The Image of the Representatives of the United States and China as seen by Vladivostok Students

Abstract

The research featured the image of the "typical American" and "typical Chinese" as seen by Russian students of several Vladivostok universities. The reconstruction of ethnic stereotypes was performed using the methods of psychosemantics, e.g. verbal associations. The data were processed using mathematical statistics methods. The study revealed major differences in the representation of positive and negative personal qualities of the "typical Chinese" and "typical American", as well as in the contents of the association categories. Students’ perceptions of the "typical American" showed both positive (sociability, activity, tact) and negative qualities (hypocrisy). The "typical Chinese" was often perceived as an unattractive, loud, and racist representative of a de-individualized mass. However, the "typical Chinese" was also described as a hard-working and moderately sociable person that lives in a Communist country with a vibrant traditional culture and modern industry. Americans were seen as much more individualized, as confirmed by quantitative and semantic analyses. The survey revealed superficial and mostly negative views of young Russians regarding the Chinese people. The authors believe that a more positive attitude has to be formed as China remains Russia’s strategic partner

Keywords

• psychosemantic method
• verbal association
• ethnic stereotype
• intercultural communication
• representation
• stereotyping
• tolerance