BELARUSIAN MENTALITY IN THE CONTEXT OF INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION: GROUNDS FOR PESSIMISM AND OPTIMISM

Abstract

http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/sm-2017-0012

The article is devoted to the consideration of the factors which influenceintercultural communication of Belarusians with people who live in the countries borderingBelarus (Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia) and some countries where English isused as the first official language (the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia and Ireland).The objectives of the research were: to compare cultures of people living in Belarus, in thebordering countries and in the English-speaking countries; to describe the characteristics ofBelarusian mentality which presumably create cultural barriers; and to determinethe factors that facilitate intercultural communication of Belarusians with people underconsideration. The research was based on the dimensions of power distance, individualism,masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, long term orientation and indulgence (G. Hofstede).Using these criteria, the characteristics of Belarusian mentality were systematicallypresented; they include tolerance, collectivism, cautiousness, modesty, restraint, respect fortraditions and pragmatism. The reflection of the distinctive features of the Belarusians’ outlook inproverbs and behaviour illustrates the differences which can presumably cause cross-culturalmisunderstanding. Also, the factors which promote intercultural communication are highlighted. Theresults of the research may be used in intercultural training of postgraduate students andin-service specialists in education and business.