I. Read the following texts and answer the questions after them.

About Belarusian people

Belarus is a presidential republic. Belarus is situated in the centre of Europe at the crossing of roads going from East to West and from North to South. Our land has been very attractive geopolitically for many foreign countries.

Belarusian traditions and features of the national character were formed in the course of complex history. The country was engulfed (engulf-поглощать, завалить) by many military conflicts, World Wars, national liberation revolts, revolutions and repressions. So our extraordinary history cultivated special character traits of our people, the main of them are tolerance and diligence (прилежание, усердие).

Different from anyone else, Belarusians are able to adapt to any circumstances — not to change the circumstances but to change themselves, to accept these circumstances, to live them naturally, in harmony and even with pleasure.

The second aspect of the Belarusian character is that a Belarusian holds tight to what he has gained. He regards the external world with little trust.

At the same time, in the view of Belarusians themselves, they are loved and respected by everyone. People turn to Belarusians for help and support, because they know that a Belarusian will always be responsive and helpful. Belarusian people always enjoy receiving guests and are perfect at this. This tradition is alive today.

To sum up, Belarusian features of character are: tolerance and a lack of temper (отсутствие раздражительности). Belarusians are kind, soft, soulful, and hospitable. They are easy to be ruled; they are hard-working, reserved, not very jolly; they are rather pessimistic, stubborn and peaceful…

Belarus is a polyethnic and polyconfessional state in which over 130 nationalities reside. So it isn’t surprising how the past and the present, traditions of the East and the West exist in close relations here. For a long time people of different nationalities and creeds (убеждения, символы веры) have been living in peace and consent in this country.

Belarusians are pro-active, relaxed and free. New Belarusians are rather inclined to intellectual jobs. They earn their living by using brains rather than by digging the soil (земля, почва). The young generation has more Belarusian identity than the Soviet generation. New Belarusians express more interest in their roots and history. Many Belarusians, both young and old, are fond of gardening very much.

Questions for discussion:

1. How would you describe our people if you have to write a short article about Belarusian people for a foreign newspaper?

British Character

We often see other nationalities as having a set of characteristics which put them apart from others, particularly ourselves.

The British are famous for their tolerance and sense of humour, yet they don’t always say what they think and can be intentionally rude. French writer Andre Maurois wrote: “In France it’s rude not to have a conversation with someone: in England, it’s unwise to have one. When you have not opened your mouth for three years, they will think, “This Frenchman is quite a nice fellow.”

Also we know the British as the lovers of animals and nature. They are especially preoccupied with their houses. As the proverb says, “An Englishman’s home is his castle”. Gardening is still one of the most popular hobbies in the country.

However, the British are not one nationality but four, who all see each other differently. The Welsh are considered to be a much more talkative group. And indeed Wales has produced many preachers (священники) and trade union leaders (профсоюзные лидеры), particularly in the 19th century. In contrast, the Scots are seen as more serious.

But today Britain is a multicultural society because of the large scale immigration to Britain. These ”new British” people have brought widely differing sets of attitudes with them. In spite of different accents, cultural backgrounds and different views, they are still all part of an island race, whose culture and customs are mixed so well together that they produce a British identity.

Questions for discussion:

1. What are the main national characteristics of British people?

2. What are the specific qualities of the British national character?

3. Are the British individualists?

4. What is your favourite saying about the British?

5. What stereotypes connected with the British do you know?