The English: An Image Changing in Polish Eyes
The English: An Image Changing in Polish Eyes

Summary/Abstract: The article analyzes certain results of a nationwide survey—Poles and Others—30 years on—conductedin June 2018. Focusing on how the English are envisioned in contemporary Polish society, we aim to provethat the conceptual category of “stereotype” should be replaced by a more complex one—“image” or “ethnicimage.” A striking feature is the rich and diverse description that the image of the English encompasses, henceinterpretation of its complexity comprises the bulk of our considerations. Specific components of this ethnicimage are seen as an outcome of direct and indirect interethnic contact: a consequence of migrations as wellas progressively modernized, technological possibilities for interpersonal interactions. Interestingly, despite theimage changing, the social distance towards Britons has not changed: the English continue to be perceived byPoles as one of the “closest” European peoples.

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