“THOSE VENEZUELANS ARE SO EASY GOING!” NATIONAL STEREOTYPES AND SELF-

REPRESENTATION IN DISCOURSE ABOUT THE OTHER.

SELF- AND OTHER- REPRESENTATION

“Stereotyping” will be regarded, as an instance of a more comprehensive process, namely categorization, a phenomenon which could be considered in

both a cognitive and a social perspective.

Categorization as a Cognitive Phenomenon

Categorizing things and people can be seen as “creating theories” about objects that we observe. Once a category is established it will turn into a “box” which we fill with content by means of attributing properties to it.

Appraisal Theory Affect

is to do with the speakers’ commitment to the topic of an utterance.

Judgement

is related to the activation of some social norm.

Appreciation

is related to more general.

Categorization as aSocial Phenomenon

Two aspects of self- and other- representation:

1. The ways in which categories are created and expressed in interaction.

2. What social effects they produce once they are expressed.

Face-work is often related to individuals’ striving to project themselves as possessing “good” properties, as being assigned specific social roles, or as occupying positions on a hierarchy scale, for establising individial identity.

AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON RECIPROCAL STEREOTYPING

Those Venezuelans are so easy-going !

In a project by Adriana Bolivar (UCV) and

Annete Grindsted (USD), that have aim was to describe how representatives of scandinavian (swedish ordanish) staff and local amerika latin (mainly mexican and venezuelan) staff, stereotyped each other reciprocally within a corporate setting.

The Data Collected in the project consisted of semi-structured interviews.

The data comparises 31 interviews with mean length of 32 minutes.

Categorizations of Latin Americans and ScandinaviansCategorizations of Latin Americans Categorizations of Scandinavians

Bad Organizes Good Organizes

Socially Skilled and easy-going Stiff and Socially unsophisticated

Insufficient level of education High level of education

Polite Blunt or Rude

Unfocused Highly goal-oriented

Know to Enjoy life Do not know how to enjoy life

Low resoect of human rights High respect of human rights

Considerate Inconsideate

Low Efficiency High Effiviency

Elegant Uncouth

CastaIn Latin America, a person's socio-economic status generally correlated with which of the many racial categories into which a person could be categorized based on perceived race or racial mix in the known family background, or simply on phenotype (physical appearance) if the family background was unknown. Many wealthy persons and high government officials were of peninsular background, while African or Indigenous ancestry or even just dark skin generally correlated with poverty and inferiority. Therefore, the more white heritage a person had or could claim to have, the higher in status they could claim, whereas, a person with dark features faced a greater lack of opportunity to advance in social status.

Racial Classification

In the history of Latin America over the last 500 years or so, the relationships among three races have been a key factor. In the beginning, there were the various indigenous groups. Then came the European colonizers, who later brought black slaves from Africa. The relationships among these racial groups have at times been tumultuous --- war, slaughter, subjugation, slavery, exploitation, miscegenation, ...

Racial Classification Mestizo: Spanish father and Indian mother Castizo: Spanish father and Mestizo mother Espomolo: Spanish mother and Castizo father Mulatto: Spanish and black African Moor: Spanish and Mulatto Albino: Spanish father and Moor mother Throwback: Spanish father and Albino mother Wolf: Throwback father and Indian mother Zambiago: Wolf father and Indian mother Cambujo: Zambiago father and Indian mother Alvarazado: Cambujo father and Mulatto mother Borquino: Alvarazado father and Mulatto mother Coyote: Borquino father and Mulatto mother Chamizo: Coyote father and Mulatto mother Coyote-Mestizo: Cahmizo father and Mestizo mother Ahi Tan Estas: Coyote-Mestizo father and Mulatto mother

Reciprocal stereotyping we can see the example on page 282. in her opinion, venezuelan is

unstructured, it means that venezuelans are poor at organizing and planning, which can also be understood as implying that danes are better in these respect.

reciprocal stereotypes involved in colabrative stereotype, because the interviews share their stereotypes is the ideas about both of group – national belonging. In fact that statement is engage to colabrative stereotype

The “collabrative stereotyping” means that categorizations are shared between groups , regardless of whether self- or other representations are involved. But, its can be also imply the existence of a shared value scale, according to which certain positive qualities are more highly valued than other positive qualities, and conversely,that given negative ascriptions are “worse” than others.

Reciprocal stereotyping

Scandinavian efficiency

Swedes Orderly, systematics, and logical

Danes Efficient people, praised for their proffesionals efficiency, impatient

Venezuelan Easy goingness, efficiency, slowness, and impatience, Lack of structure

Latin American employees – go about in order to diminish this face-damaging effect

Compensatory strategies of various kinds should be mentioned. A positive other-categorization which implicity entails a corresponding negative self-representation may be compensated by a (related or unrelated) negative other-categorization. (We can see the example on page 285.

A less confrontational strategy is to compensate positive ther-representations that could be felt as a potential threat to one’s own collective face by giving expression to a counter-balancing positive self-representation.

Inversion of valuations is another type of strategy, which may-but need not occur in combination with compensatory moves. It consists in maintaining the basic denotative content of categorization while changing its value.

Avoidance is alternative type of strategy for resisting categorization and may in principle,involve both other and self-representations. Since other-representation constitutes the very topic of the interviews, it would hardly have been imaginable, in the current context, for the respondents to try to avoid categorizing the “other” party.

“so what else is new?” Could be the plausible comment on his question. This is a

commonplace view, strongly represented in the media worldwide, maybe a stereotypical idea, but yet supported by countless findings from a wide array of scientific disciplines.

It is, today, a commonly shared insight that all power generates resistance (cf.e.g. Foucault 1980). Scholars of social science and humanities should be carefull about keeping a mental distances from power hierarchies, local or global, in order to avoid becoming instruments of power. (faircllough 1992) the discursive creation of “minorities” tof lesser value -, it is essentials not to embrace stereotypical representations of groups of people in order to fight prejudice and discrimination.

Facts and Statistics Location: Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and Guyana

Capital: Caracas

Climate: tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands

Population: 25,017,387 (July 2004 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African, indigenous people

Religions: nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2%

Languages About 40 languages are spoken in Venezuela. However, Spanish, the

country's official language, is the most common. The most widely spoken indigenous languages are Wayuu, Warao, Piaroa, Yanomami, Kahlihna, Manduhuaca, Panaré, Pemón, Guahibo and Nhengtu. Most of these languages originated in the languages of the Caribs, the Arawaks and the Chibcha.

 As more indigenous people move to the cities, many of their languages are becoming extinct. Languages such as Sapé and Mapoyo have five or fewer speakers. Anthropologists are trying to learn these languages and the stories of these peoples before the last people who speak these languages die.

Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic and English are the most common foreign languages spoken in Venezuela. Some English words, such as "parking," have found their way into Venezuelan Spanish.

Venezuelans often speak less formally than people in most other Spanish-speaking countries.

Cont… Venezuelan Family Values

. The family is the cornerstone of the social structure and forms the basis of stability for most people. . The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from the extended family. . In villages it is common for members of the extended family to live close to one another, often on the same block. . Nepotism an accepted practice and is considered a good thing, since it implies that employing people one knows and trusts is of primary importance.

Venezuelan Hospitality

. Venezuelans pride themselves on their hospitality. 

. They go out of their way to make guests feel welcome and comfortable. 

. Venezuelan hosts cater to their every desire. Religion in Venezuela

. Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Venezuelan constitution.

Etiquette & Customs in VenezuelaMeeting Etiquette

. A firm handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile are the standard greeting. When shaking hands, always use the appropriate greeting for the time of day - 'buenos dias', 'buenas tardes', or 'buenas noches'. . When meeting groups always introduce yourself to the eldest person first. . When leaving, say good-bye to each person individually. . Since this is a formal culture, address people by their academic or professional title and their surname until invited to move to a first- name basis.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. If invited to a dinner party, send flowers, particularly orchids, in advance of the event. . Do not give handkerchiefs since they are considered unlucky. . Gifts are generally opened when received. . Always send a handwritten thank you note as it marks you as a person with class.

Cont… Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a Venezuelan's house:. Arrive 15 to 30 minutes later than invited. . Arriving on time or early shows that you are too eager, which is interpreted as greedy. . Dress conservatively but with an elegant flair. Smart casual dress is usually acceptable. . Never decline an offer of coffee, as it is a symbol of hospitality to Venezuelans.

Table manners

. Wait for the host or hostess to tell you where to sit. There may be a seating plan. 

. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. . Do not begin eating until all other diners are seated, unless encouraged by the host to start. . The host saying 'buen provecho' (enjoy or have a good meal) is the customary invitation for everyone to eat. . In most cases, a maid or server will place food on your plate, although large dinner parties may be buffet style. . Always keep your hands visible when eating, but do not rest your elbows on the table. . Food is always eaten with utensils. Even fruit is eaten with a knife and fork. . Keep your napkin on your lap while eating. . Wait for a toast to be made before taking the first sip of your drink. Venezuelans typically toast with the word 'salud'. . The host makes the first toast. . When not using utensils, rest the tips on the edge of the plate with the handles resting on the table. . It is considered polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating. . When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork diagonally across the plate with the prongs facing down and the handles facing to the right.

Business Etiquette and Protocol Relationships & Communications

. This is a country where networking is important since it broadens your base of personnel who might have a connection you need. . As with many Latin cultures, Venezuelans are risk averse, which makes it important that they know and trust the people with whom they do business. . Venezuelans prefer face-to-face meetings to doing business by telephone or in writing, which are seen as too impersonal. It takes time to develop relationships. . Appearances matter to Venezuelans. Dress well and try to stay in a reputable hotel.. Senior positions in business are predominately held by the upper class, so it is important that you pay attention to the hierarchy and show appropriate deference and respect to those in positions of authority.

Business Negotiation

. Expect a minimal amount of small talk before getting down to business. Older Venezuelans prefer to get to know people before doing business with them while younger businesspeople are more concerned with business than the social relationship. . It will take several meetings to come to an agreement. Negotiation and time for consultation are important. . Relationships are viewed as more important than business documents. . Negotiations and decisions take a long time. . Venezuelans focus on long- term rather than short-term goals. . Venezuelan business is hierarchical. Decisions are made by the person with the most authority.

Cont … Business Meeting Etiquette

. Business appointments are required and can often be scheduled on short notice; however, it is best to make them about 2 weeks in advance by telephone, email or fax. . Confirm meetings by fax or email, in Spanish, at least one week before the meeting. It is best to schedule appointments in the morning. . Avoid scheduling meetings on Friday afternoon, as many Venezuelans leave early for the weekend. . It is often difficult to schedule meetings in the two weeks before and after Christmas and Carnival, and three weeks before and after Easter. . Venezuelans are generally punctual for business meetings, especially if they are accustomed to working with international companies. . The first meeting is formal. . Have all written material available in both English and Spanish. . Decisions are not reached at meetings. Meetings are for discussion and to exchange ideas. . Send a thank you note to the most senior executive after the meeting.

Cont …

Dress Etiquette

. Appropriate business attire is expected. 

. Men should wear good quality, conservative, dark coloured business suits. 

. Women should wear stylish suits or dresses. They should be elegantly dressed, including make-up, jewellery and manicures.

Business Cards . Business cards are exchanged during introductions with everyone at a

meeting. . Have one side of your business card translated into Spanish. . Present your business card with the Spanish side facing the recipient. . Business cards should contain both your professional and educational qualifications, since Venezuelans are status conscious. . Writing on someone's business card in front of them is considered very rude.