ABSTRACT
The Compact Oxford Dictionary defines stereotype as ‘a preconceived and over-simplified idea of the characteristics which typify a person or thing’. A simple example might be ‘Iranian businessmen put family loyalty before business’. The issue of cultural stereotypes is central to the business of intercultural understanding and also connects with a broader cultural politics within international English language education. I shall begin by setting out two basic arguments and then present my own analysis of the way forward. The first argument derives from concerns that cultural descriptions may be chauvinistic and encourage racism. The second is the more popular belief that stereotyping is normal and useful. I shall leave this until second because, against expectations, it is the more complex view and leads to the greatest part of the debate.
