Survey

The survey was conducted in the autumn 2007 at Eastern Siberia State Technological University (Ulan-Ude, Buryatia, Russia) among freshmen and sophomore students mostly representing Russians (Caucasian) and Buryats majoring in Regional Studies (China), Public Relations, Law, Economics and Social Work.

The language of the survey was Russian because there was no intention to test the students' EFL skills but to find out what knowledge they have about the USA. Another reason was to manage the time. There were only 30 minutes to complete the whole survey.

The survey was divided into three parts. Part one was about general things that students would encounter everyday in their hometown but somehow connected with the USA. Part two was about facts on the USA they were supposedly aware of. Part three was about their ideas about the USA and its relationships with Russia. The parts were given separately. It was reasoned by the attempt to avoid biased answers as some of the students could potentially peek at the questions at the end (about Russia and US relationships) and start answering the survey being affected by them.

The students had not had any preparation time and they were to give answers right on the spot. Independent thinking was encouraged.

Part ONE

Part one is intended to show what preferences the students have or to what extend they are influenced by the American culture in their everyday life.

The respondents showed interest in American movies (61%), music (30%), and drinks.
Supermarkets (like Giant, Safeway) are widespread nowadays and the students do the grocery, perhaps, being unaware of that they were first introduced in the USA.
64% of students had an inclination to learn American version of English because it was more popular, attractive in their opinion and there was some practical approach to their choice too - some students were planning to go to the USA on 'Work and Travel' program in the summer.

1	What movie did you go to last time?	USA		Russian	French	No
		61		36	1	2
2	Who is your favorite singer or band?	USA		Russian	Other	No
		30		43	9	18
3	What soft drink is your favorite?	Some juice		Coca-Cola	Other drink	No
		53		25	17	5
4	Where do you usually do shopping?	Supermarket			Shop	Other
		63			35	2
5	Do you want to learn British or American version of English?	British¹	American²	Both	None	I don’t know
		28	64	1	6	1

Some of the questions were not designed well. For example, question #3 would rather be "What soda is your favorite/do you like?" Otherwise it is the interviewer who is supposed to know all the brands of juice maker countries.

¹ Some reasons why the students chose British English:

I don't like America. (1)
Its history is longer. (1)
British version is more interesting. (1)
Because ... (1)
It is more popular. (1)
Perhaps, it's more beautiful. (1)
I learned it at school. (1)
British English is easier than American one. (1)
I want to go to Great Britain. (2)
I like it more. (2)
It's more correct. (1)
Because it's the core language. American English is only derivative. (1)

² Some reasons why the students chose American English:

I like this version more. (1)
America is the leader country. (1)
It is more widespread. (11)
Because it is interesting. (2)
It is more modern. (1)
I like it more. (7)
It is milder. (1)
Cool! (1)
I want to go the USA. (10)
It is easier. (1)
It is better. (1)
I'd like to communicate with Americans. (1)
We know better Americans than the British. (1)
To tell them what I think about them. (1)
To be smarter. (1)
It is freer. (1)