Stereotypes Of Chinese People Held By Ghanian College Students

It is noticed that Chinese people are stereotyped by Ghanaians.This study exampled stereotypes of Chinese people held by Ghanaian college students and meta-stereotypes by Chinese teachers in Ghana,also,discussed the causes and effects of these stereotypes at different aspects,trying to help to break stereotypes and to reduce the possibility of cultural shock of Chinese teachers in Ghana.Free-response method in the field of Psychology was adopted in present study,combined with qualitative research and quantitative research.Data were collected by interview and questionnaire.Exploratory factor analysis and comparative analysis were applied in the analysis process.A total of 45 stereotypes and 24 meta-stereotypes were obtained from the study.The two results were consistent to some degree,but the meta-stereotypes were passive,incomplete and inaccurate.The stereotype of Chinese people held by Ghanaian college students were influenced by at least four following factors:the incomplete contact between Ghanaian college students and the Chinese,the stereotyped image of the Chinese in the Western context,the media,simplified cognitive strategies and psychological factors.These stereotypes would undermine the image of the Chinese people in the world,and exert bad influence on the intercultural adaptation of Chinese teachers and the enthusiasm of students to learn Chinese.Chinese teachers,in the process of teaching Chinese language,should keep inter-culturally sensitive,objectively calm,aware of stereotypes,and try to explain and break the stereotypes through cultural activities,like presentation task for students,Chinese cultural lectures,intercultural film appreciation and so on.