Cultural Stereotypes2010 级英语三班张莉梅41001233Cultural StereotypesAbstract:With the development of technology ,the whole world becomes smaller and smaller,which provides an opportunity for us to communicate.While in the process of understanding and sharing meaning between a variety of culture,it is inevitable for us to form a cultural stereotype. In intercultural communication,the term stereotype refers to some inflexible statements about a category of people, and these stereotypical statements are applied to all the group without regard for individual differences,so it is by no means the same as information about another culture.This paper analyses the definition,characteristics of cultural stereotypes and list some cases of cultural stereotypes. Key words:cultural stereotypes1.The definition of cultural stereotypesStereotype concept,first put forward by an American sociologist Lippmann.He pointed out that the environment of which that person,whether natural or social environment are too complex,so that he was not allowed for all the worlds people,all the things one by one to carry out fist-hand experience and awareness.To save time,people will have to use a simplified cognitive methods,will have the same characteristics of a group of people or any race to shape China into a certain image.This stereotype refers to members of a group of all members of another simplistic view,is interpreted to be for some individuals or groups of attributes set of beliefs.The new trend setting is a mindset,in essence,will be potential is too general and too simple,too much neglected the details of the differences is too exaggerated with a group or groups of people the relevant beliefs or attitudes, or a simplistic cognitive style. 2.The characteristics of cultural stereotypesCultural stereotypes have the stability and variability.Cultural stereotypes have their roots deep psychology,but most affected by social traditions and norms directly affected.Existing studies have shown that cultural groups in different parts of the world and different historical periods have very similar shape.In general,it has strong stability,do not fade within a short time,especially when it is in line with social reality,deeply rooted in its unique cultural soil,its stability will be stronger.On the other hand,it is not immutable,in addition to other social traditions and norms,and cultural stereotypes are also vulnerable to international poitical relations and other social factors arising from the changes and as country or regions economic strength,growth and decline as well as its international social status is changed.Cultural stereotypes are universal.The world is extremely complex,and must have been chaotic and disordered world of understanding and mastering difficult to accurately define the characteristics of various phenomena,it must be simplified,using the concept of clarification,arrangement and combination into an orderly framework.3.The cases of cultural stereotypesCultural stereotypes are mainly formed by the nationality,so here we take Canadian and American for an example. From an outsiders point of view, overall, the culture, the people of Canada and America are pretty much the same, though there might be enough unique Canadian customs and traditions to fill a travels handbook. It seems shocking to me at first that this idea is strongly rejected by most Canadians.A lot of so-called Canadian values and ideas are defined purely as being not American. And when the country places such a high emphasis on not being American, it is only natural for such feelings to gradually evolve into a profound dislike- or even hatred- of all things America.First, we can find explanations in Canadian political system. Many examples of anti-American sentiments can be found here. Whenever a policy is unpopular, critics will be quick to denounce it as an American-style policy. For example, a politician who advocates changes to Canadas current healthcare system will often be denounced for favoring an American-style system. Changes to gun laws create fear that we may be adopting an American-style approach.The preaching of we shouldnt do things like America hidden behind domestics policies has its effects way beyond the parliament. On Canadian public television, some programs centered on mocking Americans produces a source of many jokes and stereotypes. Those shows are popular because they humiliate Americans, and reinforce stereotypes that Americans are all stupid, especially about matters concerning Canada.On the other side of the board line, Americans also see their neighbors in prejudice. These are some examples of the Canadian stereotype related nouns and phrases: Hockey, The Mounties, Cottages, Flannel-loving lumberjacks. Ive seen an American movie called “South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut”, in which Robin Williams singing the satirical song Blame Canada”, blaming troubles in American society on Canada.In politi