»Poláci nám říkají Pepíci« – picture of Czechs in Polish-language tourist guides

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to present the image of the Czechs based on six Polish-language travel guides published by the most important travel publishers in Poland in 2004–2011. The research material consisted of texts presenting basic information included in the introductory or final parts of bedekers, without considering graphic elements. The picture was made up of character traits attributed to the Czechs, their habits were pointed out, but they also described how they spend their free time and celebrate holidays. In addition, an assessment was made of certain professional groups and an approximation of their attitude towards ethnic and sexual minorities. It turned out that the image of the Czechs is identical in the texts studied and mostly in line with existing stereotypes. The authors of the guides mainly draw a positive image of the southern neighbor, but also draw attention to the unfriendly attitude of the Czechs towards the Roma.