CHAPTER III.

THE NATIONAL STEREOTYPES

QUESTIONNAIRE
III.1. The national stereotypes questionnaire

The required data for this research was gathered and evaluated by a
questionnaire consisted of nine statements for each country (which are mentioned by all
the participant teachers as stereotypes). For each statement, respondents made selfreport ratings as follow:
I disagree completely
I disagree
I am not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Questionaire
This questionnaire is part of an European project Erasmus+ about national
stereotypes. We would like your sincere contribution filling it to get a better knowlege
on the subject. For each statement choose only one option. Thank you for your
contribution.

A- ABOUT ROMANIAN PEOPLE

1. Romania is the land of vampires.
I disagree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

2. Romanian people speak Russian.

I disagree completely
3. Romania is a rural country.
I disagree completely

4. Romanian people are Gypsy people.

I disagree completely
5. Romania is a poor country.
I disagree completely

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6. Romanian people are friendly and hospitable.

I disagree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

7. Transylvania is a creepy region.

I disagree completely

8. The products are cheap in Romania.

I disagree completely

I disagree

9. The Gypsy population is a difficult social problem.

I disagree completely

B-

I disagree

ABOUT PORTUGUESE PEOPLE

1. Portuguese women dress in black.

I disagree completely

I disagree

2. The Portuguese are short and have dark complexion.

I disagree completely

I disagree

3. The Portuguese take a nap in the afternoon.

I disagree completely
4. The Portuguese are sad.

I disagree completely
5. The Portuguese are lazy.

I disagree completely

6. The Portuguese are welcoming people.

I disagree completely

I disagree

7. In Portugal people speak Spanish.

I disagree completely

I disagree

8. The Portuguese arrive late to meetings.

I disagree completely

I disagree

9. In Portugal there is sun all over the year.

I disagree completely

C- ABOUT TURKISH PEOPLE

1.Turkish people are Muslims.
I disagree completely
2.Turkish women wear scarf.
68

I disagree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

3.Turkey has a religious government.

I disagree completely
4.Turkish people speak Arabics.
I disagree completely
5.Turkish men are Macho.
I disagree completely
6.Turkish men wear long dresses.
I disagree completely
7.Turkish men have several wives.
I disagree completely

8.Turkish people have black hair and they are dark-skinned people.
I disagree completely

I disagree

9.The weather in Turkey is always hot.

I disagree completely

I disagree

D- ABOUT LITHUANIAN PEOPLE

1.

Lithuania is a part of Russia.

I disagree completely

2.

Lithuanians are obsessed with basketball.

I disagree completely

3.

Lithuanians speak Russian.

I disagree completely

4.

Lithuanian women wear traditional red and white dresses.

I disagree completely

5.

Lithuania is a rural country.

I disagree completely

8.

I disagree

Lithuania is a very cold country.

I disagree completely

7.

I disagree

Lithuanians drink a lot of vodka.

I disagree completely

6.

I disagree

Lithuanian people are blonde and tall.

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I disagree completely
9.

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

I'm not sure

I agree

I agree completely

Lithuanians eat mainly potatoes.

I disagree completely

I disagree

III.2. Results and interpretations

III.2.1. Lithuania

IAULIAI SPORT GYMNASIUM

This research of stereotypes is a diagnostic research, the aim of which was to
find out existing stereotypes about four countries of our project. In order to reveal these
existing stereotypes in Lithuania, Portugal, Romania and Turkey the anonymous
questionnaire was given to different groups of respondents: staff, teachers and students.
It made possible to analyse the subject from different positions and, as a result, to find
out the aspects of the issue.
The tool of the research is a questionnaire. The questionnaire is anonymous; it
consists of statements about countries, mentioned above. Respondents had to agree or
disagree with these statements; however there was one more option to choose which let
responders show that they were not sure about the answer. The answers of the
questionnaire provide 5 different attitudes:
I agree completely;
I agree;
I am not sure;
I disagree;
I disagree completely.
To achieve the exact results of the research the questionnaire was given to five
different groups of respondents:
5 staff members;
15 teachers;
45 students.

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THE ANALYSIS OF STAFFS OPINION

In order to find out the opinion about countries-partners (Lithuania, Romania,
Portugal and Turkey) and to reveal the existing stereotypes about these countries the
anonymous questionnaire was given to 5 staff members. At first the staff members
were given questions about Lithuania. (see graph 1).

4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0

I disagree completely
I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Graph 1. Staffs opinion about Lithuania.

Graph 1 (Staffs opinion about Lithuania) shows that Lithuania is thought to

be a country of basketball, and Lithuanians are called people, obsessed with
basketball. Such opinion shows that the achievements of Lithuania in this sport created
the image of a country where sport (and basketball as well) is very popular.
There is similar tendency about the image of Lithuania as a rural country.
According the opinion of respondents (4), Lithuania is a rural country so we can state
that natural and social resources of our country created conditions for appearance of
such opinion.
However, according the respondents opinion, Lithuanians are famous not
only as farmers but also as people who drink a lot of vodka, what makes us think
that Lithuania has rather negative image.
Moreover, the least number of responders agrees with the statements that
Lithuanians are tall and blond people and that they speak Russian. (1 answer for each).

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And they completely disagree with the statements that Lithuania is a part of
Russia (4), that Lithuanian women wear traditional red and white dresses and also that
Lithuanians eat mainly potatoes.
The most of respondents are not sure about Lithuanian traditional clothes, cold
climate, general appearance and main Lithuanians food potatoes.
So, the answers given by respondents show that existing stereotypes about our
country are positive enough. Furthermore, we can state that staff members know about
the relationships between Russia and Lithuania, that Lithuania is an independent
country. In addition to that, the answers to the questionnaire show that Lithuania is
considered as a rural country where agriculture is the main source of living.
On the other hand, all Lithuanians are believed to drink a lot of vodka. This
fact creates rather negative image of Lithuania, despite the fact that it is a country of
sporty people.
Summarising the results of the questionnaire we can distinguish three main
stereotypes about Lithuania Lithuanians are people, obsessed with basketball,
Lithuania is a rural country and Lithuanians drink a lot of vodka
Then we tried to find out the staffs opinion about Romania and to distinguish
existing stereotypes about this country among them. (see Graph 2).
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0

I disagree completely
I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Graph 2. Staffs opinion about Romania.

According the given answers the biggest number of staff members thinks that
Romanians are Gypsies but also they are friendly and hospitable people. Such answers
72

show that not only stereotypical way of thinking about Romanians but also positive
attitude towards this nations character exist among staff members.
However, given answers let us find out negative attitude towards stereotypical
aspects of country economics. One of them is that Romania is considered to be a poor
country (3 respondents agree with this statement), and another is that Gypsy population
is a difficult social problem (two respondents agree with it).
Also a stereotypical way of thinking appears in the opinions about Romania as
a land of vampires. (2 answers). Due to this fact we can state that big influence on the
image of the country is being done by film industry. However, respondents do not tend
to think that Transilvania is a creepy region and they disagree with this statement.
The biggest number of staff thinks not only that Romanians speak Russian (4),
but also that Romania is a rural country (although not equal number of respondents
agrees with this statement).
Most of respondents are not sure about the fact that the products are cheap in
Romania as well as that the Gypsy population is a difficult social problem (2).
Consequently we can state that such answers show the lack of information about
economic and social situation in the country.
To sum up, we can state that in staffs opinion Romania is a country associated
with Gypsies, and as an agricultural country with unstable economics, on the other
hands, according their point of view, Romanians are friendly and hospitable people.
Then similar questions were given to the staff about Portugal (see Graph 3)
5
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0

I disagree completely
I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Graph 3. Staffs opinion about Portugal

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Analysing staffs answers about Portugal most of all them disagree with
statements that Portuguese women dress in black and that Portuguese are lazy.
Such answers show positive attitude towards Portugal (which can be explained by the
fact that our school has already participated in a project with Portuguese school before).
Also the answers prove that respondents do not think that Portuguese people are sad,
but believe that they are welcoming people. (5)
However, negative attitude to Portugal is also noticed due to the fact that
Portuguese are often late for the meetings. According to the staffs opinion this feature
is common for all Portuguese, on the other hand the biggest part of staff does not think
that Portuguese are short and have dark complexion and that they speak Spanish. Also
almost all respondents do not agree with the fact that in Portugal there is sun all over
the year.
The fact that the biggest number of respondents chooses the statements
Portuguese take a nap in the afternoon (3) and Portuguese are lazy (3) proves the
lack of information about Portugal among the staff members.
To sum up, we can state that the staffs opinion about Portugal is rather
positive. Staffs opinion about the statement that Portuguese are often late for the
meetings can be distinguished as a stereotype, which appeared due to the fact that not all
respondents know enough about Portugal and Portuguese people .
Then questions were given to the staff in order to find out their opinion about
Turkey (see Graph 4)
12
10
8
6

I disagree completely

4
2

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree
I agree completely

Graph 4. Staffs opinion about Turkey

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Having analysed the respondents answers about Turkey we can state that the
biggest number of staff do not know enough about this country, as the answer I am not
sure was chosen most of all.
All respondents agree with the statement that Turkish people are Muslims (5)
as well as with the statement that Turkish women wear scarves (4). Although,
respondents think that Turkish people are Muslims, they disagree with the statement that
Turkey has a religious government. Due to this fact we can make a conclusion that
according the staffs opinion religion does not play an important role in the government.
Also respondents disagree with the statement that Turkish people speak
Arabic. This fact lets us think that stereotypical interface between religion and language
does not exist among staff members.
Having analysed mans role in Turkish society we can make a conclusion that
respondents do not agree with the stereotype that Turkish men are Macho, and that
Turkish men have several wives. Also respondents disagree that Turkish men wear long
dresses. So we can state that stereotypes about Turkish men do not dominate among
staff, but stereotypes about the appearance of Turkish people (Turkish people have
black hair and they are dark-skinned people) and climate in Turkey (The weather in
Turkey is always hot) still exist.
As the most common answer about Turkey was I am not sure we can make a
conclusion that there is lack of information about Turkey among staff members.
Statements about womens appearance and about religion can be distinguished as
stereotypes. However, comparing the roles of men and women in Turkish society we
have found out that there is no stereotype about Turkish men among staff members.
.
Having summarised the results of the questionnaire about four countriespartners we can state, that according the staffs opinion Lithuania is associated with
basketball, agriculture and drinking vodka, Romanians are thought to be gypsies, with
positive character, but living in difficult economic situation. Portuguese people are
believed to be welcoming people, but they are often late for the meetings, and Turkish
people have black hair and dark complexion, they are Muslims and Turkish women
wear scarf.

75

THE ANALYSIS OF TEACHERS OPININON

In order to find out stereotypes existing among teachers about countriespartners 15 teachers were given the same questionnaire. (See Graph 5)

14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0

I disagree completely
I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Graph 5. Teachers opinion about Lithuania.

As we can see from the chart there are stereotypes about agriculture,
basketball and drinking vodka. We can state that teachers tend to have the same opinion
about our country as staff. (see Graph 1)
What is more, the biggest number of teachers agrees with the statement that
Lithuanians speak Russian. This fact shows that teachers who have this opinion can
speak this language.
However, the least number of respondents agrees with the statement that
Lithuania is a cold country and that Lithuanians are tall and blond people. It means that
teachers do not have stereotypes about appearance of Lithuanians knowing how
different can they look like.
So, summarising the results of the questionnaire we can see that there is a
stereotype about the role of basketball in our country as Lithuania is thought to be a
country of basketball.
Also one of the most important images of Lithuania is the image of a rural
country. This stereotype could appear due to prevalence of Lithuanian countryside and
76

villages, for the same reason another stereotype could appear as well- a stereotype that
Lithuanians drink a lot of vodka.
Then, in order to find out the existing stereotypes, teachers were given
questions about Portugal. (see Graph 6).
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0

I disagree completely
I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Graph 6. Teachers opinion about Portugal.

As we can see from the chart the biggest numbers of respondents do not have
enough information about Portuguese cultural context. The answer I am not sure was
given most of all to the statement Portuguese arrive late for the meetings (15), it
means that responders do not tend to assess cultural and etiquettes aspects without
knowing the facts about country. The same situation is with the statements: Portuguese
take a nap in the afternoon (13) and Portuguese are lazy (10).
The biggest number of respondents agrees with the statement that Portuguese
are short and have dark complexion (13) and also they believe that Portuguese are
welcoming people (12).

Such stereotypes among teachers of our school can be

explained by the fact that our school has already participated in a project with school
from Portugal and those teachers, who participated in project activities have already
opinion about Portuguese appearance and character.
Also a big part of respondents think that in Portugal there is sun all over the
year (9) and in Portugal people speak Spanish (6). Consequently, we can state that
stereotypes about Portuguese climate and language exist among teachers.
On the other hand, most teachers disagree with the statement that Portuguese
are lazy (9) and sad (7), which means that teachers have positive attitude towards
77

people of this country. One more statement which most teachers do not agree with, is
about Portuguese appearance. They do not think that Portuguese women dress in black.
Summarising teachers answers we can make a conclusion that teachers have
positive opinion about Portuguese people and believe that they have common
appearance: they are short and with dark complexion, live in a country with hot climate
and speak Spanish.
Another step was to find out existing stereotypes among teachers about
Romania. Having analysed their answers we can state that the most common teachers
answer is I am not sure (see graph 7).
14
12
10
8
6

I disagree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree
I agree completely

Graph7. Teachers opinion about Romania.

The biggest number of respondents agrees with the statements that Romania is
a poor country (12) and that Romanian people are friendly and hospitable (12). It
means that teachers have a stereotype about economic situation in Romania.
Also a big part of respondents agree with the statement that Gypsy population
is a difficult social problem in Romania. (8), on the other hand most of teachers do not
think that Romanian people speak Russian, so we can state that teachers know about
political situation of Romania and such stereotype does not exist.
However, stereotypical way of thinking appeared about the statement that
Romania is a rural country as 6 respondents agree with it. But respondents do not agree
with the statement that Romania is the land of vampires.

78

Consequently we can state that among teachers Romania is associated not only
with positive aspects friendly and hospitable people, but also with negative- poor
economic situation and a problem with Gypsies.
Then we tried to find out the teachers opinion about Turkey and to distinguish
existing stereotypes about this country among them. (see graph 8).
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0

I disagree completely
I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Graph 8. Teachers opinion about Turkey.

As we can see from the chart there are stereotypes about Turkey among teachers.
One of the stereotypes is about womens appearance, that Turkish women wear scarf, to
be precise. (14) Also stereotypes exist about religious government in Turkey (12) and
that Turkish people are Muslims (13).
There are also stereotypes about climate in Turkey and about the appearance
of Turkish people, the big number of teachers thinks that the weather in Turkey is
always hot (13) and Turkish people have black hair and they are dark-skinned people
(11).
Also the results of the analysis show that the part of respondents does not think
that Turkish people speak Arabic (7), and Turkish men wear long dresses (6).
However, we can see that there are no negative stereotypes about Turkish men:
respondents do not agree with the statement that Turkish men are Macho (5). Also not
many respondents think that Turkish men have several wives.
Summarising teachers opinions we can state that among teachers the
following stereotypes about Lithuania exist: it is a country of basketball, a country of
agriculture, and also a country where people drink a lot of vodka and people speak
79

Russian. Portugal in teachers opinion is a country of welcoming people, who are short
and dark-skinned, where the weather is always hot and sunny and where people speak
Spanish.
As for Romania, according the teachers opinion it is a poor country with
friendly and hospitable people, who speak Russian, however this country has a problem
with Gypsies. Turkey is associated not only with hot climate and religion, but also with
wearing scarves (for women) and long dresses (for men)
THE ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS OPINION

Then the last group or respondents (45 students) was questioned.

First, we tried to find out the students opinion and existing stereotypes about
Lithuania. (see graph 9).
60
50
40
30
20

I disagree completely

10

I disagree
I'm not sure

I agree
I agree completely

Graph 9. Students opinion about Lithuania.

According to the results of the questionnaire Lithuania is not considered as a

part of Russia, however a big part of respondents think that Lithuanians speak Russian.
(40). So, we can state that a stereotypical way of thinking about Lithuanians exists that
students believe that the biggest part of Lithuanian speak Russian.
Also students agree with a statement that Lithuanians are obsessed with
basketball. (42), this fact shows that students have an image of Lithuania as a country of
this kind of sport and believe that such image exists in the whole world. However,
80

according to the respondents opinion Lithuanians tend to drink strong alcohol - vodka,
to be precise (more than a half of respondents agree with this fact). Also the results of
the questionnaire show that students agree with the statement that Lithuanians eat
mainly potatoes (46). Such results prove that according the respondents opinion
Lithuania is a rural country.
On the other hand, students do not agree with the statement that Lithuanian
people are blonde and tall (44) and that country has a cold climate. (53).
To sum up, we can state that according the respondents opinion Lithuania is
considered as a country of people who can speak Russian, who drink a lot of vodka, are
obsessed with basketball and eat dishes mainly from potatoes.
Then stereotypical statements about Romania were given to students. (see
graph 10)

70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

I disagree completely
I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Graph 10. Students opinion about Romania.

The results of the questionnaire show that the biggest part of respondents do
not have enough information about Romania and as a result chose the answer I am not
sure
The biggest part of students agrees with the statement that Romania is a rural
country (26). This fact shows that this country is associated with the views of
countryside, and as a result a big part of respondents agrees with the statement that
Romania is a poor country. This statement was agreed by 37 respondents. Due to the

81

fact that Romania is believed to be a poor country, a lot of respondents think that the
products are cheap in Romania (25).
Also according to the students opinion, Romanian people are Gypsy people
(45). Although a lot of students think that Gypsy population is a difficult social problem
(32), even more students believe that Romanian people are friendly and hospitable (45).
However, we can see from the results of the questionnaire, that there is no
stereotype about Romania as a country of vampires and that Transylvania is a creepy
region. So, we can state that students assess positively Romania from this point of view.
Also the results show that students do not think that Romanians speak Russian.
It can be explained by the fact, that students do not see any links between Russia and
Romania.
In conclusion we can state that there is a lack of information about Romania
among students, at the same time the results show that Romania is considered to be a
rural country, and that Romanians are Gypsies people but they are friendly and
hospitable.
Then the students were given statements about Portugal to find out the existing
stereotypes about this country. (see graph 11).
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

I disagree completely
I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Graph 11. Students opinion about Portugal.

The results of the questionnaire show that almost in all answers the option I
am not sure dominates. Also, we can see that students have their opinion about
Portuguese peoples appearance and character: they are believed to be short and with
dark complexion (36), welcoming people, who are not late for the meetings (14). Also
82

rather big part of students think that Portuguese people speak Spanish (35), and equal
parts of students agree with opinion that Portuguese take a nap in the afternoon. (12/12)
As we can see from the chart 11, bigger part of students do not think that
Portuguese women dress in black, however there are some students who agree with this
statement.
In addition to that, we can see from the results that according students opinion
in Portugal there is sun all over the year.
Summarising the results of the questionnaire we can make a conclusion that
that rather positive assessment of Portugal and Portuguese people, but the lack of
information does not let to create stereotypes about this country. .
Then the statements about Turkey to agree or disagree with were given to
students (see graph 12)
60
50
40
30

I disagree completely

20

I disagree

10

I'm not sure

I agree
I agree completely

Graph 12. Students opinion about Turkey

The results of the questionnaire show that most often the answer I am not
sure is chosen. This fact proves that students do not know enough about Turkey.
According the students answers, the biggest number of them think that
Turkish are Muslims, (41), Turkish people have black hair and they are dark-skinned
people (46), Turkish men wear long dresses (32), Turkish men have several wives (32),
on the other hand they do not think that Turkish men are Macho (21). So we can make a
conclusion that there is no such stereotype about Turkish men. On the other hand, there
is a stereotypical way of thinking towards women, as the biggest part of students

83

believes that Turkish women wear scarves. (50). Also students agree that the weather in
Turkey is always hot. (39).
Furthermore we found out that Turkish people are thought to be religious as
Turkey has a religious government (41). However, students believe that Turkish people
speak Arabic. (32).
So, we can state that according students opinion Turkey is a steady and
religious country, and also that students have stereotypical way of thinking about
Turkish men and women.
Summarising the results of stereotype questionnaire given to students, teachers
and staff we can make two conclusions. First, the stereotypes about countries-partners
exist, so such researches are really necessary to find out existing stereotypes and
prejudices in order to break them or to prove. On the other hand, there is lack of
knowledge among students teachers and staff about some countries, so we have to
provide as more as possible information about countries- partners to introduce ourselves
during our project activities.

III.2.2. Portugal
THE ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS OPINIONS

ABOUT ROMANIA
9th grade students
We applied 100 questionnaires to students of the 9th grade about their
representations of Romanian, Portuguese, Turkish and Lithuanian stereotypes. We also
applied them to secondary students, especially those who are working on the project.
The results are in the graphs below.
I disagree

I'm not

completely disagree sure

I agree
I agree

completely

Romania is the land of vampires.

13

19

47

14

Romanian people speakRussian.

18

15

39

22

Romania is a rural country

14

60

23

Romanian people are Gypsy people.

15

50

27

Romania is a poor country

23

49

20

84

Romanian people are friendly and

11

84

Transylvania is a creepy region.

15

55

21

The products are cheap in Romania.

80

15

51

28

hospitable.

The Gypsy population is a difficult

social problem.
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

I disagree completely
I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Graph 1: Portuguese students representations about Romanian stereotypes

Portuguese students dont have stereotypes about Romanian people. They said
that its a country of Gipsy (33%) and these people are still considered as a difficult
social problem (30%).

ABOUT PORTUGAL
I disagree

completely

disagree sure

The Portuguese women dress in

I'm not I

I agree

agree completely

25

47

18

16

49

11

20

16

32

21

29

The Portuguese are sad.

32

40

17

11

The Portuguese are lazy.

21

27

15

28

black.
The Portuguese are short and have
dark complexion.
The Portuguese take a nap in the
afternoon.

85

The Portuguese are welcoming

16

43

29

48

26

11

14

12

31

16

33

56

31

people.
In Portugal people speak Spanish.
The Portuguese arrive late to
meetings.
In Portugal there is sun all over the
year.

60
40
I disagree completely

20

I disagree
0

I'm not sure

I agree
I agree completely

Graph 2: Portuguese students representations about Portuguese stereotypes

Portuguese students of 9th grade think that Portuguese people are welcoming.

ABOUT TURKEY
I disagree

I'm not

completely disagree sure

I agree
I agree completely

Turkish people are Muslims.

25

47

18

Turkish women wear scarf.

16

49

11

20

Turkeyhas a religious government.

16

32

21

29

Turkish people speak Arabics.

32

40

17

11

Turkish men are Macho.

21

27

15

28

Turkish men wear long dresses.

63

19

Turkish men have several wives.

48

26

11

14

Turkish people have black hair and

12

31

16

33

86

they are dark-skinned people.

The weather in Turkey is always hot.

56

31

70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

I disagree completely
I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Graph 3: Portuguese students representations about Turkish stereotypes

Portuguese students of the 9th grade dont have stereotypes about Turkish people.

ABOUT LITHUANIA
I disagree

I'm not

completely disagree sure

Lithuaniais a part of Russia.

I agree
I agree

completely

27

50

13

43

39

64

26

66

21

Lithuanians drink a lot of vodka.

69

23

Lithuaniais a very cold country.

63

19

Lithuaniais a rural country.

64

23

Lithuanian people are blonde and tall.

13

59

22

Lithuanians eat mainly potatoes.

10

63

20

Lithuanians are obsessed with

basketball.
Lithuanians speak Russian.
Lithuanian women wear traditional red
and white dresses.

87

70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

I disagree completely
I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Graph 4: Portuguese students representations about Lithuanian stereotypes

Portuguese students of the 9th grade dont have stereotypes about Lithuanian
people.
We also wanted to know if secondary students have got stereotypes, so we
applied the same questionnaire to 48 secondary school students.
Secondary school students

ABOUT ROMANIA
I disagree

I'm not

completely disagree sure

I agree
I agree completely

Romania is the land of vampires.

12

16

11

Romanian people speakRussian.

10

17

11

Romania is a rural country.

17

18

Romanian people are Gypsy people.

18

10

14

Romainiais a poor country.

12

19

16

35

11

Transylvania is a creepyregion.

12

21

11

The products are cheap in Romania.

31

13

17

15

Romanian people are friendly and

hospitable.

The Gypsy population is a difficult

social problem.

88

40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0

I disagree completely
I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Graph 5: Portuguese students representations about Romanian

Secondary school Portuguese students dont have stereotypes about Romanian.

ABOUT PORTUGAL
I disagree

I'm not

completely disagree sure

ThePortuguese women dress in black.

I agree
I agree completely

15

19

13

10

27

17

23

The Portuguese are sad.

20

22

The Portuguese are lazy.

18

18

The Portuguese are welcoming people.

19

26

Portugal people speak Spanish.

31

11

19

21

22

24

The Portuguese are short and have dark

complexion.
The Portuguese take a nap in the
afternoon.

The Portuguese arrive late to meetings.

In Portugal there is sun all over the year.

89

35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0

I disagree completely
I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Graph 6: Portuguese students representations about Portuguese

Secondary school Portuguese students have the stereotype that Portuguese are
welcoming people.

ABOUT TURKEY
I disagree

I'm not

completely disagree sure

I agree
I agree

completely

Turkish people are Muslims.

23

14

Turkish women wears carf.

21

20

Turkey has a religious government.

21

19

Turkish people speakArabics.

23

13

Turkishmen are Macho.

26

16

Turkish men wear long dresses.

13

23

Turkish men have several wives.

10

25

10

16

21

20

19

Turkish people have black hair and

they are dark-skinned people.
The weather in Turkey is always hot.

90

30
25
20
15
10
5
0

I disagree completely
I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Graph 7: Portuguese students representations about the Turkish

Secondary school Portuguese students have the stereotype that Turkish people
have black hair and they are dark-skinned people.

ABOUT LITHUANIA
I disagree

I'm not I

completely disagree sure

Lithuaniais a part of Russia.

I agree

agree completely

18

22

12

25

12

22

12

37

Lithuanians drink a lot of vodka.

20

17

Lithuaniais a very cold country.

12

34

Lithuaniais a rural country.

10

18

20

Lithuanianpeople are blonde and tall.

26

11

Lithuanians eat mainly potatoes.

38

Lithuanians are obsessed with

basketball.
Lithuanians speak Russian.
Lithuanian women wear traditional red
and white dresses.

91

40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0

I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Graph 8: Portuguese students representations about the Lithuanians

Secondary school Portuguese students have the stereotype that Lithuania is a very cold
country.
THE ANALYSIS OF TEACHERS OPINIONS

ABOUT ROMANIA

Now we present results of the stereotype questionnaires for teachers.

I disagree

I'm not I

completely disagree sure

I agree

agree completely

Romania is the land of vampires.

Romanian people speak Russian.

Romania is a rural country.

12

Romanian people are Gypsy people.

10

Romania is a poor country.

12

Romanian people are friendly and hospitable.

12

Transylvania is a creepy region.

The products are cheap in Romania.

11

The Gypsy population is a difficult social

problem.

92

14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0

I disagree completely
I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Graph 9: Teachers representations about Romanian stereotypes

Portuguese teachers see Romania as a rural and poor country.

ABOUT PORTUGAL
I disagree

completely

disagree sure

ThePortuguese womendress in black.

I'm not

I agree
I agree

completely

11

The Portuguese are sad.

10

The Portuguese are lazy.

11

The Portuguese are welcoming people.

13

In Portugal people speak Spanish.

14

The Portuguese arrive late to meetings.

10

10

The Portuguese are short and have dark

complexion.
The Portuguese take a nap in the
afternoon.

In Portugal there is sun all over the

year.

93

14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0

I disagree completely
I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Graph 10: Teachers representations about Portuguese stereotypes

Portuguese teachers see the Portuguese as welcoming people; they arrive late to
meetings and they see their country with sunshine all over the year.

ABOUT TURKEY

I disagree

I'm not I

completely disagree sure

I agree

agree completely

Turkish people are Muslims.

Turkish women wear scarf.

Turkey has a religious government.

10

Turkish people speak Arabics.

Turkishmen are Macho.

Turkish men wear long dresses.

Turkish men have several wives.

10

Turkish people have black hair andt

hey are dark-skinned people.
The weather in Turkey is always hot.

94

10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

I disagree completely
I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Graph 11: Teachers representations about Turkish stereotypes

Portuguese teachers see the Turkish as dark-skinned people with black hair; they
are Muslims, the women wear scarves and men are Macho.

ABOUT LITHUANIA
I disagree

I'm not

completely disagree sure

Lithuania is a part of Russia.

I agree
I agree

completely

10

Lithuanians drink a lot of vodka.

Lithuaniais a very cold country.

Lithuaniais a rural country.

Lithuanian people are blonde and tall.

10

Lithuanians eat mainly potatoes.

Lithuanians

are

obsessed

with

basketball.
Lithuanians speak Russian.
Lithuanian women wear traditional red
and white dresses.

95

10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

I disagree completely
I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Graph 12: Teachers representions about Lithuanian stereotypes

Portuguese teachers see Lithuanian people as blond and tall who drink a lot of
vodka, and are obsessed with basketball.
THE ANALYSIS OF STAFFS OPINIONS

ABOUT ROMANIA
I disagree

I'm not

completely disagree sure

I agree
I agree completely

Romania is the land of vampires.

Romanian people speak Russian.

Romania is a rural country.

Romanian people are Gypsy people.

Romania is a poor country.

Transylvaniais a creepy region.

The products are cheap in Romania.

Romanian people are friendly and

hospitable.

The Gypsy population is a difficult social

problem.

96

4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0

I disagree completely
I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Graph 13: Staffs representation about Romanian stereotype questionnaires

The staff think that Romania is a rural and poor country with Gypsy people.

ABOUT PORTUGAL
I disagree

I'm not

completely disagree sure

The Portuguese womendress in black.

I agree
I agree

completely

The Portuguese are sad.

The Portuguese are lazy.

The Portuguese are welcoming people.

In Portugal people speak Spanish.

The Portuguese arrive late to meetings.

The Portuguese are short and have dark

complexion.
The Portuguese take a nap in the
afternoon.

In Portugal there is sun all over the

year.

97

4
3
2

I disagree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree
I agree completely

Graph 14: Staffs representation about Portuguese stereotype questionnaires

As teachers and students, staff also see the Portuguese as welcoming people.

ABOUT TURKEY
I disagree

I'm not

completely disagree sure

I agree
I agreecompletely

Turkish people are Muslims.

Turkish women wear scarf.

Turkey has a religious government.

Turkish people speak Arabics.

Turkish men are Macho.

Turkish men wear long dresses.

Turkish men have several wives.

Turkish people have black hair and they

are dark-skinned people.
The weather in Turkey is always hot.

98

4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0

I disagree completely
I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Graphic 15: Staffs representation about Turkish stereotype questionnaires

The staff see the Turkish as dark-skinned people with black hair; the women
wear scarves and the men are Macho.

ABOUT LITHUANIA

I disagree

I'm not I

completely disagree sure

I agree

agree completely

Lithuania is a part of Russia.

Lithuanians are obsessed with basketball.

Lithuanians speak Russian.

Lithuanians drink a lot of vodka.

Lithuaniais a very cold country.

Lithuaniais a rural country.

Lithuanian people are blonde and tal.

Lithuanians eat mainly potatoes.

Lithuanian women wear traditional

red and white dresses.

99

5
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0

I disagree completely
I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Graphic 16: Staffs representation about Lithuanians stereotype questionnaires

The staff see Lithuanians as blond and tall people; they think the country is very
cold and rural country.
9th grade

ROMANIA

PORTUGAL

TURKEY

LITHUANIA

welcoming

welcoming

black hair and

Very cold

people

they are dark-

country

people

students
Secondary

students

skinned people
Teachers

a rural and

welcoming

black hair and

are blond and

poor country

people

dark-skinned

tall

that arrives late Muslims

drink a lot of

to meetings

vodka
the women

Staff

a country where wear scarf

obsessed with

there is sun all

basketball

over the year

men are Macho

a rural and

welcoming

black hair and

are blond and

poor country

people

dark-skinned

tall

the women

very cold

wear scarf

country

men are Macho

a rural country

Gypsy people

100

III.2.3. Romania

COLEGUL ECONOMC ARAD

The questionnaire was conducted to 100 students and 20 teachers. The
statements were evaluated and analysed and the following results were achieved.
THE ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS OPINIONS
ABOUT PORTUGAL
The Romanians think that the Portuguese are welcoming people, but they are not
sure if they take a nap in the afternoon or if they arrive late at meetings or even if the
Portuguese women are dressed in black.
I'm
I disagree

not

completely disagree sure

The Portuguese women dress in

I agree
I agree

completely

11

32

55

41

43

25

60

13

The Portuguese are sad.

32

45

21

The Portuguese are lazy.

25

39

31

22

59

25

29

21

15

10

30

62

15

36

39

black.
The Portuguese are short and have
dark complexion.
The Portuguese take a nap in the
afternoon.

The Portuguese are welcoming

people.
In Portugal people speak Spanish.
The Portuguese arrive late to
meetings.
In Portugal there is sun all over the
year.

101

70
60
50
40
30
20

I disagree completely

10

I disagree
I'm not sure

I agree
I agree completely

Graph 1: Romanian students representations about Portuguese stereotypes

ABOUT TURKEY
The Romanians are convinced that the Turkish women wear a scarf, they are
almost convinced that the Turkish people have black hair and that are dark-skinned and
that the weather in Turkey is always hot. But they are not sure if there is a religious
government in Turkey.
I disagree

I'm not

completely disagree

sure

I agree
I agree

completely

Turkish people are Muslims.

26

41

27

Turkish women wear scarf.

17

54

21

Turkey has a religious government.

14

49

32

Turkish people speak Arabics.

16

26

28

25

Turkish men are Macho.

24

42

22

Turkish men wear long dresses.

17

16

32

29

Turkish men have several wives.

14

40

32

17

25

46

10

24

46

11

Turkish people have black hair and

they are dark-skinned people.
The weather in Turkey is always hot.

102

60
50
40
30
I disagree completely

20

I disagree

10

I'm not sure

0

I agree
I agree completely

Graph 2: Romanian students representations about Turkish stereotypes

ABOUT LITHUANIA
The Romanians disagree with the fact that Lithuania is a part of Russia but they
are not sure if the Lithuanians are obsessed with basketball, if the women in Lithuania
wear traditional red and white dresses of if they eat mainly potatoes.
I disagree

I'm not

completely disagree sure

Lithuania is a part of Russia.

I agree

agree completely

46

25

20

12

23

55

21

26

35

16

11

66

21

Lithuanians drink a lot of vodka.

37

34

20

Lithuania is a very cold country.

17

33

35

Lithuania is a rural country.

24

42

25

10

45

40

10

51

32

Lithuanians are obsessed with

basketball.
Lithuanians speak Russian.
Lithuanian women wear traditional
red and white dresses.

Lithuanian people are blonde and

tall.
Lithuanians eat mainly potatoes.

103

70
60
50
40
30
20

I disagree completely

10

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree
I agree completely

Graph 3: Romanian students representations about Lithuanian stereotypes

THE ANALYSIS OF TEACHERS OPINIONS

ABOUT PORTUGAL
The Romanians think that the Portuguese are not sad people, but they are not
sure if they take a nap in the afternoon. The Romanians disagree with the fact that the
Portuguese women dress in black, that they are short and have dark complexion or that
they arrive late to meetings. But the Romanians know for sure that in Portugal people
dont speak Spanish.
I disagree

I'm not

completely disagree sure

The Portuguese women dress in black.

I agree

agree

completely

12

12

14

The Portuguese are sad.

15

The Portuguese are lazy.

The Portuguese are welcoming people.

10

The Portuguese are short and have dark

complexion.
The Portuguese take a nap in the
afternoon.

104

In Portugal people speak Spanish.

12

The Portuguese arrive late to meetings.

11

In Portugal there is sun all over the year.

16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0

I disagree completely
I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree completely

Graph 4: Romanian Teachers representations about Portuguese stereotypes

ABOUT TURKEY
The Romanians are convinced that the Turkish women wear a scarf and that the
Turkish people are Muslims.
I disagree

I'm not

completely disagree sure

I agree
I agree

completely

Turkish people are Muslims.

11

Turkish women wear scarf.

12

Turkey has a religious government.

Turkish people speak Arabics.

Turkish men are Macho.

10

Turkish men wear long dresses.

10

Turkish men have several wives.

Turkish people have black hair and

they are dark-skinned people.
The weather in Turkey is always hot.

105

12
10
8
6
4

I disagree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree
I agree completely

Graph 5: Romanian Teachers representations about Turkish stereotypes

ABOUT LITHUANIA
The Romanians disagree with the fact that Lithuania is a part of Russia but they
are not sure if the women in Lithuania wear traditional red and white dresses of if they
eat mainly potatoes or if they drink a lot of vodka.
I disagree

I'm not

completely disagree sure

I agree
I agree

completely

Lithuania is a part of Russia.

12

Lithuanians are obsessed with basketball.

Lithuanians speak Russian.

15

Lithuanians drink a lot of vodka.

11

Lithuania is a very cold country.

Lithuania is a rural country.

Lithuanian people are blonde and tall.

Lithuanians eat mainly potatoes.

13

Lithuanian women wear traditional red

and white dresses.

106

16
14
12
10
8
6
4

I disagree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree
I agree completely

Graph 6: Romanian Teachers representations about Lithuanian stereotypes

THE ANALYSIS OF STAFFS OPINIONS

ABOUT PORTUGAL
The Romanians disagree the fact that the Portuguese are short and have dark
complexion, that they are sad or lazy but it is considered a stereotype the fact that they
are welcoming people.

The Portuguese women dress in black.

I disagree

I'm not

completely

disagree sure

I agree

agree completely

The Portuguese take a nap in the afternoon.

The Portuguese are sad.

The Portuguese are lazy.

The Portuguese are welcoming people.

In Portugal people speak Spanish.

The Portuguese arrive late to meetings.

In Portugal there is sun all over the year.

The Portuguese are short and have dark

complexion.

107

4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
I disagree completely

I disagree

0.5

I'm not sure

I agree
I agree completely

Graph 7: Romanian Staff representations about Portuguese stereotypes

ABOUT TURKEY
The Romanians are convinced that the Turkish women wear a scarf and that the
Turkish people are Muslims.
I disagree

I'm not

completely disagree sure

I agree

agree

completely

Turkish people are Muslims.

Turkish women wear scarf.

Turkey has a religious government.

Turkish people speak Arabics.

Turkish men are Macho.

Turkish men wear long dresses.

Turkish men have several wives.

Turkish people have black hair and they

are dark-skinned people.
The weather in Turkey is always hot.

108

3
2.5
2
1.5
1

I disagree completely
I disagree

0.5

I'm not sure

I agree
I agree completely

Graph 8: Romanian Staff representations about Turkish stereotypes

ABOUT LITHUANIA
About Lithuania, there is not a clear stereotype only the fact that the Romanians
are not sure if the Lithuanians are obsessed with basketball or if it is a rural country.
I disagree

I'm not

completely disagree sure

Lithuania is a part of Russia.

I agree

agree

completely

Lithuanians drink a lot of vodka.

Lithuania is a very cold country.

Lithuania is a rural country.

Lithuanian people are blonde and tall.

Lithuanians eat mainly potatoes.

Lithuanians are obsessed with

basketball.
Lithuanians speak Russian.
Lithuanian women wear traditional red
and white dresses.

109

3
2.5
2
1.5
1

I disagree completely

0.5

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree
I agree completely

Graph 9: Romanian Staff representations about Lithuanian stereotypes

110

III.2.4 Turkey
ARAMBA 75.YIL VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL ANATOLIAN HIGH
SCHOOL
THE ANALYSIS OF TEACHERS OPINION

In order to find out stereotypes that teachers have about the project partners, the
questionnaire was applied to 20 teachers. First of all, the statements about Romania
were given to the teachers to answer the questionnaire. (see graph 1)
16
14
12
10
8
6

I disagree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree
I agree completely

Graph -1 Teachers opinion about Romania

As can be seen from the chart, most of the respondents disagree about the
statement: Romania is the land of vampires, so such a stereotype doesnt exist among
Turkish teachers.
Also, the respondents do not have much information about the language spoken
in Romania, the Gypsy population, the characteristics of the Romanian people and
Transylvania region. However, Turkish teachers have some stereotypes about Romania.

111

Most of the respondents think that Romania is a rural and poor country. So, we can say
that teachers have some stereotypes about Romanias economical situation.
The other target group was Portugal. (see Graph 2)
14
12
10
8
6
4
2

I disagree
completely

I disagree
I'm not sure
I agree
I agree
completely

Graph -2 Teachers opinion about Portugal

As we can see from the chart, most of the teachers do not know much
about the statements (1) Portuguese women dress in black, (3) Portuguese take a nap
in the afternoon, (4) Portuguese are sad. (8) The Portuguese arrive late to the
meetings So we can say that as Turkish teachers do not have such specific knowledge
about Portuguese people they do not have any stereotypes about these items. On the
other hand, most of the respondents think that people speak Spanish in Portugal; it may
be because of the thought that Spain and Portugal are neighbours. One more statement
that most of the respondents agree with is that In Portugal there is sun all over the
year. It may be thought that thats because of the Portugals geographical situation.
Summarising teachers answers we can make a conclusion that teachers do not
have much knowledge about Portuguese peoples cultural issues (their dresses, their
personality.) but most of the teachers believe that they have common appearance: they

112

are short and with dark complexion, live in a country with hot beaches (so because of
this they are welcoming people) and speak Spanish.
The research was carried out with another participant, Lithuania. (see Graph 3)
16
14
12
10
8
6
4

I disagree completely

I disagree

I'm not sure

I agree
I agree completely

Graph -3 Teachers opinion about Lithuania

Analysing the results according to the chart we can see that most of the
respondents agree with the statements (2) Lithuanians are obsessed with basketball.
This may be because of some famous Lithuanian basketball players that play in Turkey.
Another

stereotypes are (5) Lithuanians drink a lot of vodkaand (6)

Lithuania is a very cold country. These stereotypes could appear due to the fact that
Lithuania is a neighbour of Russia, and it may be thought that people drink vodka to
warm themselves in a cold country.
One more statement that most of the respondents agree with is that

(8)

Lithuanian people are blonde and tall. As Lithuania is one of the Baltic countries in
the north of Europe, it may be thought so.
When we look at the other statements (4) and (9) we see that most of the
teachers are not sure about Lithuanians traditional clothes and whether their main food
is potatoes or not. This may be some specific knowledge, so such stereotypes do not
exist among Turkish teachers.
113

Summarising the results of the questionnaire we can bring out four stereotypes
about Lithuania Lithuanians are people, obsessed with basketball, Lithuanian
people are blonde and tall, Lithuania is a rural country and Lithuanians drink a lot
of vodka
Then, in order to find out the existing stereotypes, teachers were given
questions about Turkey. (see graph 4)
15
10
I disagree completely

I disagree
0

I'm not sure

I agree
I agree completely

Graph -4 Teachers opinion about Turkey

Having analysed the respondents answers about Turkey we can state that most
of the teachers agree with the statements that Turkish people are Muslims Turkish
women wear scarf and Turkish people have black hair and they are dark-skinned
people. As the respondents are Turkish teachers their answers may not be completely
stereotypes but these statements may include some facts. For instance as Turkish
peoples religion is Islam; it is possible to see lots of Turkish women wearing scarves.
This stereotype may be due to the fact that Turkey is a Mediterranean country and it is
possible to see sun light long periods especially in the south parts Turkey, as a result
people may be dark skinned. (but not all of them of course)
Also the results of the analysis show that most of the respondents do not agree
with the statements: Turkey has a religious government, Turkish men are Macho
and The weather in Turkey is always hot. It is interesting that for the statement about
the government, while some people think the government is religious, some others think

114

the opposite. It may be the result of democracy. So, these stereotypes do not exist
among Turkish teachers.
What is more, the respondents disagree completely that Turkish people speak
Arabic, Turkish men wear long dresses and Turkish men have several wives. It
means that teachers do not have stereotypes knowing that the language spoken is
Turkish, they dont wear long dresses like Arabic and they dont have more than one
wife.
THE ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS OPINION
To find out the students opinions about the countries, 100 students were asked
to fulfil the questionnaire about stereotypes. Below is the result of the respondents about
Romania. (Graph 5)
60
50
40
30

I disagree completely

20

I disagree

10

I'm not sure

I agree
I agree completely

Graph -5 Students opinion about Romania

When we look at the chart we can say that the students do not have more than
one stereotype about Romania. Most of them think that Romanian people are friendly
and hospitable. They dont think that Romania is the land of vampires or Transylvania
is a creepy region.
Also the results show that the students disagree completely that Romanian
people speak Russian and Romanian people are Gypsy people. Moreover most of the
students think that Romania is not a poor and rural country.
In conclusion the students have positive thoughts about Romania. They think
that Romanian people are friendly and hospitable. Furthermore, we can see from the
results of the questionnaire, that there is no stereotype about Romania as a country of
115

vampires and that Transylvania is a creepy region or Romanian people are Gypsy
people. So, we can state that Romania doesnt have a negative image in the students
minds.
Then the students were given statements about Portugal to find out the existing
stereotypes about this country. (see Graph 6)
70
60
50
40
30
20

I disagree completely

10

I disagree
I'm not sure

I agree
I agree completely

Graph -6 Students opinion about Portugal

The results of the questionnaire show that most of the students do not know
enough about Portugal so they choose the choice I am not sure On the other hand we
can see that the students think that Portugese people are welcoming people and there is
sun all over the year in Portugal. The students may have made a relation with sunny
weather and being welcoming people.
As we can see from the chart, more than half of the students do not have
knowledge about the statements The Portuguese women dress in black The
portuguese take a nap in the afternoon The Portuguese are sad The Portuguese are
lazy, The Portuguese arrive late to the meetings. This shows that the students tend to
know general information but not specific ones.

116

To make a summary, it can be said that the students do not have any negative
thoughts towards the Portuguese people but their lack of knowledge about the country
makes it difficult to find out if there are stereotypes or not.
Then to go on with the study, the students were given the statements about
Turkey. (see Graph 7)
60
50
40
30
20

I disagree completely

10

I disagree
I'm not sure

I agree
I agree completely

Graph -7 Studentsopinion about Turkey

When we look at the chart it is possible to say that the results of teachers and
studentsare highly similar. Like teachers, most of the students agree that Turkish
people are Muslims and Turkish women wear scarf. More than half of them think that
Turkey has a religious government. Furthermore, the respondents confirm that Turkish
people have black hair and dark skin.As a result we can say that they think like teachers
about this statement.
If we look at the disagreements, they dont think Turkish people speak Arabics
and Turkish men wear long dresses. They may have had such a thought as a result of the
fact that speking Arabics and wearing long dresses are related with Arabic countries.
Moreover they disagree that Turkish men have several wives knowing the fact that their
fathers have only one wife. Lastly, they dont think that the weather in Turkey is always
hot knowing the fact that in some regions of Turkey the temperatures may be below 0
degrees and snow stays there 4-5 months without melting.

117

Lastly, stereotypical statements about Lithuania were given to students (see

Graph 8)
70
60
50
40
30
20

I disagree completely

10

I disagree
I'm not sure

I agree
I agree completely

Graph -8 Students opinion about Lithuania

The results of the questionnaire show that almost in all answers the option I
am not sure is remarkable. Also we can see that the students disagree about the
statement: Lithuania is part of Russia This may show that they have an idea about
Lithuanias geographical location.
When we look at their agreements we see that they think Lithuania is a cold
country and Lithuanian people are blonde and tall. They may again have an opinion like
this, as Lithuania is located in the Northern Europe and they may have a relation in their
minds with Northern parts of Europe and cold weather.
To sum up, we can say that the Turkish students do not have much stereotypical
ideas about Lithuania as they dont have enough knowledge about the country.
They have some geographical knowledge about Lithuania so they have an idea
that Lithuania is a cold country and Lithuanians are blonde and tall people. On the other
hand, they dont have knowledge about their traditional clothes or main food as these
are specific information.
Summarising the results of the questionnaires of both teachers and students we
come up with a conclusion that some stereotypes occur because of incomplete
118

information either as a result of personal disinterest or biased information acquired from

different sources. So, it is significant to define these existing properties so that we can
approach the practical challenge of breaking out of the stereotypes. The findings of the
study suggest that direct contact with the participant countries and its people prove to be
successful in changing the stereotypes or prejudices and improving the images of
countries. Therefore, as our subject matter is Building a New Europe Against
Stereotypes, cultural interactions need to be fostered between countries in order to
change the existing stereotypes in peoples minds and create a new vision of the World.

119

III.3. General conclusions about the national stereotypes

questionnaires
Summarising the results of stereotype questionnaire given to students, teachers
and staff we can make two conclusions. First, the stereotypes about countries-partners
exist, so such researches are really necessary to find out existing stereotypes and
prejudices in order to break them or to prove. On the other hand, there is lack of
knowledge among students, teachers and staff about some countries, so we have to
provide as more as possible information about countries- partners to introduce ourselves
during our project activities.
Having analysed the results of the questionnaires of teachers, students and staff
we come up with a conclusion that some stereotypes occur because of incomplete
information either as a result of personal disinterest or based information acquired from
different sources. So, it is significant to define these existing properties so that we can
approach the practical challenge of breaking out the stereotypes. The findings of the
study suggest that direct contact with the participant countries and its people prove to be
successful in changing the stereotypes or prejudices and improving the images of
countries.
Therefore, as our subject matter is Building a New Europe Against
Stereotypes, cultural interactions need to be fostered between countries in order to
change the existing stereotypes in peoples minds and create a new vision of the World.
Summarising the results of the faces questionnaire just by looking at the faces of
the teachers working on the project (14 photos), we asked the teachers and staff in our
school to guess their nationalities. The conclusion is that most of the teachers associated
black skin and hair with Turkish nationality and blond and light skin with the
Lithuanian nationality.
The pictural method we presented in chapter one, in literature confirm only two
stereotypes that people with black skin and hair are associated with Turkish nationality
and blond and light skin with the Lithuanian nationality.
The same analysis was done by the three partners. The Turkish team didn't apply
to the staff the stereotype questionnaire because they only have one person for the
school.

120

We present a table to summarize the results of the application of the

questionnaires to the partners, Turkish, Romanians and Lithuanians and Portuguese.

How the Portuguese see How Portuguese see How the Portuguese How

the

themselves?

see

the Turkish?

see

Portuguese

Romania/Romanian

Lithuania/Lithuani

ans?

Welcoming

Black

hair

people

and they are

country

(students)

dark-skinned

(high

people (high

school

school

students)

Very cold

students)
Welcoming

Black hair

A rural and

Are blond

people /

and dark-

poor country

and tall

That arrives late

skinned /

(teachers)

/drink a lot

to meetings / a

muslims /the

of vodka

country

women wear

/obsessed

there is sun all

scarf /men

with

over

are macho

basketball

(teachers)

(teachers)

(teachers)

Welcoming

Black hair

A rural and

Are blond

people (staff)

and dark-

poor country

and tall /

skinned /

/ gypsy

very cold

the women

people

country / a

wear scarf /

(staff)

rural

where

the

year

men are

country(sta

macho

ff)

(staff)

121

How the Turkish see How the Turkish see How the Turkish How the Turkish
themselves?

the Portuguese?

see the Romanians? see

the

Lithuanians?
Turkish women

The

Romanian

wear scarf.

Portuguese

people are

Turkish people

are

friendly and

are

welcoming

hospitable.

Muslims.(stude

people.

(students)

nts)

(students)

Turkish people

The

Romania is

Lithuanian

are Muslims.

Portuguese

a rural

s are

Turkish people

are

country

obsessed

have black hair

welcoming

Romania is

with

and they are

people.

a poor

basketball.

dark-skinned

In Portugal

country

Lithuanian

people.

people speak

(teachers)

s drink a

(teachers)

Spanish.

lot of

In Portugal

vodka.

there is sun

Lithuania

all over the

is a very

year.

cold

(teachers)

country.
Lithuanian
people are
blonde
and tall
(teachers)

122

How the Romanian see How the Romanian How the Romanian How

the

themselves?

see

see the Portuguese?

see the Turkish?

Romanian

the Lithuanians
?
Romanian

The

Turkish

people are

Portuguese

people are

friendly and

are

Muslims.

hospitable

welcoming

Turkish

people.

women wear

(students)

scarf.

The Gypsy
population is a
difficult social

Turkish

problem.

people have

(students)

black hair
and they are
dark-skinned
people.

The weather
in Turkey is
always hot.
(Students)
Romanian people

The Portuguese

Turkish people

are friendly and

are welcoming

are Muslims.

hospitable

people.
(Teachers)

Turkish women

The Gypsy

wear scarf.

population is a
difficult social

Turkish people

problem.

have black hair

(Teachers)

and they are darkskinned people.

(Teachers)
123

The Gypsy

Take a nap in the

population is a

afternoon

(staff)

Traditional red

Muslims.

and

white

dresses

difficult social
problem.

Turkish people are

Turkish women
The Portuguese

wear scarf.

are

Drink a lot of
vodka

Religious
government

Cold country

Men wear long

Blond and tall

dresses.
Eat
Turkish man have
several wives

Turkish people
have black hair and
they are darkskinned people.

The weather in
Turkey is always
hot.

124

potatoes

mainly

How the Lithuanian see How the Lithuanian How

themselves?

see the Portuguese?

the How

Lithuanians see the Lithuanian see the

Romanians?

Turkish?

Lithuanians are

The

Romanian

Turkish

obsessed with

Portuguese

people are

people are

basketball.

are

Gypsy people

Muslims.

welcoming

the

(students)

Turkish

Lithuanians drink a

people.(stude

women wear

lot of vodka.

nts)

scarf.
Turkey has a

Lithuania is a rural

religious

country.

government.
Turkish

Lithuanians eat

people have

mainly potatoes.

black hair and

(students)

they are darkskinned

people.
The weather
in Turkey is
always hot.
(students)

Lithuanians are

The Portuguese

Romania is a

Turkish

obsessed with

are short and

poor country

people are

basketball.

have dark

Romanian

Muslims.

complexion.

people are

Turkish

Lithuanians speak

The Portuguese

friendly and

women wear

Russian.

are welcoming

hospitable.

scarf.

people.

(Teachers)

Turkey has a

Lithuanians drink a

(Teachers)

religious

lot of vodka.

government.
Turkish

Lithuania is a rural

people have
125

country.

black hair and

they are dark-

(Teachers)

skinned
people.
The weather
in Turkey is
always hot.
(Teachers)

The Portuguese

Turkish people

are welcoming

are Muslims.

people.

Turkish people

(Staff)

have black hair

and they are
dark-skinned
people.
(Staff)

126