National characters

The British Character

Different nations have different characters. We expect every nation to have some typical qualities. People say the British look on foreigners with contempt and think nothing is as well done elsewhere as in their own country. Actually the British have also been known as superior, snobbish, hypocritical and unsociable. English vanity is known all over the world. People say that Englishmen often think much of themselves. They are very reserved and not straightforward. They like to hide their feelings. In fact they are conservative and love familiar things and values. They got a lot of culture behind them. They love their customs and traditions. They are said to be very reliable, both socially and professionally. They seem to be very punctual and always keep their word. You can call the British cold, but in reality they are very warm and kind. Englishmen have a strong sense of private space. And they rarely shake hands. But they are very hospitable and friendly. English patriotism is based on a deep sense of security. Every Englishman is said to be a countryman at heart.

The English are a well-disciplined people and it is probably no exaggeration to say that they have the best manners in the world. They are all polite, they all know how to hold their knife and fork and how to behave in society. Besides they are never rude.

The English display a surprising unity in a crisis. They also have a strong sense for public order. The typical feature of the English is their love of games. They love playing all of them. They play football and cricket; games are nowhere so popular as in England. The British ate considered to be the world’s greatest tea drinkers.

British meals are considered to be completely tasteless. The basic British dish is called ‘fish and chips’.

There are a number of stereotypes about British gentlemen. They appear to be too stiff and conservative. But the British aren't as conservative as they are thought to be. They are talkative and very friendly. They seem to be also pedantic, but about every other nation we can say the same. What is more typical, the British sense of humour which is very specific. Every nation has the stereotypical positive features and negative ones.

The British have long been famous as a nation of animal-lovers. There is a pet in nearly every family and often the family dog or cat has a special chair near the fire, special food and a special place in the hearts of its owners. In fact, every national character is a combination of good and bad traits. But still you must treat every nation with equal respect.

The Belarusian National Character

Belarusians are extremely sociable. They are the most welcoming and hospitable people. Belaru­sians are less materialistic. Not many people think of shopping as a leisure activity. The Belarusians have the strong sense of community. Belarus is a country that, throughout its history has suffered many hardships. There is a high respect for education and culture. The countryside holds a special place in the hearts of Bela­rusians. At the weekends during the spring, summer and early au­tumn most city dwellers go to their dachas.

Tolerance is one of the most typical features of the Belarusian people.

In all historical epochs, the Belarusians were characterized with such a peculiar feature as sincere love and respect towards the land and the native corner. Deep respect towards elder family members is also a peculiar feature of the Belarusian national character.

The Belarusian people prefer light colors in cloths and interiors.

Patriotic feelings and readiness for protection of the native land manifested in the Belarusian national character in all times.

It's easy to note that the majority of people who have ever come to Belarus underlined that the Belarusians are sincere and hospitable people. Indeed, we can still hear: "The guest in the house - the God is in the house". The Belarusian people were ready to share everything with the neighbors. However, the Belarusian got accustomed with the necessity to gain everything due to his own hard work. "It's no use to look for bread without work". During centuries, practically unstopped hard work saved people from poverty and starvation. There were enough wars, epidemics and natural disasters in the history of our country. Optimism and humor are the qualities that allowed the generations of our compatriots to hope for the better.

As for me I can say that in some traits of my character I’m a typical Belarusian, because I think I’m rather friendly and sympathetic person.

What traits of character do you value most of all? Why? Frankly speaking, it’s always difficult to range person’s qualities and traits of character. But among the most valuable I always point out the following: honesty, sincerity, tolerance, understanding and respect. I think that all my friends and my close surrounding possess these traits, because they are very essential for good and lasting relations.