Eastern European proverbs.

Authors

Jonelle Michael, University of the Pacific
Lauryn Bole, University of the Pacific
Crissy Woodword, University of the Pacific
Danille Schrader, University of the Pacific
Fabiola Duran, University of the Pacific
Patricia Hogan, University of the Pacific

Poster Number

20

Format

Poster Presentation

Abstract/Artist Statement

Through proverbs this study wants to show culture characteristics of Russian, Swedish, German, Polish, and Belgium countries. According to the Sapir-Whort Hypothesis, language shapes and influences how people perceive their world and culture. Therefore, we can correctly discern that the proverbs of each country clearly reflect its culture, which in turn reflects people’s thoughts. After researching these five Eastern European countries, we found that each country has it's own unique characteristics; yet at the same time, some of the countries do share similarities. Poland's culture is very individualized, business-orientated, social, and traditional. Russia's culture places spirituality over material belongings, promotes integrity and honesty, and values its past history of overcoming tragedy. Sweden's culture is easy-going, old-fashioned, informal, and future-orientated. Belgium's culture focuses on history and religion, promotes the country's unity, and values family bonds. Germany's culture seeks risk-aversion and is a collectivist culture. From analyzing and researching these Eastern European countries, we have found that although the proverbs of each country accurately reflect the countries cultures as a whole; however, one can not accurately conclude that all of these countries share the same beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviors.

Location

Pacific Geosciences Center

Start Date

26-4-2003 9:00 AM

End Date

26-4-2003 5:00 PM