Pages: 175-180

The article deals with the etiquette formulas of wishes and gratitude in the Russian, English and Moldavian cultures. These formulas are regarded as cultural signs.
As a result of the comparison of the wishes in these cultures, the author draws a conclusion that the main values for the people of these cultures are different. For the Russians these values are health, happiness, good and peace. For the English they are good luck, success and high spirits. For the Moldavians the most valuable are long living, prosperity and only then health and good. Moreover, comparison of these etiquette formulas reveals significant differences in understanding of some concepts, for example, the concepts of 'Way', 'Food', 'Night'.
The expression of gratitude is not just a formality for the Russians. The answers to the gratitude lessen the merits of a person who it is addressed to. The formulas of gratitude are very important for the English. There are only a few formulas of gratitude in the Moldavian culture. The culturaldifference is hidden in the formulas of the intensive gratitude: the Russians make their gratitude 'big', the Moldavians make it 'beautiful'. For the English it's important there is 'very much' of it.