Images of Russians and Americans as Seen by Russian Adolescents

Abstract

The present research features the image of "the typical Russian" and "the typical American" as perceived by Russian adolescents (students of the Far Eastern Federal University). The images were reconstructed using methods of psychosemantics, e.g. verbal associations. The data were processed using the methods of mathematical statistics. The semantic analysis helped to define the ideas and emotional attitude of the respondents to "the typical Russian" and "the typical American", as well as the semantic contrast of the content in some categories. The Fisher criterion revealed significant differences in the content of certain categories of associations. The stereotype displayed a predominantly positive orientation, while the orientation of the heterostereotype was ambivalent. The image of "the typical Russian" reflected primarily such positive qualities as kindness, openness, and patriotism. Both positive (activity, tact) and negative qualities (hypocrisy and lies) were manifested in the ideas about the "typical American". The positive personal characteristics included activity, charisma, and communicative skills. However, the personal qualities of the "American" clearly expressed some negative traits, e.g. hypocrisy and lies. The generalized image of "the typical American" is outwardly pleasant, active, and sociable but internally hypocritical, deceitful and selfserving. The content of the heterostereotype reflected a certain distrust of young people to "the typical American". The negative characteristics of the heterostereotype may reduce tolerance of young people to the USA and its representatives. The results of the study may be useful to representatives of public authorities and educational institutions. The obtained data can be used to shape multicultural educational environment in Russian universities.