Bálint Szele: Scotland and Ireland Through Stereotypes

Article

DOI 10.51313/Freeside-2021-6

The paper investigates stereotypes concerning two of the most well-known English-speaking cultures — Scotland and Ireland — and to what extent these stereotypes are known and felt to be real among Hungarian students of English. The essay includes a short introduction about the definition of stereotypes and clichés, their significance in intercultural communication, and then makes an attempt at drawing up a list of the commonest stereotypes of the two countries and nations, a list of 20 stereotypes altogether. This list was sent to a large number of Hungarian students in a questionnaire, whose replies clearly indicate which the best and least known stereotypes are among Hungarians about these English-speaking cultures. The conclusion offers an analysis of the results and an interesting summary of how the respondents commented on the different stereotypes mentioned in the questionnaire.