Russia 'to Ban Swearing'

A group of Russian senators is backing new legislation to ban swearing in public.

The law would be based on an existing scheme in the Russian region of Belgorod where police hand out on-the-spot fines for anyone overheard using foul language in public.

The fines there range from 500 roubles (£10) to 1,500 roubles (£30). People heard cursing in front of children are fined the most.

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Mikhail Nikolayev, deputy chairman of Russia's upper house of parliament, or Federation Council, is pushing the improbable initiative.

"Swearing should cease to be part of our everyday life," he says, adding that the scheme in Belgorod, started in 2005, has produced encouraging results.

A clutch of fellow senators is supporting Mr Nikolayev's plan.

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The move comes as the Kremlin seeks to tackle rampant alcoholism, a culture of heavy smoking, and a steady stream of hardcore violence and erotica on TV and in adverts.

The assault on swearing appears to have been motivated in part by a series of foul-mouthed tirades against Vladimir Putin, the prime minister, and President Dmitry Medvedev on a popular blog run by a famous designer.

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A number of pro-Kremlin politicians have tried to get the designer prosecuted but without success. He has merely told them – in the strongest possible terms – to leave him alone.

Analysts say it is too early to say whether this latest anti-swearing campaign will become law. Part of the problem, say detractors, is that the people who are meant to enforce it – the police – swear like troopers themselves.

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ИСТОЧНИК: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/6837004/Russia-to-ban-swearing.html

Запомните следующие слова и выражения:

to swear

to hand out

to range

to curse

improbable

to tackle

steady

assault

a number of

to prosecute

УПРАЖНЕНИЯ

Найдите в тексте слова, соответствующие определениям:

1.  To say that something must not be done, seen, used etc.

2.  To support someone or something, especially with money, power, or influence.

3.  Money that you have to pay as a punishment.

4.  To accidentally hear what other people are saying

5.  To stop doing something or stop happening.

6.  To make people obey a rule or law

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Переведите на английский язык:

1.  Российские сенаторы хотят запретить ругаться матом.

2.  В Белгороде милиционеры штрафуют тех, кто ругается в общественных местах.

3.  Размер штрафов варьируется от 500 до 1500 рублей.

4.  Кремль стремится решить проблему алкоголизма, курения и насилия на телевидении.

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