Szwejk, piwo i knedliki – stereotypy o Czechach w polskiej przestrzeni publicznej (na wybranych przykładach)

Abstract

This article focuses on the issue of Czech stereotypes in the Polish public space. Attention was drawn to the meaning and functions of stereotypes as a frame of references, which allow for the assessment, ordering reality and integration of the social groups. Article briefly discusses the most popular stereotypes, paying particular attention to their genesis and their historical conditions and highlighting the stereotypical perception of the Czechs and Czech culture. The analysis showed that Poles look at the Czechs through the prism of humorous and comedic tradition, that is why stereotypes are full of references to the Czech sense of humour, soldier Švejk or Czech comedies. In Poland Hašek’s protagonist Josef Švejk became synonymous with a Czech – cowardly, carefree, valuing peace, fond of alcohol, and his ‘survival at all costs’ strategy could be both alluring and repulsive. The analysis was complemented with the examples of the reflections of national stereotypes in various linguistic phenomena. Polish phraseology with adjective czeski almost automatically receive a negative meaning (eg. czeski film, czeski błąd), while the non-phraseological meaning of above mentioned in Poland is definitely positive.

Keywords

• stereotypes
• czechs
• nation
• history
• sense of humor
• cowardice