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Stereotype about the Benefits and Harms in the Consciousness of Native Speakers of Russian and Chinese
The results and consequences of actions and behavior of a person can be assessed by speakers in terms of practical evaluation, that is using the concepts of the benefit and the harm as very important criteria on the practicality scale. A person is much in-fluenced by other people, at the same time being capable of causing harm to himself or, on the contrary, taking advantage from something: from experience exchange, diligence, endeavor, educa-tion, etc. Different language speakers representing different cultures can have ideas about the benefit and the harm associated with different factors, and this is caused by upbringing and na-tional
traditions, as well as by their facts of life. The questionnaire survey with participation of Russians and Chinese and the analy-sis of their answers to 6 proposed questions are aimed at identi-fication of the factors considered as the “benefit” and the “harm”.
On the one hand, the common character of ideas was identified, although they differ in the meaning associated with them: about the harm of laziness and dishonesty, spreading of false rumors, and gossip; about the unacceptability of swearing and rudeness, etc.
The representatives of both cultures speak about benefit of help and support, humanity and understanding, importance of health caring, benefits of reading, studying, and intellectual self-development. On the other hand, Chinese and Russians named factors that were recognized as important only in one of the cul-tures: Chinese see harm in non-compliance with the laws, com-missioning of
offenses, lack of a sense of duty to the society; in selfishness and stubbornness. They view self-confidence, com-plimenting others, forbearance when assessing other people, etc. as benefit. The Russians consider self-flagellation and reflection harmful, while sympathy, compassion, empathy – benefit. The substantive and quantitative accents form reference points for the analysis of stereotypical
ideas about the benefit and the harm.
traditions, as well as by their facts of life. The questionnaire survey with participation of Russians and Chinese and the analy-sis of their answers to 6 proposed questions are aimed at identi-fication of the factors considered as the “benefit” and the “harm”.
On the one hand, the common character of ideas was identified, although they differ in the meaning associated with them: about the harm of laziness and dishonesty, spreading of false rumors, and gossip; about the unacceptability of swearing and rudeness, etc.
The representatives of both cultures speak about benefit of help and support, humanity and understanding, importance of health caring, benefits of reading, studying, and intellectual self-development. On the other hand, Chinese and Russians named factors that were recognized as important only in one of the cul-tures: Chinese see harm in non-compliance with the laws, com-missioning of
offenses, lack of a sense of duty to the society; in selfishness and stubbornness. They view self-confidence, com-plimenting others, forbearance when assessing other people, etc. as benefit. The Russians consider self-flagellation and reflection harmful, while sympathy, compassion, empathy – benefit. The substantive and quantitative accents form reference points for the analysis of stereotypical
ideas about the benefit and the harm.
benefit, harm, utilitarianism, stereotypes, factor, questionnaire