In this paper, we analyze the reactions collected in a word association test.
A total of 654 respondents participated. The test included twelve stimuli
related to Oriental peoples, languages and countries. The test was done
through an online survey. The respondents cited words or word groups that
first came to their minds while reading the given stimuli. We aimed to
answer the question: what our knowledge of Oriental peoples is based on and
what stereotypesand prejudices we hold about them. The attention is paid to
two of the stimuli from the test - Persians and Persian. We look at the
frequency and the variety of respondents? reactions. Furthermore, we analyze
groups of reactions that belong to the same thematic field. Our results were
compared with other ethnonymsfrom the same association test, which had
previously been analyzed in other research papers. The most frequent
reaction was carpet/carpets, due to the common collocation Persian carpet.
Frequent reactions to Iran/Iranians, history and historical figures were
also found. The most significant thematic fields are the following: war,
history, intellectual and cultural heritage, religion, politics and numerous
positive and neutral judgments and attitudes. Therefore, it seems that our
stereotypes, judgments, and attitudes about Persians are based on secondary
sources, rather than primary. As a result, they lack affective meanings and
negative connotations. According to respondents? reactions, Persians are
seen as ancient warriors, founders of an old culture and civilization, a
nation with a rich cultural and intellectual heritage, descendants of
significant historical figures and holders of many qualities, such as wit,
wisdom, dignity, nobility, and other.
Common Serbian stereotypes about Persians
