Means of expressing stereotypical ideas about Chinese in the Russian language

Abstract

The subject of the study is the analysis of ethnic heterostereotypes about the Chinese ethnic group in the Russian language, with an emphasis on the linguistic means used in the Russian media. The article examines various linguistic constructions that express stereotypical ideas about the Chinese, such as the expressions "even the Chinese", "cunning Chinese" and "wise Chinese". The study covers the period from 1991 to 2024 and includes an analysis of anecdotes with the ethnonym "Chinese". The focus is on identifying and classifying language tools that reflect both positive and negative stereotypes about the Chinese, including their hard work, cunning, and China's role in the global economy. The work highlights the importance of critical perception of stereotypical information and cultural exchange to improve intercultural communication. The research methodology is based on the analysis of publications from the Integrum database from 1991 to 2024, using the classification of linguistic means for the explication of ethnostereotypes proposed by L.P. Krysin, including accentuation, comparison, generalization and use of phraseological units. The main conclusions of the study are the identification and systematization of linguistic means reflecting ethnic heterostereotypes about Chinese in the Russian language. The study showed that expressions such as "cunning Chinese" and "wise Chinese" are widely used in the Russian media, which emphasizes the persistence of these stereotypes. The analysis of anecdotes containing the ethnonym "Chinese" also revealed how humor can contribute to the spread of stereotypical ideas. The work focuses on the dual nature of stereotypes, which can include both positive and negative characteristics. This highlights the importance of a critical approach to the perception of stereotypes and the need for cultural exchange to reduce prejudice. The results of the study are of significant importance for intercultural communication, indicating the need for openness and avoidance of excessive generalizations in the interaction between cultures.