26 SEPTEMBER 1987, Page 23

Glasnost corner

Sir: Noel Malcolm was delightful about Radio Moscow (`suspicious behaviour', 5 September) but surely the Russian for `voice' is golos?

The word glaznost must derive from glazur (glaze) and the abstract meaning `publicity' might be 'window-dressing' rather than 'speaking out'. And there are different glazes, such as the frosted one you can't see through our the distorting one as used in funfairs.

Deep 'uns, the Russkis.

Honor Tracy

The Flat, Walmer Lodge, Hanley Swan, Worcester