GOSSIP AT THE OFFICE.- Culture and People.

A stereotype is a fixed idea that people have about what specific social groups or individuals are like, especially an idea that is wrong. Other terms that are associated with the term stereotype are prejudice and cliché. The term has a Greek origin: "stereos" means solid or firm and "typos" mean blow, impression, engraved or mark. This term was first used in the printing business.

Because stereotypes are standardized and simplified ideas of groups, based on some prejudices, they are not derived from objective facts, but rather subjective and often unverifiable ideas. The existence of stereotypes may be explained by the need of groups of people to view themselves as more normal or more superior than other groups. Consequently, stereotypes may be used to justify ill-founded prejudices or ignorance and prevent people of stereotyped groups from entering or succeeding in various activities or fields.

However, stereotypes may also be a funny way of learning a language. Since they are based on old ideas and traditions, stereotypes can be a good way of getting to know a foreign culture.

If we take the British Isles for example, we observe four different countries: The Scots, Welsh and Northern Irish, of Celtic descendant, and the English from Angle-Saxon origin.

Though at first sight there are not many differences between them, especially for foreigners, if we asked people from these countries, we would find out that they see themselves very different. The English for example, like to see themselves as calm, reasonable, patient and commonsensical people, who should be distinguished from the excitable, romantic and impulsive Celts. The Celts on the other hand, may consider the English to be arrogant, patronising and cold, and themselves having all the virtues.

According to tradition, the English are usually associated to the London City gent with his bowler hat and umbrella. They love queuing and they spent the whole day drinking and drinking cups of tea. Opposite to them, the Scottish have a reputation for being rude and they prefer drinking Scotch whisky while wearing their beloved quilt and bagpipes.

On the other hand, the Welsh only speak about sheep, they always wear a woollen pullover or a red rugby top and they spend the day singing 'Delilah' by their idol, Tom Jones.

Finally, the Irish are well-known for being friendly and very talkative, and they always spend the day at Irish pubs drinking Guinness. By means of curiosity, in every British joke, the Irish are always the unintelligent ones.

Facts or fiction? What do you think? If you want to find out, you'd better go to the British Isles!