Language as a Mirror of Cultural Stereotypes – an Ethnolinguistic Perspective

The article deals with the issue of mirroring stereotypes through language which is presented in this material as an important tool of reflecting opinions, beliefs and judgements about ethnic others. The paper discusses different linguistic means which help to express cultural stereotypes commonly held in societies. On the basis of the opinions, comments and observations of different scholars, the author of the article distinguishes items which are essential for linguistic reproduction of cultural (mental) stereotypes. In his account he demonstrates how closely stereotypes are linked with the linguistic signs in use. Although the paper examines the notion of stereotyping from a linguistic perspective, it also refers to the assumptions of the cognitive and cultural approaches to stereotyping.