Lang 5.1. Prejudice. Stereotypes and identity level

Lang 5. Prejudice, stereotypes and identity


Lang 5.1. Stereotypes and identity level 3-4-5 15-20 min

GOAL. To be aware of the different shades of meaning of a word.
TASK1. Express your degree of agreement with these three treats as characteristics of Galicians?
➢ Their ability of never defining themselves & never giving a straight answer (20% -40%-60%-80%)
➢ Their rich lore and superstitions ....................... .................... (20% -40%-60%-80%)
➢ Their attachment to their land ....................... .................... (20% -40%-60%-80%)

TASK2. Which of these options could embrace the previous treats?
a) a cultural trait that unifies a group of people
b) something like a fact about a person that is often fitted, based on personal behaviour.
c) a short description of an individual character
TASK3. Words can have different entries in dictionaries. Which entry of the dictionary could cover the meaning of prejudice given in a-b-c above? Underline the best option.
b) a) & b) a) &c) b) & c) a), b) & c)

TASK4. Read the excerpt below and underline the opinions you do not agree with.

The Spanish Nature
If asked “What are you?” most people will answer “I am English or American or French…” and then proceed to specify “I come from Devon or Florida or Normandy…” ending up with “My home town is Exeter or Miami or Cherbourg….” The Spaniard, on the other hand, will reverse this order and start with “I am from Denia” (most important), “I am Valencian” (of secondary interest) and, if pressed further, will admit “Oh yes, I am Spanish.” The Spaniard’s individualism is reflected in this peculiar identification with the local area rather than the country as a whole.

And so, if you are fond of clichés, here are a few: Catalans are known for their hard work and love of money, Galicians for their attachment to their land, Asturians and Basques are exuberant eaters and drinkers, Castilians are conservative, Andalucians have a wonderful sense of fun. (



TASK5. Read the last paragraph of the report and mark the most likely author for it. (a: see annex1)


What seems to be common to all is a love of the good life. Spanish people work to live and not the other way around. They have the ability to laugh at absolutely everthing—life, death, infirmity, deformity, and everybody—including God, the Devil, and themselves. They feel strongly the urgency of getting the most out of life.

1. Touristic brochure 2. Academic text in Dublin 3. Report of US Foreign service Institute
TASK6. Express your degree of agreement (20% -40%-60%-80%) with these three treats as characteristics of Catalans?
1. dedication and a strong work ethic .................. 5. their dark, expressive eyes ...........
2. for their nationalism & their strong sense of the local ......... 6. being a bit colder ..........
3. their independent spirit & their sense of humour ............... 7. enjoying food ..........
4. their industriousness, entrepreneurial skills ............. 8. meanness, ...........
others: .................................................................................. .....................................................
TASK7. Complete the unfinished sentences guessing who they are writing about.
➢ the ................................ are known for fair play and for uncleanliness,
➢ the ................................ for guarding their rights and for Anti Muslim policies.
➢ The ................................ are logged as hospitable and weapon users!
➢ The ................................ are known for thriftiness and love of fish - doh!
Turks - Americans - English - English
ROUND OFF. Do you agree with Mr Lenssen words:
“Views on national character are not necessarily prejudicial, but often reflect actual national character in the experience of tourists, newcomers, and diplomats. Is there any doubt that Italians are passionate people who gesture a lot, while Russian are tough negotiators?”


Annex1. Lang5.1. Stereotypes and identity


Part III: Cultural considerations

The Spanish Nature
If asked “What are you?” most people will answer “I am English or American or French…” and then proceed to specify “I come from Devon or Florida or Normandy…” ending up with “My home town is Exeter or Miami or Cherbourg….” The Spaniard, on the other hand, will reverse this order and start with “I am from Denia” (most important), “I am Valencian” (of secondary interest) and, if pressed further, will admit “Oh yes, I am Spanish.” The Spaniard’s individualism is reflected in this peculiar identification with the local area rather than the country as a whole.


And so, if you are fond of clichés, here are a few: Catalans are known for their hard work and love of money, Galicians for their attachment to their land, Asturians and Basques are exuberant eaters and drinkers, Castilians are conservative, Andalucians have a wonderful sense of fun.

What seems to be common to all is a love of the good life. Spanish people work to live and not the other way around. They have the ability to laugh at absolutely everthing—life, death, infirmity, deformity, and everybody—including God, the Devil, and themselves. They feel strongly the urgency of getting the most out of life.

CULTURAL GUIDE TO SPAIN by Dorcas Taylor –
OVERSEAS BRIEFING CENTER
FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE - U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE