered for these services are not an
Australian Government endorsement (either implied or otherwise) of these businesses.
Please refer to the department's websites disclaimer for more information.
See: Copyright and Disclaimer
If your local pharmacy is not listed you can ask them to register for free interpreting
services. The pharmacy can register for the services with TIS National by filling out an
online
form.
See: Medical Practitioners Free Interpreting Registration Form
The form is also available to download as a PDF file which can be faxed or posted as per
instructions
on
the
form.
See: Medical Practitioners Request Form for TIS National Client Code (41KB PDF file)