Coexistence English

The Kremlin is apparently worried about too much exposure to Western ways. First came the spy phobia, designed to discourage too much fraternizing with the waves of Western tourists to Russia. Now comes a Soviet fear that even in the process of learning English, Russian youngsters may be subtly corrupted. The result is reported in the current Columbia University Forum by Stephen Viederman, deputy chairman of the U.S.'s Inter-University Committee on Travel Grants. Where Russia's English texts once merely gushed over the joys of Soviet life, they have now been revised to ensure that students get high Marx by mastering such tidbits as lynching tales from the Daily Worker and the dolorous strike scenes painted by Novelist Theodore (An American Tragedy) Dreiser.

Adds Viederman: "Nothing is sacred. Even the old bawdy ballad called 'Barnacle Bill the Sailor' takes on a new look." The Russian version:

Who is knocking at my door?

Said the rich ship owner . . .

I want good grub and want more pay,

Said Barnacle Bill the Sailor ...

I'll ship scabs and I'll break your ranks,

I'll call troops and they'll bring their

tanks,

Said the rich ship owner . . .

Your bloody threats may come to pass,

But union men are a solid mass,

And you can't defeat

The working class,

Said Barnacle Bill the Sailor.

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