The Spiritual Pursuit in Lin Yutang’s Literary Works: A Cross-Cultural Interpretation and Empirical Study in the Context of Christian New Evangelization

This chapter, interprets Lin Yutang's literary and cultural discourses and practices surrounding his translating into self-expression, xianshi into leisure and humor into youmo , which constitute a distinct aesthetics of life through his cross-cultural mediation and appropriation of traditional Chinese and modern Western aesthetics. Another notion Lin Yutang promoted in his popular journals in the 1930s in close association with xingling was called xianshi, or leisuret. If xingling mainly refers to the backbone spirit in literary creation, the best literary form to reveal xingling is xiaopinwen, a genre popular to Yuan Zhonglang which Lin translated as familiar essays in reference to the Western literary tradition, in a personal leisurely (xianshi) style. Youmo (Humor) is one of hundreds of neologisms that appeared in modern Chinese. It was Lin Yutang who first introduced and coined this term as early as 1924.Keywords: Lin Yutang; xianshi; xingling; youmo; Yuan Zhonglang

During the Qing Dynasty, Shen Fu’s autobiographical prose collection Six Chapters of a Floating Life contains many culture-loaded words, which have solid cultural characteristics and play a pivotal role in the cultural exchange between China and the West. Due to the difference in cultural background and way of thinking between China and the West, Western readers’ perception of Chinese unique culture-loaded words is biased and difficult in the language conversion process. Hence, studying the English translation of culture-loaded words has theoretical and practical significance. The artistic creation of language is inseparably related to strangeness, and translation strangeness means that linguistic symbols do not always refer to the same object. The translation of the culturally loaded words in Lin Yutang’s translated book Six Chapters of a Floating Life allows the target language reader to experience a different world in a familiar and unfamiliar transition. Studying its translation is also valuable for helping translators to open their minds and use different means of translation to create new expressions of strangeness.

Most of Lin Yutang's writings are about western and eastern culture. Aimed at introducing Chinese culture to western countries and introducing western cultures to China, he had performed his duties as a cultural ambassador through a series of excellent works and translations. Apart from numerous translation works, he had also written a long essay On Translation which systematically explained his understanding and attitude of translation from multi angles. At that time, Lin Yutang's translation theories are original creations and forward thinking. Therefore, this translator who integrates both translation theories and practices has provided many meaningful topics for studies in translation area. Index Terms - Lin Yutang, Translation, Aesthetic 1. Choices of Form and Meaning in the Translation of Verses

This paper analyzes the construction of Lin Yutang's compound cultural identity and the strategies employed in his English translation of Chinese culture with Lin Yutang's literary translations as the case. Lin Yutang prides himself on mastering both Chinese and western cultures. With his Chinese and western cultural backgrounds, he promoted the spreading of Chinese culture around the world. On the one hand, he maintains the characteristics of the source text, thereby introducing Chinese thinking to enhance the influence of traditional Chinese culture. On the other hand, in the face of cultural differences in translation and the needs of readers, he, as the main body of the translation process, must be responsible for readers who used western culture to interpret Chinese thoughts or change the forms of the source text. In translation, Lin Yutang flexibly used two cultural identities to construct a unique compound cultural identity, with Chinese as the center and western as the media, to introduce the Chinese culture to the world.

This study employs an interview-based approach to deeply explore the interpretation and localization of European drama adaptations in China, providing a detailed analysis of the audience's reception and specific feedback on the adapted works. By conducting interviews with multiple target audience groups, we reveal the audience's reactions and expectations towards different adaptation strategies and how these responses influence subsequent adaptations.The research found that most audiences are open to and accepting of Chinese adaptations of European dramas. They tend to appreciate works that not only retain the artistic essence of the original but also make the story more relatable to Chinese society and culture through localization. For example, many audience members interviewed gave positive reviews of the Chinese adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet," stating that it made it easier for them to resonate with and understand the characters' emotions and conflicts.Through interviews, we not only gain a direct sense of the audience's feelings and evaluations of adapted works but also gain a deep understanding of their cultural backgrounds, aesthetic habits, and expectations for drama. This information is significant for promoting the exchange and integration of Chinese and foreign theatrical cultures. In summary, the research methodology used in this study provides new insights into understanding audience reactions to European drama adaptations in China and offers practical references for Sino-foreign theatrical cultural exchanges.

Mathematics education should become holistic, relevant, and connected with learners’ everyday lives, including their culture. This qualitative study aimed to explore the integration of the Ilokano culture in Teaching Mathematics at the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, through a case study qualitative research approach. Findings showed that there is an integration of Ilokano culture in teaching mathematics in UNP. Ilokano culture is primarily used to motivate students or introduce new concepts. The integration of Ilokano culture establishes connections between the faculty and their students and their cultural heritage. The faculty participants also used culture-related examples and problems to emphasize mathematical concepts. Various elements of Ilokano culture are embedded in the teaching-learning process, the language, practices, values, known figures, landmarks, and crafts included. A culture-responsive structure exists in UNP as evidenced by its vision, mission, and developmental goals, which stress preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage. Difficulties in Ilokano culture integration include inadequacy in knowledge about culture and formal preparation in culture integration and culture-relevant resource materials. The integration of culture into the mathematics curriculum makes it more relevant to the students; thus, it is recommended that teachers design learning experiences in mathematics classes based on the students' cultural background.

Chinese classical literature is the essence of Chinese traditional culture. With the revitalization of China, various western countries in the world have paid great attention to Chinese history, culture and literature. Many excellent Chinese classical works were translated into English. Shen Fu’s (沈複) Fu Sheng Liu Ji («浮生六記») is a representative work of Chinese classical literature and Lin Yutang’s (林語堂) version Six Chapters of A Floating Life is well-received in the English world. This paper attempts to study the application of the Skopos theory with the basic analysis on the translation strategies which is not including domestication and foreignization, but also translation techniques, such as amplification, deletion and annotation from the perspective of theoretical structure. Besides the basis of different translation strategies and techniques using in Lin’s translated version Six Chapters of A Floating Life, the author also try to analyze and illustrate from the perspective of Skopos theory, translators should have the concern of taking the target readers’ demands into consideration firstly before translating texts, for the target readers have their own cultural backgrounds, expectations to translated texts and requirements of cross-cultural communication.

Things or events about politics are always attracted the attention of mass media to be news materials. The news about political actors in the mass media will form the self-image of the political actors in the eyes of the public Current media conditions are widely used as a political vehicle, made the news presented by the media is difficult to objective even the media prioritize the interests of this media. It can affect the image of someone who became the object of news. The formulation of the problem in this research is how the reception of the audience towards the image of Basuki Tjahaja Purnama through the news in mass media and what the factors that can affect the audience in the reception to the image of Basuki Tjahaja Purnama through the mass media. The purpose of this study is to determine how the reception of audience to image Basuki Tjahaja Purnama through mass media and also what factors affect the audence during the reception. Researchers used Stuart Hall’s reception analysis theory to know how reception of audience to the image Basuki Tjahaja Purnama in mass media. The results obtained are the researchers found two sources who are in the position of the dominant-hegemonic and and four others are in the position of the negotiated reading. Researchers did not find the audience included in the category of the oppositional reading. The conclusion of this study is that not always the theory of reception analysis proposed by Stuart Hall can produce three audiences positions. Its because, audience is dynamic, not static. Then, factors that influence the reception of audiences are four, media usage that includes the frequency of news consuming and media selection, religion, culture and fanaticism.

In the article, I explore the use of spiritual strategies in the treatment of manic depression in religiously oriented psychiatric inpatients. Manic depression, a disorder primarily of mood, is characterized by bouts of mania alternating with depression. Religious themes and mystical experiences pervade the language of manic depressive illness, e.g., sensing one is God, being given a divine mission, receiving divine messages, having ecstatic experiences, and so on. Debate exists concerning the effectiveness of spiritual interventions in manic patients. I suggest that a trained religious leader may be able to work therapeutically with such patients, provided that two goals are kept in mind: emphasizing beliefs that facilitate positive coping and challenging irrational religious beliefs (i.e., beliefs that lead to negative coping). When examined psychoanalytically, patients’ religious symbols and beliefs reveal deeply held beliefs about themselves. In particular, splitting and idealization and devaluation can be seen in their religious belief system. The role of culture in promoting maladaptive belief systems must not be overlooked. In employing spiritual interventions in patients diagnosed with manic depression, potential dangers are imposing one's values on patients and overstating the importance of spirituality.

This study examines the representation of patriotic, social, economic, and political values in the lyrics of Qasidah Nahdliyah by KH Afifuddin Muhajir, and its role as a medium of cultural da’wah and the construction of the Islam Nusantara ideology. An interdisciplinary qualitative approach was employed, integrating Systemic Functional Linguistics theory (transitivity analysis) and Critical Discourse Analysis within the framework of national history and pesantren culture. Data in the form of song lyrics were analyzed textually. The findings reveal a dominance of material processes that represent Nahdlatul Ulama’s active role in safeguarding Islamic creed, strengthening social solidarity, and responding to contemporary challenges. Religious symbolism in the text underscores NU’s role as a spiritual guardian and protector of inclusive nationalism. This Qasidah is positioned as a religious expression and an ideological vehicle that supports moderate Islam and cultural nationalism while rejecting socio-political fragmentation. The study’s limitation lies in the lack of analysis of multimodal aspects and audience reception. This research contributes to strengthening linguistic analysis of religious discourse in the context of Indonesian Islamic cultural artifacts.

Few researchers have explored children’s understandings of spirituality. Thus, Canadian children from different religious, spiritual and cultural backgrounds were asked open-ended questions concerning their spiritual thoughts, beliefs and experiences. Parents of participants completed a demographic questionnaire and reported children’s religious affiliation. Regardless of children’s religious background, six prominent themes emerged: (1) Positive feelings when praying or thinking about God, (2) God’s location, (3) God helps, (4) God as a listener, (5) Soul and spirit and (6) God is a comforter. Despite diverse faith orientations, children’s responses reflected similar conceptualisations of God as a listener and helper, and conversations with God served as a source of comfort and elicited feelings of happiness. Discussion involves educational implications of children’s spirituality for diverse learning contexts.

The advent of the digital era has precipitated a profound metamorphosis in the communication patterns of Indonesian society, particularly through the medium of social media, which has emerged as the predominant conduit for the dissemination of information and the shaping of public opinion. A salient phenomenon pertains to Anies Baswedan's communication style during the third presidential debate in 2024, which adopted a Low Context Culture (LCC) a direct and explicit communication style contrasting with Indonesia's traditional communication culture, which tends to be implicit and polite called High Context Culture (HCC). The objective of this study is to examine how the audience received and interpreted the LCC messages conveyed by Anies Baswedan during the debate. The theoretical framework of this research draws on Edward T. Hall's cultural communication theory, Hofstede's cultural dimensions, and Anthony Giddens' Runaway World theory, which highlights the dynamics of globalization and digital interaction. The research method employed is a constructivist paradigm with a qualitative approach, combining Stuart Hall's reception analysis and Phillip Mayring's qualitative content analysis. The data presented herein was collected through a meticulous examination of textual content and in-depth interviews with active and relevant audiences. The findings of the research indicate that audience reception is significantly influenced by cultural background. Anies' LCC communication style has been perceived by some audiences as firm and effective, while others have found it offensive and inappropriate with local cultural norms. This study provides strategic recommendations for the development of political communication in the digital age.

Yu-kwangchung is not only an outstanding writer, poet and critic, but also a translator with rich translation experience, proficient in Chinese and western literature. In his long-term literary creation and translation practice, he has formed his own unique translation theory. Meanwhile, his translation practice has influenced his literary creation style and provided the impetus for his literary creations. This paper attempts to take Yu-kwangchung’s works as an example to study the Influence of Yu-kwangchung’s Translation on His Creation from the Perspective of the use of Function Words. The influence of translation on the translator's own literary creation has been discussed at home and abroad, such as Arthur Waley, Yan Fu and Fu Lei. However, most of these discussions focus on the macro level and lack of microscopic analysis. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the influence of Yu-kwangchung’s translation on his own creation in order to add a more detailed case evidence for the impact of translation on literary creation. As mentioned above, he is an ideal sample for my research because he was a prolific writer and translator. The analysis in this paper is composed of three parts. The first one is Yu’s influence of translation upon his literary creation respectively the influence on the application of preposition. The second one is the influence on the application of conjunction, and the third is influence on the application of article. In addition, the influence of this kind of translation on creation may also change with the change of time, which is reflected in the fact that this influence become obviously weaker when it is far away from the time of translation works. Through comparative analysis, this paper concludes that Yu-kwangchung's translation has played a leading and inspiring role in his own literary creation, enriched the diversity of his literary works and improved the aesthetic value of his works. On the other hand, Yu-kwangchung graduated from the department of foreign languages of Taiwan university and served as the director of the Spanish department of Taiwan university from 1972, during which he translated a large number of foreign languages, including English and Spanish. During this period, his creation content was influenced by western literature, and then some western themes appeared, such as self-cut poems. The number of lines was also more flexible, a feature of western poetry that he applied to his own literary work. The influence of translation on Yu-kwangchung's own creation is clearly reflected in this paper, especially in the use of function words, because English is quite different from Chinese. From the perspective of cultural exchange, it is of profound significance to study this kind of influence, because it promotes the integration of different languages and cultures. According to the author, this case study is of great significance to the controversial issue of translation and creation, because the evidence has been strongly verified in Yu-kwangchung's translation and literary creation, More importantly, this paper makes some supplement to the research on the influence of translation upon literary creation in the micro field.

Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the role of cultural adaptation in interfaith marriages, focusing on how couples navigate religious differences, integrate cultural practices, and manage identity negotiation. Methods: This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with 20 participants who have been in interfaith marriages for at least three years. Participants were selected using purposive sampling to ensure diversity in cultural and religious backgrounds. Data were collected until theoretical saturation was achieved and were analyzed using NVivo software. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes and subthemes related to communication strategies, religious practices, cultural integration, emotional support, and identity negotiation. Results: The analysis revealed five main themes: communication strategies, religious practices, cultural integration, emotional support, and identity negotiation. Couples employed various communication strategies such as open dialogue, conflict resolution, and non-verbal communication to bridge cultural gaps. Joint religious practices and celebrations, as well as respectful handling of dietary restrictions, were crucial in fostering mutual respect. Cultural integration was facilitated through adopting traditions, adapting attire, and engaging in social networks. Emotional support from spouses, families, and communities played a significant role in maintaining marital stability. Identity negotiation involved balancing individual and joint identities, dealing with societal perceptions, and educating others about their interfaith marriage. Conclusion: The study underscores the complex and nuanced strategies interfaith couples use to navigate cultural adaptation. Effective communication, mutual respect in religious practices, cultural integration, emotional support, and identity negotiation are critical for the success of interfaith marriages. The findings highlight the need for supportive legal frameworks and societal acceptance to facilitate the thriving of interfaith unions. This study contributes valuable insights into the broader processes of cultural adaptation and integration in a globalized world.

This study explores the cultural and semiotic meanings embedded in the ornamental designs of the An-Nur Grand Mosque in Riau, Indonesia. Ornamentation in Islamic architecture serves not only as aesthetic enhancement but also as a medium for conveying symbolic and cultural values. Grounded in Marcel Danesi's semiotic theory, this research aims to analyze and interpret the types, forms, and meanings of ornaments present in the mosque's architectural elements. Employing a descriptive qualitative method, the data were collected through field observations, photographic documentation, and literature review. The study focuses on identifying both the visual characteristics and symbolic interpretations of the mosque’s ornaments. The findings reveal that the An-Nur Grand Mosque features two dominant types of ornaments: Arabic and Malay. These types are further expressed through two primary forms, geometric and floral designs. Arabic ornaments often reflect spiritual values and religious symbolism, while Malay ornaments incorporate local cultural identity and aesthetic sensibilities. Geometric patterns convey concepts of infinity and divine unity, while floral motifs symbolize growth, beauty, and the connection between nature and spirituality. This research contributes to the broader field of cultural and semiotic studies by demonstrating how architectural ornamentation in sacred spaces serves as a rich semiotic system that bridges religious ideology and local cultural expressions. The study underscores the importance of reading architectural elements as meaningful texts that reflect both universal and localized identities in Islamic art and architecture.