Warming-up.

What are the national Belarusian character traits?

You have to write a short article about Belarusian people for a foreign newspaper. How would you describe our people?

     Read the following text. Do you agree with the view on the national Belarusian character it gives?

Make sure you understand the meaning of the following words and word-combinations:

generation

to be engulfed by many military conflicts

national liberation revolts

tolerance and diligence

to adapt to life circumstances

to regard the external world with little trust

to receive guests

stubborn

responsive and helpful    

Belarusian character

So many countries so many customs, an English proverb says. The combination of the words tradition and custom means a usual manner of doing something, of conduct passed on from generation to generation.

By comparing the customs and cultures of people from other countries, we can learn how others view the world and why they think the way they do. By understanding others, we can not only form deeper friendships with others but can also learn more about ourselves and our own culture.

Belarusian traditions and features of the national character were formed in the course of complex history. The country was engulfed by many military conflicts, World Wars, national liberation revolts, revolutions and repressions. So our extraordinary history cultivated special character traits of our people, the main of them are tolerance and diligence.

Different from anyone else, Belarusians are able to adapt to any circumstances — not to change the circumstances but to change themselves, to accept these circumstances, to live them naturally, in harmony and even with pleasure.

The second aspect of the Belarusian character is that a Belarusian holds tight to what he/she has gained. He/she regards the external world with little trust.

At the same time, in the view of Belarusians themselves, they are loved and respected by everyone. People turn to Belarusians for help and support, because they know that a Belarusian will always be responsive and helpful. Belarusian people have been always enjoying receiving guests and have been perfect at this. This tradition is alive today.

To sum up, Belarusian features of character are: tolerance and a lack of temper. Belarusians are kind, soft, soulful, and hospitable. They are easy to be ruled; they are hard-working, reserved, not very jolly; they are rather pessimistic, stubborn and peaceful.

So it isn’t surprising how the past and the present, traditions of the East and the West exist in close relations here. For a long time people of different nationalities and creeds have been living in peace and consent.

He/she is pro-active, relaxed and free. A new Belarusian is rather inclined to intellectual jobs. He/she earns for living by using brains rather by digging the soil. The young generation has more Belarusian identity than the Soviet generation. They express more interest in their roots and history.

Questions to discuss:

1. Do you agree with the statement that “the national character” describes the enduring personality characteristics and unique life styles of a particular nation?
2. What are the most important values of Belarusians?
3. Do you know any Belarusian legends showing the unique culture of Belarus?
4. Can you describe a typical Belarusian family?
5. What are the most popular ways for Belarusians to have family reunions?
6. What are the dominant colours of the national Belarusian costume?
7. What are the national symbols of Belarus?
8. Why is Belarus called a blue-eyed country?
9. Belarus is a country with lots of nature beauties, isn’t it? What are the most famous national parks of Belarus?
10. What rivers and lakes make the beauty of Belarus?
11. What Belarusian sights would you advise a foreigner to visit?
12. What sights in our country belong to world heritage?