Formation of foreign-language communicative competence at the scientific language lessons

The article proves that formation of foreign-language communicative competence is one of the core objectives of teaching Russian as a foreign language. The author proves that foreign-language communicative competence is a complex construct which includes linguistic, substantive, and pragmatic competences. Preparatory departments are to create an educational model that would provide formation of foreign-language communicative competence

What makes people bond?: A study on social interactions and common life points on Facebook

In this paper we aim at understanding if and how, by analysing people's profile and historical data (such as data available on Facebook profiles and interactions, or collected explicitly) we can motivate two persons to interact and eventually create long-term bonds. We do this by exploring the relationship between connectedness, social interactions and common life points on Facebook. The results are of particular importance for the development of technology that aims at reducing social isolation for people with less chances to interact, such as older adults

Crowdsourcing for Reminiscence Chatbot Design

In this work-in-progress paper we discuss the challenges in identifying effective and scalable crowd-based strategies for designing content, conversation logic, and meaningful metrics for a reminiscence chatbot targeted at older adults. We formalize the problem and outline the main research questions that drive the research agenda in chatbot design for reminiscence and for relational agents for older adults in general

TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES TO JOURNALISM AND MEDIA COMMUNICATION STUDENTS: THE COMBINATION OF MODERN AND CLASSICAL APPROACHES

Purpose of the study: This research reveals the problem of teaching foreign languages to future journalists. Attention to the issue of learning and teaching foreign languages is dictated by their special role in the professional activities of journalists, which cover almost the entire world's geography and include systematic communication in a foreign language with native speakers. Results: Under the conditions of constant transformations, it is not only the student audience that is changing, in particular, journalism and media communication students, by the example of which the high rate of transformations of the surrounding world becomes especially noticeable due to the specifics of their profession. Higher education, functioning in the age of the "digits", also undergoes great changes in terms of material selection and educational approaches. This study examines the feasibility of combining classical and modern educational technologies in the process of teaching a foreign language to future journalists. Applications of this study: This research can be used for the universities, teachers, and students. Novelty/Originality of this study: In this research, the model of the Teaching Foreign Languages to Journalism and Media Communication Students: The Combination of Modern and Classical Approaches are presented in a comprehensive and complete manner

Financial literacy as a key factor for an individual’s social and economic well-being

Financial literacy is reviewed in the article as a factor influencing any individual’s well-being. Characteristics of a financially competent individual are defined. Behavioral mistakes impeding rational decision-making are outlined. Structures bearing the signs of financial pyramids are described as an example of their participants’ cognitive limitations. The importance of creating a common information area is stressed. This process is aimed at remedying negative consequences for all economic agents and preventing inefficient financial decisions when executing financial transactions. The major task of the process is to incorporate information about social and economic activity of institutions (state, business and non-governmental) and population in the common information area. Therefore, every economic agent will get prompt and trustworthy information. It will encourage an individual to make financially adequate decisions. The article also presents fundamental solutions for improving individuals’ well-being when raising their financial literacy

Impact of Financial Pyramids on Well-being of the Russian Society

The article considers the impact of financial pyramids on a man’s well-being in terms of the key domains: financial situation, social environment, education, employment, and health. The authors determinate the financial pyramid as a scheme of interaction of the organizer and participants. In a financial pyramid participants' contributions are not a source of investments and it is redistributed between them. It is important to understand that the participants of a financial pyramid are able to lose contributions. The major negative effects of financial pyramids on socio-economical and psychological wellbeing of a man and society in Russia were revealed. We detected their effect on: 1) a financial situation, i.e. financial losses of participants of financial pyramids; 2) man’s psycho-emotional state; 3) decision-making of various social groups, i.e. intensification of their cognitive distortions. An instrument of social and economic policies of Russia aimed at mitigating negative effects of financial pyramids was suggested and described. The instrument will enable to enhance confidence of population in financial institutions and their services

Purchases and Wellbeing of Older and Younger Adults in Tomsk

The present study assesses the wellbeing potential of material and experiential purchases among a group of Tomsk consumers. Four hypotheses are tested. 1) "Consumer preferences differ by age, gender, income level, education" turns to be confirmed; 2) "Purchases of gifts make people more happy than buying for themselves" demonstrated not very stable and weak correlation; 3) "Money spent on material purchases are perceived as a better decision than spent on experience" shows not very strong and statistically not significant correlation. 4) "Experiential purchases lead to more happiness" had no evidence to be proved. Further research is needed to investigate the phenomena more accurately

Prospects for development of ethnographic and rural tourism in Russia

The article investigates the prospects of the development of rural and ethnographic tourism in Russia. The author gives examples of areas in Russia, where the rural and ethnographic tourism is the most developed. The article explains the importance of this type of tourism for Russia.В статье исследована возможность развития сельского и этнографического туризма в России. Автор приводит примеры областей, в России, где сельский и этнографический туризм является наиболее развитым. В статье обосновывается важность этого вида туризма в России