ABSTRACT
The meaning side of the identity sign contains shared values, norms, ideologies, beliefs, narratives and stereotypes characteristic of a particular group. A few core values are universal, that is they are part of the meaning side in all signs of identities in all societies. Respect for human life is the best example of a truly universal core value. Cultural identities are the broadest of the collective identities, defined on the basis of shared cultural traditions, which are valued because of their historical continuity. Traditionally, stereotypes have been understood as gross simplifications and inaccurate generalizations about social groups and categories. The core value of unity establishes the ideal that the members of the group have an identical representation of the identity sign. Unity is a meta-value, that is a value about the structure and content of other core values. Romanianists differ from all others in considering Moldovan to be a sub-identity of the Romanian identity.
