ukraine through the eyes of europeans. stereotypes about ukraine

Ukrainethrough the eyes

of Europeans

Віктор Лесик • Бережани • 2014

Stereotypes about

1. Ukraine is a part of Russia.2. Ukrainians drink too much alcohol.3. Ukrainians speak Russian.4. Lard, borsch, vodka (gorilka)5. Radioactive country.6. Ukrainians are gloomy and non-emotional.7. Ukrainians don`t like foreigners.8. There is a snow in Ukraine all year round.9. Beautiful women.

10. Recent one – we eat children and everyone has two slaves.

Is Ukraine a part of Russia?

Definitely, no!

Ukraine is the geographical center of Europe!

Ukraine is the largest country wholly in Europe!

Ukraine really was a part of Soviet Union, which also included Russia, but since the 24th of August 1991 Ukraine is an independent country.

Ukrainians drink a lot of alcohol?

Generally, no.

According to the information of the World Health Organization, the level of alcohol consumption in Ukraine is the same as in Italy, which takes up to the 22nd place.

Do all Ukrainians speak Russian?

Generally, no.

As to the most common stereotype, Ukrainians do not speak Russian. Please note that the Ukrainian language has as much common with the Russian language, as English with Dutch(37-38% differences in vocabulary).

“Salo”, “Borsch” and “Gorilka”

Well, Yes.

There is a stereotype that Ukrainians eat too much lard and that lard is almost the main dish on the table of the ordinary Ukrainian! I just want to add: “And not the lard only “

A radioactive country?

no, it is not.

Because of Chernobyl tragedy, Ukrainian vegetables and fruits are perceived as dangerous to eat.

Yes, there was an accident at a nuclear power plant, but it was a long time ago, up to 26th April, 1986. So consequences hardly affect our food.

Always in a bad mood?

no, not always and not everyone

Most of the time Ukrainians keep their emotions inside. But if they feel necessity to express their feelings, they do not hesitate to say what they think. In general, Ukrainian people are much more spontaneous and straightforward than Westerners. Don't expect them often to say: "How are you? Nice to meet you". The way of doing things in Ukraine is to go straight to the point.

Uninvited guests?

no, never

It is also said that Ukrainians don’t like foreigners, but it is quite the opposite.

We consider ourselves to be very hospitable, ready to help and eager to advise even when we are not asked for. And we are the people with an acute sense of humor!

Year-round snowfall?

Of course, no

Ukraine is in the moderate climatic zone and we have spring, summer and autumn as well. Of course, there are frosts, but only in winter and it is only three months per year.

Beautiful women?

Undoubtedly, yes!

Good-looking women are everywhere. Ukraine is not an exception. Our ladies like beautiful clothes and really a lot of Ukrainian girls take care of their appearance.

Slaves for everybody!

And who came up with that at all?

Recently many Russians think that people in Ukraine eat children or keep slaves. Of course, this is nonsense!We love our children and there is no need for slaves in 21st century.

I hope that in a few years a war in Ukraine will stop and the whole world will know that we are a powerful and independent country.

And there would be no place for bad stereotypes and everyone in the world will know,

Thanks for your attention!

▪ http://ukraine-for-business.com/interesting-ukraine/65-stereotypes-about-ukrainians

▪ http://otvet.mail.ru/question/54177550

▪ http://europeisnotdead.com/video/images-of-europe/european-stereotypes/ — European Stereotypes

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