Since every nation and its members have its own ideas about the world, about people and other cultures, stereotypes play an important role in intercultural communication. Thus,existing stereotypes about members of social groups or countries such as “women are fragile” or “Frenchmen are romantic” make it easily possible to conjure up a portrait of what certain cultures or groups are like (cf. Schaller; Stangor: 3). With stereotypical messages applying to all members of different cultures or social groups without regard for individual differences, communication between these members is often restrained. Due to living in multicultural societies, intercultural communication has become an important theme in a world of globalization and hence stereotypes have not become less important.In the first part of this paper the definition and basic characteristics of the term stereotype as well as the main features and effects of national stereotypes as a particular kind of stereotyping will be presented. Afterwards, in the second part, national stereotypes in literature will be outlined using the example of the travelogue A Year in Provence published by the British author Peter Mayle in 1989 focusing especially on its depiction and function. Finally, against the background of stereotyping playing an important role in intercultural and literary communication, the importance of appropriate and conscious dealing with stereotypes will be outlined.
At a glance
- Grade: 2.0 (1.0 is the best grade)
- Examines Mayle’s portrayal of Provençal cuisine, climate, folk and culture
- 14 sources in the bibliography
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Stereotypes in Intercultural Communication
2.1 Definition
2.2 Characteristics
2.3 National Stereotypes
2.3.1 Positive Effects
2.3.2 Negative Effects
3 National Stereotypes in Literature: Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence (1989)
3.1 Peter Mayle: A Year in Provence (1989)
3.2 Plot
3.3 Provence revealed in A Year in Provence
3.3.1 Gastronomy and Cuisine
3.3.2 Climate
3.3.3 Folk and Culture
3.4 Depiction of National Stereotypes in A Year in Provence
3.5 Functions and Effects of National Stereotypes in A Year in Provence
4 Dealing with Stereotypes
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines how national stereotypes function in intercultural communication and how they are depicted and used in Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence. Its central concern is the relationship between stereotyping, literary representation and conscious engagement with images of other cultures.
- Definitions and characteristics of stereotypes
- Positive and negative effects on intercultural communication
- Representations of Provençal cuisine, climate and culture
- Humour, language and contrasts between rural and urban life
- The functions and effects of stereotypes in Mayle’s travelogue
- Awareness and modification of stereotypes
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 Definition
The Oxford Dictionary of English defines the term stereotype, which derives from the Greek words stereo (solid) and typos (impression), as a “preconceived and over-simplified idea of the characteristics which typify a person [or] situation” and as “an attitude based on such a preconception” (OED: 651).
In his book Public Opinion from 1922 the American journalist Walter Lippmann used the word stereotype for the first time and characterized it as “pictures in our head” (Lipmann, quoted in Florack: 10). In his definition Lippmann points out “how people’s views of the world are colored by a whole series of prejudices and preconditions, transmitted from generation to generation” (van der Merwe: 1). Lippmann calls these unconsciously shared views by a group of people “stereotypes” (cf. van der Merwe: 1). Thus, “stereotyping involves a form of categorization that organizes our experience and guides our behavior towards ethnic and national groups. Stereotypes never describe individual behavior” (Adler: 254).
Moreover, stereotypes can be seen as “opinions held and expressed in the course of everyday life and during normal communicative interaction” (Duijker; Frijda: 115), although it must be kept in mind that “stereotypes are partly determined by context and situation” (Duijker; Frijda: 115). In general, stereotypes can be seen as quick positive or negative judgments about people that are characterized by simplification (cf. van der Merwe: 1)
However, it must be differentiated between two forms of stereotyping: auto-stereotypes and hetero-stereotypes. Auto-stereotypes are stereotypes which refer to what members of a group think of themselves as a group and are thus self-perceptions, for instance what the Germans think of themselves (cf. Ting-Toomey: 161). Hetero-stereotypes, however, are stereotypes which a group has of another group and are hence external perceptions, for instance what the English think of the French (cf. Ting-Toomey: 161).
Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction: The introduction establishes the importance of stereotypes in intercultural communication and outlines the paper’s discussion of Mayle’s travelogue.
2 Stereotypes in Intercultural Communication: This chapter defines stereotypes, describes their characteristics and considers the potential positive and negative effects of national stereotypes.
3 National Stereotypes in Literature: Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence (1989): This chapter introduces the travelogue and examines its portrayal of Provence. It considers how stereotypes are depicted and what functions and effects they have in the book.
4 Dealing with Stereotypes: The final chapter reflects on the need to recognise generalisations, distinguish them from individual experience and revise stereotypes when appropriate.
Keywords
national stereotypes, intercultural communication, stereotyping, travel writing, Peter Mayle, A Year in Provence, Provence, cultural representation, Provençal cuisine, climate, humour, rural culture, literary communication, cultural awareness
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this paper about?
It examines national stereotypes in intercultural communication and in Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence.
What are its central themes?
The paper addresses the characteristics and effects of stereotypes, representations of Provence and the literary functions of stereotyping.
What is the paper’s primary objective?
It aims to explain national stereotypes and explore their depiction and function in Mayle’s travelogue, while considering how to deal with stereotypes consciously.
What research method does the author use?
The author uses a literature-based discussion and textual analysis of A Year in Provence, drawing on published scholarship about stereotypes and travel writing.
What does the main body examine?
It discusses definitions and effects of stereotypes before analysing Mayle’s portrayal of Provençal life and the role of stereotypes in his narrative.
Which keywords characterise the paper?
Key terms include national stereotypes, intercultural communication, travel writing, Provence, cultural representation and A Year in Provence.
Which aspects of Provence receive particular attention?
The analysis considers gastronomy and cuisine, climate, and Provençal folk and culture.
How does the paper approach Mayle’s narrative style?
It examines humour, irony, French and Provençal expressions, and contrasts between rural and urban life.
Why does the paper distinguish between auto-stereotypes and hetero-stereotypes?
The distinction separates a group’s perceptions of itself from its perceptions of another group.
- Quote paper
- Stephan Katzbichler (Author), 2011, National Stereotypes in Peter Mayle’s "A Year in Provence" (1989), Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/262271
