Karsanova, Elena V.
Kavkaz Forum. 2022. Issue 9.

Abstract:
Of great importance in communication and building relationships in any
sphere – academic, vocational, or private – are both the individual’s personal
qualities and the peculiarities of thinking and behaviour, as well as various
attitudes and cultural priorities, stemming from the national and ethnic identity
of a person. Each nation is characterized by a specific set of qualities that are most
closely associated with them as perceived by other peoples and in their own selfperception.
The English are a very interesting nation to explore various aspects
of their national mentality. The article deals with the peculiarities of the English
perception of ‘themselves’ in the first quarter of the 20th century and their attitude
towards ‘others’, that is, to representatives of other nationalities. The research is
based on the dialogues and polylogues of the characters of the British historical
drama television series Downton Abbey (6 seasons, 52 episodes). In total, about
30 speech passages have been analyzed, in which representatives of the following
nationalities appear – more frequently in conversation, less often as characters –
and the following countries are mentioned: the Americans / the USA, the French,
Switzerland, Ireland / the Irish, Turkey / the Turks, Russia / the Russians, the Jews,
Germany / the Germans, the Italians. The British have a correct, tactful attitude
towards foreigners, but most of the time, regardless of a particular nationality of
the latters, it is condescending and superior. The English are characterized by a
very respectful, reverent attitude towards everything that epitomizes their country
and is connected with their history, culture, and language. A high level of national
identity has been noted in the work as a factor arising from the historical past of
the country, and the one required to preserve the identity of any nation.

Keywords: ethnic identity, national identity, verbal behaviour, the English, foreigners, Downton Abbey

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