DEFINITION
An unreasonable opinion or feeling, especially the feeling of not liking a particular group of people.
Prejudice
A synonym for friendly and sociable
Hospitable
An antonym for modest.
Arrogant
Говорят, что американцы материалистичны и прямолинейны, но Тони Блэр считает, что в американском характере есть благородство. (Use: It is said that… and there is…)
It is said that Americans are materialistic and straightforward, but Tony Blair believes that there is nobility in the American character.
Franklin Swartz (Lesson 4): "Belarusians are not materialistic. Not many people think of shopping as a leisure activity. Over time though, this may change as the market economy develops."
Question: Do you think becoming more materialistic is a necessary part of economic development? Or can a country develop economically while keeping its non-materialistic values?
Economic development may bring some consumerism, but a country can keep community values if culture and traditions remain strong. Swartz seems to admire Belarusians' focus on relationships over shopping. Vocabulary: materialistic, consumerism, community, values, market economy.
A statement about all the members of a group that may be true in some situations but not true in every case.
Generalisation
A synonym for worried and nervous
Anxious
What is the opposite of inclusion?
Exclusion.
Толерантность — это не пассивность. Она требует активного выбора — протянуть руку на основе взаимопонимания и уважения, особенно там, где существуют разногласия.
Tolerance is not passive. It demands an active choice to reach out on the basis of mutual understanding and respect, especially where disagreement exists.
Ian Gowman (Lesson 4): "Many people, who I am certain are happy, cheerful and helpful when at home or with friends, become rude and unhelpful when at work."
Question: Do you agree this problem exists in Belarus? What do you think causes it — low salaries, Soviet legacy, lack of motivation, or something else?
Possible causes: Soviet legacy (service was not a priority), low wages (no motivation to be polite), cultural habits. Some may say the situation is improving among younger businesses and cafes in Minsk. Vocabulary: customer service, workplace, professional, rude, helpful, warm-hearted.
The feeling that you have when you are frightened.
Fear
A synonym for clear and honest in expressing opinions
Straightforward
An antonym for tolerance
Prejudice / Ignorance / Fear / Suspicion / Distrust
Считается, что канадцы законопослушны и терпимы, но также говорят, что они пассивны и не любят успешных людей. Оказывается, что стереотипы часто противоречат друг другу. (Use: are believed to be…, are said to be…, turn out to be…)
Canadians are believed to be law-abiding and tolerant, but they are also said to be passive and to dislike successful people. It turns out that stereotypes often contradict each other.
The stereotypes article (Lesson 1) warns: "Take everything with a grain of salt; there are black and white sheep in every herd." Yet people continue to use national stereotypes.
Question: Can stereotypes EVER be useful (for humour, cultural awareness, travel preparation)? Or are they always harmful and dangerous? Give examples from the texts.
Some stereotypes can be harmless humour or a starting point for learning. But when stereotypes become prejudice, they are dangerous. The article says to "take everything with a grain of salt" — be sceptical but not hostile. Vocabulary: stereotype, generalisation, prejudice, harmful, harmless, open-minded.
The state of being easily hurt, influenced, or attacked, either physically or emotionally.
Vulnerability
A synonym for lack of self-importance
Modest
An antonym for trust
Distrust / Suspicion
Я никогда не была в месте, настолько холодном, и в то же время настолько тёплом. Я была потрясена белорусской добротой, щедростью и, прежде всего, гостеприимством.
I have never been someplace so cold, and yet so warm. I have been floored by Belarusian kindness, generosity, and beyond all else, hospitality.
Ariana (Lesson 5) was helped by Andrei, who "wouldn't take no for an answer" and spent an entire afternoon fixing a broken bathroom. She says: "Everyone I meet seems 'glad to do it,' whatever 'it' may be."
Question: Do you think Belarusians are uniquely helpful and hospitable, or do people in every country help strangers in need? What, if anything, makes Belarusian hospitality special?
Belarusian hospitality may be special because of history (surviving hardships together created strong community bonds) and tradition (inviting strangers to the table). But kind people exist everywhere. What struck Ariana was the consistency — "everyone" seemed glad to help. Vocabulary: hospitality, generosity, kindness, helpful, sense of community.
A close connection joining two or more people or groups.
Bond
A synonym for able to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties
Resourceful
An antonym for talkative and friendly
Stiff / Conservative / Reserved
Известно, что Мартин Лютер Кинг мечтал о мире, где детей будут судить не по цвету кожи, а по содержанию их характера. Ожидается, что его послание останется важным для будущих поколений. (Use: is known to have dreamed…, are judged by…, is expected to remain…)
Martin Luther King is known to have dreamed of a world where children would not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character. His message is expected to remain important/relevant for future generations.
Ban Ki-Moon (Lesson 6): "Tolerance can, and must, be learned. We need to teach girls and boys not just how to live together, but how to act together as global citizens." Martin Luther King dreamed of racial equality. John Lennon imagined a world without countries.
Question: Which approach to achieving tolerance do you find more realistic and effective — Ban Ki-Moon's call for education, Martin Luther King's nonviolent activism, or John Lennon's utopian vision? Propose ONE concrete action YOUR generation can take to promote tolerance.
Any choice is valid if argued. Ban Ki-Moon's education is practical and systematic. King's activism brought real legal change. Lennon's vision is inspiring but seems distant. Concrete action: intercultural days at school, inviting foreign speakers, peer mentoring for students from different backgrounds, volunteer projects. Vocabulary: tolerance, diversity, exclusion, bond, destiny, prejudice.