Cross-cultural communication during the lend-lease supplies via the Arctic route

Abstract

The article presents the overview of the ways in which cross-cultural communication was carried out during the lend-lease supplies via the Arctic convoys. It reflects on the importance of non-professional translation and cross-cultural mediation in such spheres as medicine, hospitality, transport, customs, etc. The skills of a professional translator are viewed in contrast to those necessary for successful linguistic mediation. The authors emphasise the role of international seamen's clubs in the establishment of contacts between the represantatives of different nationalites. Much of the information provided in the article has never been published before as it was obtained in the state archives of Murmansk and Arkhangelsk, some of which have been open for research in recent years. A number of documents concerning details of cross-cultural mediation during the period of the Arctic convoys were lost or destroyed during the Great Patriotic War, so some information can be obtained only from the participants of the events of that period who are not numerous nowadays.