Cultural Commentators Research Articles

Israel's Zangwill; or, The Return of the King of Schnorrers

Abstract This article explores Israel Zangwill's posthumous presence in Israeli culture, as reflected in various media and discursive arenas: press coverage of his death and Yahrzeits; trends in the translation, publication and staging of his works; the inauguration of streets bearing his name; and references to his views and legacy in various political debates. Demonstrating how the tensions and contradictions so typical of Zangwill's persona were interpreted by cultural commentators or appropriated by opposing political camps, the first part of the article traces and contextualises Zangwill's gradual disappearance from the Israeli cultural mainstream. The second part then moves on to consider Zangwill's unexpected comeback in 2021, when a musical production of The King of Schnorrers, adapted by Nati Brooks, was staged in Tel Aviv. While the renewed interest in Zangwill's work is rooted specifically in the playwright's Anglo-Jewish background, the production employs Zangwill's 1790s Jewish London to consider ethnic tensions in present-day Israel.

Особенности организации работы с фразеологическими соматизмами на занятиях по русскому языку как иностранному (проект учебного пособия словарного типа для среднего этапа обучения языку)

The purpose of the study is to determine the features of the organization of work with phraseological somatisms in classes on Russian as a foreign language at the middle stage (B1-B1+) using a special dictionary-type textbook for the development of non-verbal communication skills. The article describes the purpose, structure and content of the developed manual, the distinctive features of which are contextuality and hypertextuality. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that the article presents a draft dictionary-type textbook, where 40 non-verbal units of Russian communicative behavior will be lexicographically described for educational purposes, and stable combinations with a somatism component will be given as a linguistic and cultural commentary on them. The study revealed that teaching phraseological somaticisms could be integrated into the development of non-verbal skills. These stable expressions originated from corresponding gestures, and some of them still maintain this connection to a greater or lesser extent. They serve as a reflection of two sign systems: speech and bodily movements.

Особенности китайских экономических терминов и их перевода на русский язык

This article is devoted to the problems of Chinese terminology, which appeared relatively recently, as well as the translation of Chinese economic terms. The aim of the research is to identify the characteristics of Chinese economic terms and find the best ways to translate them into Russian. The study involved analyzing 942 economic terms from 115 Chinese media texts. These terms were then classified based on two key criteria: their form and their partial affiliation. The scientific novelty lies in difingn these criteria which are crucial for understanding the nature of Chinese economic terms and can significantly impact the choice of translation method when rendering them into Russian. This approach represents a significant advance in the field, as previous classifications of Chinese (non-economic) terms only focused on word formation and did not consider other important factors. By considering both form and partial affiliation, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the terms and make more accurate translations. The results showed that 98% of Chinese economic terms are word combinations that reach up to 12 components, in other words, hieroglyphs, in the composition (the most common are two-component ones), between which attributive and copulative types of relations are distinguished. When translating such multicomponent terms into Russian through various translation transformations, in most cases they formally correspond to one lexeme, which does not always reflect the completeness of the meaning (semantic, stylistic, pragmatic). Therefore, the depth of perception of Chinese economic reality would help to convey the inclusion of a linguistic and cultural commentary from the translator due to significant differences in the economy, culture and mentality of the two countries.

Historical and cultural commentary as a necessary condition for the successful implementation of the school literature curriculum

Historical and cultural commentary as a necessary condition for the successful implementation of the school literature curriculum

TYPOLOGICAL VARIETIES OF KAZAKHSTAN LEGENDS IN RECORDS 2021

The current state of non-fairy tale prose in the region remains an urgent problem in folklore studies. The purpose of the study is to analyze the genre varieties of legends recorded in 2021. The subject of the study is the current state of the legend genre in Russian folklore of the North Kazakhstan region, its classification and living conditions. To achieve the goal, methods of observation, typological, systemic, comparative, plot-motive, mythological-semantic, ethnolinguistic analysis, as well as cultural commentary are used. The material for the analysis is the legends recorded by students of the RL-20 group related to the history and sacred geography of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the North Kazakhstan region. As a result, a classification of typological varieties of legends is proposed, and a conclusion is drawn about the peculiarities of the existence of the genre.

A Comparative Analysis of Pakistani and Indian Social Media Memes: Cultural Narratives and Social Understandings

This study investigates the sociological impact and linguistic characteristics of Pakistani and Indian memes, focusing on their occurrence on social media sites, and explores how these digital expressions influence cultural stories and public opinions. Employing content analysis, a diverse collection of memes were analyzed to identify themes, linguistic elements, and cultural references attached to the memes under study. Besides, the study seeks to uncover the distinctions between memes in Pakistan and India, their appeal to viewers, and their impact on and representation of social norms, political opinions, and cultural heritage. The study focuses on comprehending the language, humor, and visual elements used to effectively convey messages from memes in different countries. The research embraces cultural essence and offers a thorough examination of how memes influence public opinion and cultural narratives in Pakistan and India. The finding reveals that memes have evolved as powerful tools for social interaction, self-expression, and cultural commentary in digital networks. Study highlights the importance of memes in modern discourse and emphasizes to understand the symbolic meaning of memes for deeper knowledge in their sociological and dialectal aspects.

Linguo-cultural value of 忍 ‘patience’ in traditional and modern Chinese culture

The article outlines a gap in the comprehensive study of values and evaluation processes in human consciousness, emphasising how these processes are aligned with linguo-cultural concepts. The research aims to investigate the evolving cultural value of 忍 (rěn) ‘patience’ in Chinese culture, highlighting the significance of understanding these transformations in the context of axiological linguistics. A mix of qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the cultural and linguistic significance of 忍 (rěn) in Chinese culture was employed. Lexicographical, contextual, and semantic analyses, along with cultural commentary, were applied to describe the multifaceted meanings of 忍 (rěn). The study also used a two-part experimental approach: first, a survey collected diverse Chinese perceptions of 忍 (rěn) through adjectives/nouns, and then an evaluative experiment with bipolar semantic scales measured attitudes towards patience along various dimensions. The findings point out shifts in the modern interpretation of忍 (rěn) within Chinese culture. While traditional values emphasise endurance and resilience, contemporary perspectives acknowledge the complexity of patience, recognising its strategic, interpersonal, and ethical dimensions. The concept of patience is evolving to encompass adaptability, compromise, and long-term vision, reflecting changing societal values and the influence of globalisation. Despite these shifts, the significance of 忍 (rěn) in fostering personal growth, social harmony, and ethical conduct remains central to contemporary Chinese values and societal norms. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of the transformation of cultural values within society, illustrating how linguistic methods can be employed to study their evolving nature.

Digital eternity: The holographic resurrection of music icons

Holographic reincarnations blend the allure of the past with the possibilities of modern technology, navigating through ethical quandaries and the redefinition of performance art. Central to this exploration is the fusion of memory and digital perpetuity, pushing the limits of what constitutes a live performance. The holographic rebirth of legends such as Elvis Presley, Amy Winehouse and Whitney Houston sparks debate over the ethics of posthumous consent, the authenticity of such representations and the implications of monetizing the afterlife of artists. This shift towards digital eternity prompts a critical assessment of the moral dimensions involved in resurrecting artists through technology. Exploring the history and development of holography, from historical illusions to contemporary artificial intelligence-enhanced presentations, reveals both the technological achievements and the ethical challenges presented by these endeavours. The drive behind these resurrective projects shines a light on a lucrative industry focused on ‘Delebs’, turning the legacies of deceased celebrities into profitable ventures. Yet the quest to immortalize artists digitally invites scrutiny over potential misuse, privacy breaches and the erosion of the true essence of their legacies. Addressing these complex issues demands a concerted effort from ethicists, legal scholars, technology experts and cultural commentators. The journey into this uncharted domain highlights the necessity of balancing innovation with respect, advocating for a principled approach to honouring those who have passed. The concept of confining artists to a ‘digital purgatory’, where they exist solely for entertainment devoid of self-determination, emphasizes the urgency of establishing ethical guidelines. This digital afterlife, fraught with the risk of diminishing the soul of artistic works to mere commercial assets, calls for a vigilant approach to safeguard the dignity and volition of artists in the realm of digital legacy.

Pulp Fiction in the Press: 1990s Film Culture Writing and the Creation of Influence

Abstract: This paper argues that the enormous amount of 1990s in-print press coverage of Quentin Tarantino and Pulp Fiction (1994) was a crucial factor in establishing the film's early legacy. Trade journalists, film reviewers, and cultural commentators all built a sense that Pulp Fiction was the defining indie film of the 1990s, aligning it with the financial and cultural expansion of the indie film sector throughout the rest of the decade. Through the privileged positions these writers held in film culture, they circulated opinions and knowledge about Tarantino and Pulp Fiction , all the while imbuing the film with immense cultural value.

Linguistic and cultural analysis of the components of speech etiquette (using the example of forms of address)

This article is devoted to the development of the logic of linguistic and cultural analysis of the components of speech etiquette on the example of forms of address. The article reveals the linguistic and cultural potential of the elements of speech etiquette and, in particular, forms of address. It is proposed to carry out a linguoculturological analysis of address in three stages: firstly, determining the type of appeal based on the scope of its functioning and ways of its expression; secondly, identifying the functions that the appeal performs in this context, depending on the scope of functioning and in connection with the ways of expression; thirdly, in the case of metaphorical and/or intertextuality of the appeal, their additional semantic extensions are revealed by cultural commentary. Examples of linguistic and cultural analysis of forms of address from letters of A. S. Pushkin are given. The important role of teaching linguocultural analysis in the process of teaching Russian as a native and as a foreign language is emphasized.

Affirming Everyone in the Rainbow: Is Gender-Affirming Healthcare "Gay Conversion Therapy?"

Many young people today embrace gender-diverse identities, with adolescents and young adults comprising the largest and fastest-growing demographic of gender-affirming healthcare seekers. Simultaneously, gender-affirming healthcare for this demographic has been debated, and restrictions have been introduced in many jurisdictions. Within this politically charged climate, some journalists, cultural commentators, gender clinicians and politicians have leveraged rhetorical claims that gender-affirming healthcare comprises a new form of "gay conversion therapy." In this commentary, we explore the extent to which empirical evidence supports or contradicts this discourse as a real phenomenon. While we conclude that gender-affirming healthcare is not gay conversion therapy, we also draw attention to opportunities to enrich gender-affirming healthcare by embracing the complexity of sexuality and gender.

Unveiling Materialist Themes in Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe: A Comprehensive Analysis

This research paper delves into the profound materialist themes present in Defoe's iconic novel. By thoroughly examining the novel's portrayal of material possessions, their significance, and their impact on the characters and their environment, this study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the materialist themes embedded within the narrative.The research objectives include analyzing the role of material wealth in establishing identity, exploring the symbolism of Crusoe's fortification as a manifestation of materialism and power dynamics, investigating the paradoxical relationship between materialism and isolation, examining the transformation of the character Friday and its critique of materialism, and exploring the connection between materialism and colonialism within the novel.To achieve these objectives, the study employs a combination of close textual analysis and engaging with relevant critical perspectives. The analysis is supported by direct quotes from the novel, with proper references including the author's name and page numbers. Additionally, insights from prominent literary critics are incorporated, further enriching the exploration of materialist themes in Robinson Crusoe.The findings of this research shed light on the multifaceted nature of materialism within the novel. It reveals how material possessions shape the characters' identities, provide both comfort and distress, and contribute to their experiences of isolation. Furthermore, the study highlights the dehumanizing consequences of materialism and its impact on the dynamics of power and colonialism within the narrative.Finally, this research paper offers a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the materialist themes in Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe. It contributes to the existing body of scholarship on the novel by providing a deeper understanding of its exploration of materialism, its implications for the characters, and its broader social and cultural commentary. Keywords: Materialism, comprehensive analysis, material possessions, identity, power dynamics, isolation, colonialism.

Renegotiating Jia Zhangke’s Contestious Auteurism on Douban

Abstract This article focuses on sixth-generation mainland Chinese auteur Jia Zhangke and examines how his independent filmmaker’s profile is renegotiated and reevaluated on Douban, a China-based platform for cultural commentary. Whereas Douban allows viewers to rate a film, post a review of any length, and comment on other posts, it manifests a self-censoring tendency with sustained state control. Examining in Jia’s contentious auteurism through a “post-independent’ lens, this article recounts how Douban users approach and interpret Jia’s more recent titles such as Ash Is Purest White (2018) and Swimming Out till the Sea Turns Blue (2020) that pose a question of whether Jia’s auteurism is perpetuated. The account extends to the controversies surrounding Jia’s departure from and re-entry to the independently-run, government-supported Pingyao International Film Festival, which took place in 2020 and 2021 and have further perplexed his established brand. Contextualizing Jia’s Douban-represented authorial identity in China’s platform-based cultural production, this analysis unravels the intricate dynamics of market logic, state governance, and audience agency in the rise of the mass media-saturated intertextuality and crossover capitals.

ПРИНЦИПЫ СОЗДАНИЯ ОБРАЗА ЛИСЫ В РУССКИХ СКАЗКАХ О ЖИВОТНЫХ, ЗАПИСАННЫХ В СИБИРИ И НА ДАЛЬНЕМ ВОСТОКЕ

The article, based on an analysis of research literature, as well as a comparative method and cultural commentary, analyzes fairy tales about animals recorded in the 19th (collection of A. N. Afanasyev, 44 texts) and 20th (“Russian fairy tales of Siberia and the Far East: Magic. About Animals”, 13 texts) centuries, reveals the features of the creation of the image of a fox in the considered works. 45 plots with which this character is associated are analyzed, 9 of the most stable of them, preserved in the tales of Russian settlers to Siberia and the Far East, are identified: 15; 158+1+2+3+4; 155; 20A+21; 170+158; 103; 1+130; 61A; 61B, also in Russian fairy tales about animals, recorded in Siberia and the Far East, very rare plots for the Eastern Slavs are found: 31; 51A*; 56A; 6, which are also associated with the image of a fox. The principles of creating the image of a fox are characterized: 1) the name and addresses of other characters to her; 2) character; 3) speech; 4) characterization of the fox given by other characters; 5) features of the relationship between the fox and wild and domestic animals, as well as with humans; 6) actions and actions characteristic of a fox; 7) motives associated with the image of a fox. Modifications of these principles can be traced in later records made in Siberia and the Far East: a change in the nature of the interaction of the fox with humans and some animals (both wild and domestic); the emergence of a new motive for trade (in addition to such stable motives associated with the image of the fox as greed, gluttony, mischief, pretense, cunning, death of the fox through tearing/cutting). In addition to the atypical motif among the regional components in the records of the 20th century. The emergence of new characters interacting with the fox (milk mushroom, magpie, goat), a reflection of the natural features of a particular region, is noted. The good preservation in the texts of the settlers of what was discovered in the records of the 19th century is proven. a complex of archaic ideas about the fox, characteristic of the traditional picture of the world of the Eastern Slavs: the fox as a demon; fox as a female hypostasis; fox as a negative and positive image (trickster). Loss in 20th century texts The ancient idea of the connection between the image of a fox and fire is probably due to frequent observations of the habits of specific animals and the influence of everyday realities.

Reading Humor in David Cronenberg's Crash

David Cronenberg’s statement that “The film is funny, the book is not very funny” (1997) presents a captivating paradox regarding his adaptation of J. G. Ballard’s Crash. This statement reveals Cronenberg as both an insightful and superficial reader of Ballard. His film adaptation chooses to remain faithful to many aspects of the source material and retains the subtle undercurrents of humor found in the book, often overlooked and unrecognized by both the director and audiences, as well critics. Paradoxically, the film’s reception has further obscured this aspect of his work. The paper delineates the mechanics of humor in Crash, applying Freudian and Bergsonian theories linking humor to anxiety relief and behavioral correction. It spotlights Ballard’s absurd character speculations and detached narrative voice juxtaposing poetic violence, while Cronenberg conveys humor via affectless performances, anti-climactic sex, and self-referential jokes exposing cinematic artifice. Further analysis explores Ballard’s satire through the parody of melodramatic tableaux versus Cronenberg’s meta-cinematic parody of Hollywood and the road movie genre, noting that the adaptation compresses the novel’s sociopolitical critique but expands its intertextuality. The article challenges assumptions that humor must be light or affirming, arguing that the unsettling, avant-garde laughter in Crash (1973, 1996) compels reflection on technology’s impacts on identity. Ultimately, recognizing the dark comedy in Crash and its adaptation illuminates their lingering cultural commentary on dehumanization rather than celebrating the pathology of the characters.

Russian and Chinese national personalities: based on the material of phraseological units, proverbs and sayings with the concept of "property"

This article is devoted to the linguistic and cultural description of the national personality in Russian and Chinese. The subject of this study is the Russian and Chinese language personality. The object represents national cultural similarities and differences. Russian National personality (RNL) and Chinese national personality (CNL) are studied on the basis of phraseological units, proverbs and sayings of the Russian and Chinese languages, which reflect the concept of "property", the purpose of the study is to identify universal, national-specific and typological linguistic and cultural features of the Russian national personality (RNL) and the Chinese national personality (CNL). The practical significance of the work lies in the fact that the linguistic and cultural analysis of phraseological units, proverbs and sayings devoted to property can be used in educational activities in courses of linguistic and cultural studies. The provisions and conclusions of the study can be applied in lexicographic practice in compiling dictionaries of phraseological units, as well as in the practice of teaching Russian as a foreign language, spreading Chinese culture in Russia. To solve the problem, the following research methods are used: the method of continuous sampling of material from dictionaries of the Russian and Chinese languages, the method of thematic classification and systematization of linguistic material, the method of linguistic and cultural commentary and the comparative-contrastive method. The article for the first time considers the problem of Russian and Chinese national personalities, which had not previously been described in the linguistic and cultural aspect, analyzes for the first time the essential monetary values of RNL and CNL, indicates their stereotypical ideas and attitudes towards money, poverty, wealth, benefit, greed and debt. This is the scientific novelty of this study. The research shows that phraseological units, proverbs and sayings with the concept of "property" recorded in Russian and Chinese lexicographic sources differ in quantity and content. Russian and Chinese personalities view the representation of property in different ways. Unlike the Russian people, who pay more attention to the spirit, feelings and emotions, the inner world of the individual, rather than money and material well-being, the Chinese people are characterized by a consciousness of wealth, greed, a commercial streak and a desire for profit. Both RNL and KNL are distinguished by such spiritual characteristics as thrift and economy. They are not characterized by extravagance.

Polonica Toneta Pretnarja

The article presents a portrait of Tone Pretnar, a Slovene Slavic and Polish philologist, primarily discussing his works in the field of Polish studies. Pretnar worked at universities in Ljubljana, Graz, Warsaw, Krakow and Katowice. His works consist of scholarly studies, literary and cultural commentaries, numerous translations and original poetry. His research focuses mostly on the comparative Slavic theory of verse and metre in translation, while his second area of interest was Polish-Slovene literary relations and their history. Pretnar was the greatest Polish literary translator of his generation in Slovenia, having translated over 100 Polish poets and almost 12,200 lines of poetry. With Bożena Ostromęcka-Frączak, he published the first ever Slovene-Polish dictionary (Ljubljana 1996). In light of his achievements, his name was included in the “Słownik badaczy literatury polskiej” (“The Dictionary of Polish Literature Researchers”; ed. J. Starnawski, vol. IV, Łódź 2001).

Russian and Chinese national personalities: based on the material of phraseological units and proverbs with the concept of "religion"

This article is devoted to the linguistic and cultural description of the national personality in Russian and Chinese. The subject of this study is the Russian and Chinese language personality. The object of this study represents national cultural similarities and differences; Russian and Chinese national personalities. The purpose of the study is to identify universal and national-specific linguistic and cultural features of Russian and Chinese national personalities based on phraseological units, proverbs of Russian and Chinese languages, which reflect the concept of "religion". The practical significance of the work lies in the fact that the lexico-semantic and linguocultural analysis of phraseological units, proverbs of religious subjects can be used in educational activities in courses of lexicology, linguoculturology, linguistic and cultural studies, sociolinguistics. The provisions and conclusions of the study can be applied in lexicographic practice in compiling dictionaries of phraseological units, as well as in the practice of teaching Russian as a foreign language, spreading Chinese culture in Russia. To solve the problem, the following research methods are used: the method of continuous sampling of material from dictionaries of the Russian and Chinese languages, the method of linguistic and cultural commentary and the comparative-contrastive method. Russian and Chinese national personalities are analyzed for the first time in the article, which has not previously been described in the aspect of comparative linguoculturology, the traditional national religious value of Russian and Chinese personalities is considered for the first time, their stereotypical ideas and character traits under the influence of religion are indicated. This is the scientific novelty of this study. The research shows that phraseological units and proverbs with the concept of religion recorded in Russian and Chinese lexicographic sources differ in quantity and content. The universal traditional religious values of the compared national personalities include faith in the existence of evil and good spirits, love of kindness and the idea of the goodness of human nature. Unlike the Russian people, the Chinese national personality is characterized by non-religion. For the Chinese personality, such religious values as longevity and immortality, great kindness, the desire for a simple life and love of nature, reward for good and evil, the concept of cause and effect, pious faith in the Buddha are of great importance; and for the Russian, a sense of guilt, thirst for suffering and the self-worth of the sacrifice itself, kindness, hard work, patience and faith.

Illustrated, Incitive, and Indecent: Comic Censorship and the Effort to Stem Youth Corruption

Today, one would be hard-pressed to find a child, teen, or adult in the United States who has not been exposed to comic culture in some sense—a cultural element we share with those Americans from almost a century ago. Comic magazines (hereby referred to as comics) were a staple of American youth culture from the late-1930s to the mid-1950s. According to Paul Lopes, a 1944 study found that nearly every American between six and seven years old read comics, and Shawna Kidman estimates that prior to the comic book crash beginning in 1954, there were around 70 million American comic readers—a number which not only exceeded the US Census Bureau’s estimate of nearly 60 million Americans under age 20, but made up roughly 40% of the American population.1 In other words, around two in five Americans were comic readers at the time. In fact, comics were so popular that to promote literacy among soldiers, the US military even used specialized editions of popular comics, such as Action Comics’ Superman stories, which contained simplified language and quizzes titled “How well did you read?”2 It is clear that the medium was recognized to have engaged readers in all different parts of life, but if comics were so well read among Americans youths and adults alike, why did their popularity decline?

Russian and Chinese national personalities: based on the material of phraseological units, proverbs and sayings with the concept of "family"

This article is devoted to the characteristics of Russian and Chinese national personalities based on the material of phraseological units, proverbs and sayings with the concept of "family". The subject of this study is the Russian national personality (RNL) and the Chinese national personality (CNL). The object of the study is the universal and national-specific linguistic and cultural features of Russian and Chinese national personalities. The practical significance of the work lies in the fact that the lexico-semantic and linguocultural analysis of phraseological units, proverbs and sayings of family subjects can be used in educational activities in courses of lexicology, linguoculturology, linguistic and cultural studies, sociolinguistics. The provisions and conclusions of the study can be applied in lexicographic practice in compiling dictionaries of phraseological units, as well as in the practice of teaching Russian as a foreign language, spreading Chinese culture in Russia. To solve the problem, the following research methods are used: the method of continuous sampling of material from dictionaries of the Russian and Chinese languages, the method of linguistic and cultural commentary and the comparative-contrastive method. Russian and Chinese national personalities are considered for the first time in the article, which has not previously been described in a comparative aspect, the traditional spiritual and cultural value of the family of Russian and Chinese personalities is analyzed for the first time, their stereotypical ideas and attitudes towards marriage, love, woman, man, wife, husband, parents, children, and relations to relatives are indicated which indicate common or different cultural attitudes among representatives of both linguistic cultures. This is the scientific novelty of this study. The study shows that phraseological units, proverbs and sayings with the concept of family recorded in Russian and Chinese lexicographic sources differ in quantitative and substantive terms. Russian and Chinese personalities view such traditional family values as marriage, love, woman, man, wife, husband, parents, children, relatives, etc. in different ways. For the Chinese, family and kinship relations are of great importance, the preservation of which is carried out with the help of such cultural values as marital harmony, procreation, filial piety, fraternal friendship, peaceful family relations.