Asian Cultures Research Articles

Evaluating past emotions in changing facial expressions: The role of current emotions and culture.

Facial expressions in daily life typically change from one emotional state to another. To understand how people process emotions, it is important to know not only how current facial expressions are interpreted but also recent past expressions. While researchers have recently focused on perceptions of current expressions, little is known about how past expressions are gauged and about cultural differences in this process. The present research investigated whether and how evaluations of past facial expressions are influenced by subsequent expressions, and whether this process varies across East Asian and Western cultures. Specifically, Chinese and Canadian participants judged the degree of positivity/negativity of past expressions after viewing expressions that changed from past emotions-low-intensity smiles (Experiment 1), high-intensity smiles (Experiment 2), and anger (Experiment 3)-to current positive or negative emotions (collected between 2019 and 2020). All three experiments consistently found an assimilation effect, whereby past expressions were rated more positively when the current expression was positive than when the current expression was negative. Moreover, this assimilation effect was consistently greater in Chinese than in Canadian participants. Together, these findings suggest that the interpretation of past facial expressions assimilates toward the valence of subsequent expressions and that the impact of this temporal emotional context is more pronounced in Eastern relative to Western cultures. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

EFL Learners’ Strategies of Coping with Online Language Learning Difficulties During COVID-19

Since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic early in 2020, English language learners could no longer learn from faceto-face interactions and had to adapt to online lessons. This paper reports a study that investigated their learning strategies during their online sessions. To achieve the objective, a survey was conducted with 257 university students who were taking an English course as a compulsory subject. Several questions in a questionnaire were designed to elicit their cognitive, affective, sociocultural, and interactive strategies. The findings showed that taking notes, attending recorded lectures, quietly observing online interactions, doing the assignments, chatting with their classmates, and utilizing internet-based lessons were the most prominent strategies. Their seemingly passive attitude seems to stem from the Asian culture in which they were raised. A reliable internet connection was seen as vital for their learning, playing games, and watching movies, which were the ways to relieve stress and boredom while studying at home. Chatting with classmates could give them a sense of community which probably helped them relieve stress and boredom. Overall, the paper offers insights into how EFL learners coped with difficult learning circumstances. Some suggestions for English teachers that are related to the enhancement of online teaching are then proposed based on these findings.

A Comparative Study on Civic Consciousness between Pre-service Teachers in Thailand and Korea

The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare the civic consciousness of pre-service teachers in Thailand and Korea to understand the educational culture of each country and to obtain implications for teacher education. As a result, the following results were obtained. First, Thai pre-service teachers considered the advantages of Thailand's education system providing good educational opportunities, and Korea is gaining the effects of good education. The disadvantages were Thailand's unchanging conservative education system and excessive learning, and Korea's entrance exam-oriented education system and simple teaching methods. According to the opinions of prospective teachers, both countries should make efforts to utilize the advantages and improve the disadvantages. Second, in terms of perception of the government and law, Korean pre-service teachers are more obedient to the government's authority than Thai pre-service teachers, and are also obedient to adults, teachers, and parents. On the other hand, Thai pre-service teachers thought that the judicial system was more fair than Korean pre-service teachers. In the case of Korea, the conservative and progressive regimes change frequently, so the results are likely to vary at each point of investigation. This is thought to be the same for Thailand. Third, when it comes to Asian traditional culture and identity, Thai and Korean pre-service teachers showed an attitude of empathy, and Korean pre-service teachers generally emphasized relatively higher morality and mental maturity as citizens. Fourth, when it comes to public services, Korean pre-service teachers were more critical of politicians' morality, corruption of co-authored services, and connectionism than Thai pre-service teachers. Considering the impact of teachers on students' attitudes and behaviors as democratic citizens, it is expected that the two countries will have many implications for the direction of teacher education in relation to democratic civic education if they expand the scope of investigation.

অসাম্প্রদায়িক বাংলাদেশ প্রতিষ্ঠায় সুফি ভাবধারার প্রভাব

The Sufi Saints played an important role to preach Islam in Bangladesh as well as South Asia. There are a lot of evidences about Shahaba (Companions of Prophet Sm.) came South Asia and Bangladesh for spreading Islam in the 7th Century. Next Centuries, hundreds of Sufis and their followers came for preaching Islam and spread over across the South Asia. Their excellent characteristics, strong morality, devotion, deep sense of humanity and serve to the poor people attracted non-Muslim people of this region. Generosity, equality and rich Islamic culture inspired local people to embrace new religion Islam. Interaction of South Asian Culture and Islamic Culture made a new dimension of Culture and Ethics in the Society. In Indian Society, Caste System of the Hindu, oppress to Subaltern people and humiliating abolished gradually. Even though, Reform movement of Hinduism and eradicate aristocracy system of the Hindu Society has started to free from Islamic influence. Education system opened for all during the Sultanate period in India. A new dimension of society and culture make amicable relations between the Hindu and Muslim of South Asia as well as Bangladesh. This Religious co-existing and harmony made South Asia a new mentality which called Communal Harmony. Non-Sectarian ideology inspired Muslim rulers to govern their territory. The Sufism and Sufi saints helped the rulers to make communal Harmony in the society. Communal harmony and social consistency were the vital roles of Muslim era in South Asia. In Nineteenth Century, rise of Sufi Saint and spiritual leader Mowlana Sayed Ahamed Ullah Mizbhandari (k.) (1826—1906) influenced society vividly. His philosophy and Mizbhandari Tariqa Played an important role in the Politics, Society and Culture of Bangladesh. Specially seven Ushal system, Mizbhandari mystic songs and no- Communal ideology inspired all sorts of peoples like the Hindu and Muslim. This research paper examines the influence of the Mizbhandari and other Sufi Tariqa in preaching Islam, Politics, Society and Culture of Bangladesh and South Asia. It also assesses any role of Sufism and Sufis thought to make non- Communal and moderate Bangladesh.

Introduction for Proceedings of a Panel Discussion on an Alternative Name of Physical Education in the East Asian Cultural Sphere

Introduction for Proceedings of a Panel Discussion on an Alternative Name of Physical Education in the East Asian Cultural Sphere

Efficacy of the Pedagogical, Cultural, and Advocacy Programming at Purdue University Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center

Efficacy of the Pedagogical, Cultural, and Advocacy Programming at Purdue University Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center

Correction of Lying Ear and Aesthetic Modification of Helix and Ear Lobule With Hyaluronic Acid Filler Injection: Experience in Chinese Patients.

Large and long ears are regarded as symbols of wealth and health in East Asian culture, and people with lying ears often want their ears to be more exposed and prominent. Surgeries to correct lying ears have been documented. The aim of this study was to report the correction of lying ears and the aesthetic modification of helix and ear lobule with hyaluronic acid (HA) injections. HA injections were performed at the auriculocephalic sulcus to increase the cranioauricular angle (CA) and correct lying ears. The injections at helix and lobule were case specific. The CA was measured and photographs were taken at baseline and at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 10-month follow-ups. Efficacy was assessed with the 5-point Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Adverse events were recorded. Forty-six patients (92 ears) received HA injections and completed follow-ups. Instant correction outcomes were observed. Sixteen (34.8%) patients received 1 touch-up injection, the clinical efficacy of which persisted for 1 to 1.5 years. For over 90% of cases with touch-up treatment the GAIS was "very much improved" or "much improved" at all follow-ups. The GAIS for over 70% of cases without touch-up treatment was "very much improved" or "much improved" at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. CA increased significantly compared with the baseline. Patients also reported "more V-shaped face shape" and "lifted jawline" effects. No serious adverse events occurred. As an alternative technique to surgeries, HA filler injections at the auriculocephalic sulcus effectively corrected lying ears. This technique produced immediate, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing results. The side effects and downtime were minimal.

“We Were Held in Bondage”: A Case Study on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in Skipped Generations in Rural Northern Thailand

Although grandparents play a significant role in caring for their grandchildren in Asian culture, few studies have examined how grandparents from skipped families care for their children in rural areas. This study aims to explore grandparents’ perceptions and experiences in providing care for their grandchildren in rural Thailand, where support is limited. Utilizing a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 20 grandparents caring for children under 5 years old. The coding of interview transcripts was followed by thematic analysis. In this study, the participants shared their experiences about raising and caring for their grandchildren in rural areas. “We were held in bondage” is the overarching theme. Interviews revealed two main themes: (1) feeling of burden, divided into the following three subthemes: lack of parenting skills, worries regarding grandchildren’s health and well-being, and emotional stress and financial/physical strain; (2) maintaining family bonds, which were further divided into the following subthemes: supporting adult children, being parents again, and becoming more loving and bonded. According to the findings, healthcare providers may be able to anticipate the needs of grandparents in rural areas and provide support, culturally relevant interventions, and training programs for grandparents to care for their grandchildren. Further research is essential to explore the dynamics of family bonding and responsibilities in Thai families and to develop interventions supporting these families.

Nyonya Culture Expression in Malaysian Chinese Media Based on Facebook

In the digital age, the Malaysian Chinese media has become an important communication platform for Malaysian Chinese and has a key influence on cultural communication. Nyonya culture, a unique product of the fusion of Chinese and Southeast Asian cultures, has gained widespread attention and use in the media. In this research, 19 Facebook posts were coded and analyzed to investigate Nyonya culture as a comprehensive cultural symbol, its transmission of traditional Chinese culture in the five dimensions of food, crafts, traditional customs, social affairs, and media entertainment, as well as the integration of new cultural symbols. The study aims to provide a new approach to integrating and disseminating Nyonya culture in the context of digitalization, as well as providing a unique perspective on the dissemination of traditional culture through Malaysian Chinese media.

A study on the block pattern and spatial characteristics of gara in Surat, India

Surat is a major port and trading city in the northwestern state of Gujarat, India, boasting a rich multicultural background where colonial, religious, and commercial cultures coexist. Field research conducted on the historical districts of Surat indicates that the traditional residential buildings in Surat are not havelis; rather, their planar features bear a remarkable similarity to shophouses in Southeast Asia. The urban formation, spatial pattern of historical blocks, and architectural characteristics of Surat were thoroughly analyzed at three levels: macro, meso, and micro, using methods such as the examination of historical maps, reading historical literature, gathering oral histories, and conducting field investigations. The analysis of the political culture of Asian port cities reveals that Surat has been involved in cross-cultural exchanges in Asia. Through document analysis, the study delves into the formation process of Surat City and the spatial pattern of its historical blocks. To gain a comprehensive understanding, an exploration of the types of planes and profiles of the existing gara cases was carried out, along with a study of the spatial characteristics and evolution of gara. Finally, a comparative analysis between gara and the local architecture haveli was conducted, examining the factors for gara formation from multiple aspects, such as politics, religion, and policy. It can be concluded that the formation of Surat’s city and architecture was not only influenced by the spread of Asian culture at that time but also integrated with local traditional characteristics.

Pod fałszywym sztandarem „naszej cywilizacji” w obronie Zachodu

UNDER THE FALSE BANNER OF “OUR CIVILIZATION” IN DEFENSE OF THE WEST: SUCCESSFUL MYSTIFICATION OF ADOLF HITLER, FALSE HOPES OF PIŁSUDSKI’S SUPPORTERS (1933-1935)For Adolf Hitler, the most important goal was to build the power of the Third Reich and expand the armed forces necessary to implement his plans to fight communism, solve the Jewish question and gain living space in the East. The peace on the eastern border sought by Hitler could be the basis for an agreement with Józef Piłsudski, who sought to normalize relations with his western neighbor due to the danger from Soviet Russia. For Poland, aspiring to the role of defender of Western civilization and a bulwark against Russia and Eastern influences, it was necessary to stick to the values of the West, even though the Second Polish Republic, heading towards authoritarianism, deteriorated its relations with Western countries. After gaining power, Adolf Hitler began building a totalitarian state, consistently destroying the achievements of Western civilization in Germany. Aware of Poland’s desire to play the role of a bastion of Western civilization in the East, he used camouflage, falsely presenting himself as its defender, and called for a joint defense of the West against communism and Asian civilization. Hitler’s maneuver was facilitated by the fact that J. Beck and other Piłsudski supporters, unlike Piłsudski, used interests rather than values in international politics. Poland lost in the confrontation with Hitler because, contrary to its efforts and hopes for a policy of neutrality towards totalitarian states with an openly anti-Western and anti-civilization face, it did not gain the loyalty of its allies or the gratitude of its enemies.

The holy hues of Amritsar: an inquiry into the interplay of religious tourism and sacred space

ABSTRACT Religious tourism is common in Asia because of the multi-religious nature of Asian culture. However, intriguingly, the terms ‘sacred space’ and ‘tourist space’ are becoming more interchangeable due to the tourism industry's transformation of these holy sites into popular destinations. Moreover, despite the decline during the Covid-19 outbreak, evidence suggests that spirituality has helped people discover new ways to deal with the epidemic, giving religious tourism a new meaning. Focusing on Amritsar in India, this research analyses and contrasts tourists’ perspectives (N = 2,100) who visited Jallianwala Bagh, the Golden Temple, and the Attari Border. Using the paradigm of activity, setting, experience, and benefit, it was discovered that people go to religious sites for diverse reasons. The findings also show that the cognitive advantages are the key outcomes of religious tourism and are frequently overshadowed by spiritual experiences and benefits.

An Overview of Interaction within Pre-modern East Asian Region Through Buddhist Impact

Scholars have researched the impact of Buddhism on pre-modern and modern East Asia from different aspects, both within and between politics (states since the late 19th century): art, ideology, cultural practice, and food. Among existing academic literature on Buddhisms impact on the interaction between polities within East Asia, the expansion of certain material cultural elements and cultural concepts and foodways are among the major focuses. This paper employs the anthropological understanding of non-material and material components of culture. The working anthropological definition of religion is combined, to summarize and categorize the existing research on Buddhisms impact on pre-modern East Asian culture. Understanding culture in its material and non-material components, and its relationship with religion through time and space leads to this article to structure the relationship between Buddhism and pre-modern East Asian cultures into its expansion, its development, and its impact on different subcategories of a culture. The overview suggests an increase in future research on the multidirectional interaction of Buddhist pre-modern East Asian cultures and Buddhisms influence on greater foodway within different pre-modern East Asian societies.

Practitioner psychologists' perspectives on working with clients with psychosis in a South‐East Asian city‐state: A qualitative investigation

AbstractObjectivePrevious qualitative studies have investigated the experiences of undergoing an evidence‐based psychotherapy for psychosis among individuals affected by such condition. However, the literature investigating the perspectives, experiences and needs of psychological practitioners providing the treatment remains considerably underrepresented. In the context of Asian cultures, where pervasive stigma towards psychosis and mental health services exists and interferes with proactive help‐seeking, such research appears even more pertinent. To address the gap in the existing literature, this study utilised qualitative methodology to investigate the experiences of practitioner psychologists working with clients with psychosis in a South‐East Asian city‐state.MethodSix fully qualified participants were recruited from the local mental health services via convenience sampling. Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted. Transcribed verbatim data were then subjected to inductive thematic analysis.ResultsFour superordinate themes emerged, as follows: therapeutic alliance, cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp) as primary approach, cultural influences and needs of practitioners.ConclusionsResults indicated that both practitioner psychologists and their clients contributed collaboratively to the establishment of therapeutic alliance. Although CBTp was utilised as a principal psychotherapeutic approach, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) was also valued. Necessary adaptations in the treatment were reflected on to address the specificity of local cultures, including the use of language and addressing pervasive public stigma. The necessity of multidisciplinary collaboration, localised training and supervision was also expressed.

Autism in Taiwan and Thailand: Influences of Culture.

The prevalence of autism is increasing worldwide. The majority of autism research and development of autism assessments and interventions has been conducted in Western cultures. The prevalence of autism is reportedly lower in Asian versus Western cultures, but this is likely due to lack of personnel and uniform criteria for diagnosing autism. This article describes how two Asian cultures, Taiwan and Thailand, are dealing with the increasing identification of autistic children. National universal healthcare in both Taiwan and Thailand provides a mechanism for assessment and diagnosis of young children, but a lack of a sufficient number of trained professionals limits the availability of intervention services. A focus of research in these cultures has been on parents' experiences and coping with the stigma and stress of having an autistic child. Cultural values associated with Confucianism and Buddhism influence attitudes toward persons with disability and how parents of autistic children experience and cope with stigma and stress. Both areas have national laws that provide a range of educational opportunities for autistic children, including inclusion into general education classrooms. Special education and general education teachers, however, have little specific training in autism. Speech and language services are rarely offered in public school programs. Available speech and language services are limited to consultation with teachers a few times a year. In general, parents of autistic children are supportive of inclusion programs, but teachers and parents of both autistic and typically developing children express concerns about the ability to implement such programs in ways that are beneficial to all children.

Cultural and National Elements in the Works of Contemporary South Korean Artists

The subject of this study is current projects (installations, paintings, sculptures, performances) by contemporary South Korean artists that contain symbols, elements or cultural artifacts related to the local identity of the country. The article attempts to identify the main themes, motifs and techniques that are used in Korean contemporary art to emphasize the issues of the nation's self-identification within the global themes and problems of the modern world. To achieve this goal, the main South Korean artists recognized by the world art community (Kimsuja, So Do Ho, Lee Soo Kyung, Kwang Yong Chan, Pak Chang Kyung, Ham Kyuna, Yoon Seongnam) are singled out, whose work is directly related to the traditional cultural elements of their country. Their projects, themes and techniques are explored from the point of view of the interaction of global and local processes in modern society. The relevance of the work lies in an attempt to identify the unique processes taking place in contemporary South Korean art. Point studies of Asian artistic culture often include either the study of the creative path of individual artists, or the consideration of the main trends and trends. In this paper, an attempt is made to look at South Korean art from the point of view of topics and technologies that are inherent only in local Korean culture, and to identify points of contact with global issues and problems. This is the scientific novelty of the study. A number of contemporary South Korean artists create works of art based on their life experiences, directly related to the traditions of their country. Themes related to the search and reflection of cultural identity and self-identification arise in their works. The work uses both general scientific research methods: analytical and comparative, and a special method of art history: structural-functional.

Comparative Analysis of Gender Bias in Text-Based and Audio-Based NLP Models: Insights from Asian Linguistic and Cultural Contexts

This study examines gender biases in Natural Language Processing (NLP) models, focusing on text-based and audio-based systems within Asian linguistic and cultural contexts. It highlights how gender roles and cultural norms in Asian backgrounds influence these biases, using examples like Google Translate, Siri, and Alexa. The research focuses on analyzing datasets that reflect Asian languages and cultural norms, examining how gender roles, stereotypes, and historical patterns manifest in NLP models. The study employed comprehensive strategies, including analyzing word embeddings and model outputs. This helps identify stereotypes linking gender to certain professional traits, particularly in text-based models. It also examines the performance of audio-based NLP models in speech recognition, voice commands, and interpretation, highlighting accuracy issues, especially for profiles that deviate from standard demographics in the training data. The study analyzes word embeddings and model outputs to identify gender-related stereotypes in professional traits, highlighting persistent biases, especially in speech recognition models with lower accuracy for non-standard demographics. The findings suggest the need for strategies to curb biases and ensure equitable NLP outcomes that promote inclusion and diversity among users. The research is vital for NLP developers, scholars, and AI teams, as it explores text- and audio-based models, revealing findings that help reduce biases and promote equity in AI language systems.

Новый взгляд на «Историю монголов» Иоан­на де Плано Карпини

Research objectives: This article analyzes a new edition of the book by the famous Franciscan ambassador to the Mongols, John de Plano Carpini (1182–1252), who made a long journey from Lyon to Central Mongolia in 1245–1247 where he witnessed the enthronement of the khagan, Guyuk (1246–1248). Following the results of his difficult and dangerous journey, he wrote a report “The History of the Mongols,” in which he described quite fully and accurately what he saw and heard. Research results and scientific novelty: The work of Plano Carpini was published in Russian three times: in 1795, 1825 and 1911; the last translation, made by A.I. Malein, was then published more than once and gradually overgrown with comments. However, all these editions cannot be considered fully satisfying the requirements of publishing medieval sources. The new edition in question here meets the standards of modern science. It includes an introductory part, a critical text of the source, its new translation into Russian and detailed comments made by professional medievalist historians. In the comments, various aspects of the Central Asian civilization of the XIII century, with which the Franciscan mission had a chance to come into contact, are covered as fully as possible: material and spiritual culture of nomads, organization of their society, military affairs and many others. Despite the high level of preparation of this publication, some points in it do not exclude an alternative interpretation.

Evolution of Human Races and the advent of Aryans in South Asia

This study investigates the Aryan race's origins, migration into India, and their transformative impact on South Asian civilization. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the research synthesizes secondary sources, including historical texts, scholarly articles, and archaeological findings, to provide a detailed account of Aryan influence. The findings reveal that Aryans migrated into India between 500 and 2500 BC, interacting with various indigenous groups like the Austric and Darwin races. Their arrival marked a significant shift from simpler, egalitarian societies based on agriculture and animal husbandry to a more complex social structure with hierarchical class systems and centralized governance. The Aryans introduced new administrative practices and social norms, laying the groundwork for a more structured society. Furthermore, the Aryans played a crucial role in the establishment and promotion of Hinduism, incorporating ethical principles from religious texts into their governance and cultural practices. This integration fostered the development of enduring Hindu festivals, rituals, and traditions that continue to be celebrated today. The research underscores the Aryans' pivotal role in shaping India's cultural and societal landscape. It provides valuable insights for historians and scholars of South Asian studies, enhancing the understanding of early human migration, cultural integration, and the formation of ancient civilizations in the Indian subcontinent.

A influência das civilizações dos séculos XV-XX nos idiomas asiáticos e suas implicações linguísticas e filosófica

Abstract: Civilization exerts a profound influence on language, thereby shaping and promoting culture. In the 18th century, Herder acknowledged the historicity of language, contextualizing it within the broader framework of human development and culture. This paper examines the impact of Western-dominated civilization from the 15th to the 20th centuries on Asian languages, identifying several key characteristics. Firstly, Asia did not witness widespread adoption of foreign languages on a large scale. Secondly, extraterritorial linguistic borrowing in Asia surpassed intra-regional one, resulting in the emergence of diverse hybrid languages. Additionally, Asia employed various strategies to preserve and perpetuate its languages and civilizations. Language and civilization play crucial roles in mutually reinforcing and advancing each other. Therefore, this paper aims to elucidate the influence of civilization on Asian languages since the Age of Exploration, uncovering the nuances of Asian civilization embedded within it, and exploring the intricate relationship between civilization and languages in Asia.