England and the USA Through Stereotypes

The paper investigates stereotypes concerning the two most important English-speaking cultures — England and the USA — and to what extent these stereotypes are known and felt to be real among Hungarian students of English. The essay includes a short introduction about the definition of stereotypes and clichés, their significance in intercultural communication, and then draws up a list of the commonest stereotypes about the two countries and nations, a list of 29 stereotypes altogether. This list was sent in a questionnaire to a large number of Hungarian students, whose replies indicate clearly which are the most and least known stereotypes in Hungary about the two most important English-speaking cultures. The conclusion offers an analysis of the results and an interesting summary of the respondents’ comments on the different stereotypes mentioned in the questionnaire.