Chekhov's, The Bear

[Josh Wilson]

Or perhaps the guide books are playing to English sensitivities?  

I've known several American students in Russia who drag their heels and
resist the terms "devushka" and even "molodoi chelovek" because they are
certain it sounds rude.  

Only after a few lectures and seeing that there really is no other variant
that modern Russian uses to refer to waiters and waitresses will they
finally break down and use them.  


-----Original Message-----
From: Slavic & East European Languages and Literature list
[mailto:SEELANGS at listserv.cuny.edu] On Behalf Of Devin Browne
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2006 1:49 PM
To: SEELANGS at listserv.cuny.edu
Subject: Re: [SEELANGS] Chekhov's, The Bear

Well, depends on whom you ask.  Guide books these days, for example,
suggest "monsieur" rather than "garcon," the former being considered
more polite, the latter considered less so or perhaps quaint and
old-fashioned in some parts.

Devin

> Date:    Sun, 14 May 2006 18:31:39 -0400
> From:    Katie Janicka <kjanicka at BRYNMAWR.EDU>
> Subject: Re: Chekhov's, The Bear
>
> There is nothing impolite about the word "garcon". It is proper French for
> "waiter".
>
> KJ

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