Cultural Continuity Research Articles

The Role of Folklore in Modern Society

Folklore, as an integral component of cultural heritage, continues to influence modern society through its role in preserving traditions, shaping cultural identity, and fostering community cohesion. This paper examines the historical significance of folklore, its methods of transmission and preservation, and its evolving nature in response to societal changes. By examining how folklore adapts to contemporary challenges like globalization and technology, this study highlights its enduring relevance. Folklore not only bridges the past and present but also serves as a tool for regional branding and community building, reinforcing a shared sense of identity. The analysis underscores the value of folklore in addressing modern social concerns and its role as a dynamic force in cultural continuity. Keywords: Folklore, Cultural heritage, Oral traditions, Community identity, Social cohesion, Globalization.

Dharmagita and Character Education: An Ethnographic Perspective on Literary Traditions among Ubud Youth

This ethnographic study examines the influence of Dharmagita, a traditional Balinese literary form, on character education among youth in Ubud. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observations, and analysis of Dharmagita texts, engaging 30 Balinese youths aged 15-21. The study employs semiotic analysis to decode the symbolic representations within the texts and psychoanalytic theory to explore their impact on the psychological development of moral values. The findings highlight Dharmagita’s role in embedding values such as care, fairness, honesty, forgiveness, cooperation, responsibility, and community awareness into the fabric of youth education. Integrating these values into everyday life through literary traditions provides a dual benefit: moral development and cultural continuity. Additionally, the study notes Dharmagita's entertaining elements enhance its receptivity among youth, suggesting its potential as an accessible tool for moral instruction. Limitations regarding the diverse interpretations of Dharmagita and its applicability across different educational settings are discussed. This research contributes to the dialogue on culturally responsive pedagogy, offering Dharmagita as a model for integrating indigenous literary practices into character education frameworks.

Tourism, Resource Nationalism, and the Making of South Korea’s “Whale City”

ABSTRACT Repertoires of state-making and regime maintenance include the capture, control, and use of animals for activities ranging from landmine detection by rats to military incursions and border patrols on horseback. However, marine animals have been less amenable to efforts to fix or uphold states due to their disregard for territorial boundaries, thus prompting states to adopt different approaches. Through what means, then, do states incorporate marine animals into their resource and territorial claims? This research takes up this question through an examination of how the tourism industry in Ulsan, South Korea narrates its history of whaling and the geopolitical effects of this historiography. Ulsan is a former whaling hub and is now a centre of domestic whaling tourism. Building on resource nationalism and tourism geopolitics literature, we analyse the politics of Ulsan’s whale tourism through a combination of in-depth interviews, archival document analysis, and site observation. Our analysis reveals three interlinked sets of politics concerning the Bangudae Petroglyphs, Korean autonomy, and whales themselves. Korean state and non-state actors marshal prehistoric and historical whaling records in Ulsan to underscore cultural linkages and historical continuity between past and present-day Korean whaling practices. However, these nationalistic and territorialised descriptions of Korea’s relations with whales omit the highly consequential history of Japanese colonial whaling and its ongoing vestiges in postcolonial Korea. We find that the Korean government selectively mobilises ‘facts’ about the Bangudae Petroglyphs and Korean gray whales to support their whale resource claims within the International Whaling Commission. Moreover, whale tourism plays a crucial role in materially and discursively refining human-whale relations to bolster the state and city’s geopolitical positioning of whale resources and marine territory within the global whale governance landscape.

Cultural Continuity : Preserving and Interpreting Cultural Heritage Through Design & Planning in Goa

Cultural Continuity : Preserving and Interpreting Cultural Heritage Through Design & Planning in Goa

Community Views of Determinants of Men's Wellbeing in Guatemala: A Study Using Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping.

In post-conflict Guatemala, Indigenous men's psychological distress has been linked to violence exposure, disrupted social support systems, and structural inequities. We aimed to document how communities themselves understand men's wellbeing and the factors that influence men's wellbeing. Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping with 20 stakeholder groups in Santiago Atitlán and Cuilco, Guatemala defined men's wellbeing in local terms and identified the influences community groups understood to promote and detract from men's wellbeing. Participants mapped pathways through which influences affected wellbeing and weighted their relative perceived strength. The researchers used thematic analysis to summarise influences into 43 factors and used fuzzy transitive closure to calculate their net causal influence for each set of stakeholders. We compared perspectives of groups of adult men, adult women, and practitioners of Mayan medicine in Santiago Atitlán, with a primarily Indigenous population, to groups in Cuilco, with a primarily non-Indigenous population. We also compared perspectives across age groups in Santiago Atitlán. Across regions, maps highlighted the importance of family and social relations, emotional distress, substance use and physical health for men's wellbeing. Basic resource insecurity and unemployment were top risk factors for men's wellbeing in maps from Cuilco but had both risk and protective influences on men's wellbeing in maps from Santiago Atitlán. Findings challenge the focus on scale-up of individual biomedical interventions as the best strategy to reduce the burden of emotional distress in Guatemala and raise questions about standard development approaches that emphasize income generation and educational attainment above cultural continuity and social harmony.

Disappearance of vernacular character in rural residences: An assessment of residents’ requirements for rural residential façades and environments in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China

This study, framed within the context of the Harmonious and Beautiful Countryside policy, focuses on optimizing the living environment of rural housing by addressing the loss of diverse heritage in rural architecture and landscapes. Through fieldwork and importance-performance analysis methods, the research investigates the façades and environments of rural houses in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. By incorporating the “vernacular” evaluation factors identified in previous studies, this study adopts a user-centered perspective to provide practical insights into rural cultural landscapes, thereby augmenting existing literature. The study reconstructs elements of rural residences and their environments to enhance residents’ comprehension and yield more objective evaluation outcomes. Analysis reveals that both native and non-native residents share similar views on the importance and performance of various factors. Environmental quality and building functionality emerge as top priorities for residents, while Suzhou’s efforts to preserve traditional architectural esthetics are notably effective. However, field observations also highlight urbanization’s impact on rural housing, such as the use of non-native materials that compromise traditional rural architectural styles. To tackle these challenges, this study proposes the following strategies for rural regeneration: (i) permit integration of new materials, technologies, and spatial configurations with traditional rural architecture; (ii) incorporate historical context, cultural continuity, traditional materials, and lifestyle needs into building renovations; and (iii) establish a dynamic regulatory mechanism for rural residential architecture to aid residents in optimizing their buildings and surroundings. These strategies aim to mitigate the effects of excessive urbanization and provide a user-centered approach for future research on rural cultural landscapes.

ON THE ANCIENT TURKIC STRATUM OF HYDRONYMS IN ZHETYSU

This article deals with the historical and etymological aspects of the names of water bodies of the Zhetysu region, namely, the ancient Turkic beginning of the names. The study of the etymological content of ancient Turkic names allows a deep understanding of the worldview, the degree of education of people of the period under study. The purpose of the article is to study the foundations of education of the population through an etymological analysis of the archischeme of names, the understanding of the meanings of which, at the present stage, causes difficulties due to structural, sound changes (Lavar, Labasy, etc.), to show the structural specifics of the names. The leading idea of the study is to identify the reasons why the names of water bodies, which are the oldest and most stable layer of toponomics, reflect the main points of life, as well as the history of the development of the Kazakh people. The introductory part presents information that reveals the continuity of language and culture in accordance with anthropolinguistic studies, based on the analysis of studies of deep meaningful linguistic layers that bear the imprints of different periods of national culture. The use of methods of linguistic research of the topological space made it possible to reflect in the article the identified ethno-cultural semantics underlying the ancient hydronyms. The main results were obtained based on the analysis of the names of specific bodies of water that have appeared since time immemorial. The scientific value of the study lies in the significance of the results obtained for research in the field of ethnolinguistics, linguoculturology, etc. In addition, the data obtained may be of factual interest for compilers of dictionaries, texts in the field of linguoculturology, ethnolinguistics.

The spatial layout in vintage houses of Kauman Surakarta in shaping local identity

Abstract This research tells that the house’s layout is an essential symbol for the continuity of Kauman culture. It expresses traditional values and historical riches in preserving Kauman’s unique, sustainable culture, “Kampung Santri Juragan Batik”. The research focuses to analyze how the layout and design of ancient houses reflect and influence local identity on its historical and cultural environment. This research uses rationalistic qualitative methods through observation, interviews, and interactive analysis. It reveals that the continuity of Kauman culture, is symbolized by the layout of the house and the activities that occur in it. The ancient Kauman house was formed from an initial spatial pattern, such as the Kampung Abdi Dalem Ulama of the Surakarta Palace. Despite facing the challenges of modernization, the Kauman people show their dedication to preserve local identity through their cultural heritage independently and sustainably. These findings provide in-depth insight between the interaction between the spatial layout of cultural heritage houses and local identity and provide a basis for management strategies. It should give more benefits for the Conservation of Sustainable Cultural Heritage Areas in Kauman Surakarta as a living and relevant cultural heritage.

From orphanages to family accommodation: a dynamic transition in Northern Uganda

ABSTRACT The high number of orphans in Northern Uganda stems from the region’s turbulent history, particularly the Lord’s Resistance Army conflict (1986–2006), and ongoing socio-economic challenges like HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, poverty, and inadequate healthcare. These issues have led to a rise in orphanages, often supported by foreign initiatives favoring institutional care over family-based alternatives. This emphasis on institutional care has disempowered parents, who often feel pressured to place their children in orphanages due to limited options. This paper explores how innovative, network-driven strategies can transition from institutional care to family-based accommodations, ensuring children’s physical, emotional, social, and psychological well-being. The proposed framework leverages Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) to enhance education and child welfare by utilizing community resources and capabilities, emphasizing the role of family income and assets in children’s academic success. The paper highlights the importance of addressing economic factors in educational policies, particularly in low-income settings. The transition to family-based care faces challenges such as abuse, malnutrition, and unclear administration of children’s identities in orphanages. The integration of advanced network analysis and results-based financing is proposed as a solution, offering a framework to revolutionize child welfare systems for more efficient and impactful outcomes. Key strategies include family tracing, reunification, foster care, and adoption, requiring strong community support, cultural continuity, and strengthening legal frameworks. However, economic challenges, stigma, and lack of trust are significant barriers to garnering external support and fully realizing family-based care solutions. This paper argues that a community-centered approach, supported by results-based financing and tailored to the local cultural context, offers a sustainable and holistic path forward for improving the welfare of orphans in Northern Uganda.

RESEARCH ON FONT DESIGN AND PATTERN DESIGN BASED ON CULTURAL HERITAGE

In the context of today’s accelerated globalization process, cultural inheritance and innovation have become a topic of concern to all social strata, and font design and pattern design based on cultural heritage are very important. In terms of importance, font design and template design, as a key element of visual communication, have rich cultural connotations. Due to the excavation and use of traditional fonts and patterns, ancient cultural genes can be presented to modern audiences in an intuitive visual form, strengthen national cultural identity and sense of belonging, and contribute to the continuation and inheritance of culture. From the perspective of methods, on the one hand, it is necessary to study traditional culture in depth, including the evolution of words and the symbolic significance of patterns; on the other hand, it is necessary to combine modern design concepts and use digital and other technical means to innovate, such as simplification and deformation of traditional patterns, as well as integration. In practical applications, cultural heritage-based font design. The merger of the two can be achieved by integrating template elements into font strokes or using fonts as part of the template, which not only enriches the shape and content of the design, but also better conveys cultural connotation and provides new ideas and methods of cultural heritage.

The Symbolic Aspects of a “Holy” Ritual in a 21st Century Muslim Turkish Village in Greece

This study explores the symbolic and socio-cultural dimensions of the ‘Tekke Pilavı’ (or ‘Dede’ye Pilavı’) ritual in Galini, a small Turkish-Muslim village in Greek Thrace. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in the village, the study examines the historical, religious, and social meanings of the ritual, highlighting its links to Bektashi heterodox practices, Ottoman colonization strategies, and contemporary socio-economic transformations. The ritual, which involves communal food preparation and distribution, embodies cultural continuities and discontinuities from Ottoman Bektashi traditions, as well as symbolic resistance to Sunni orthodoxy and patriarchal structures. Women emerge as the key agents in organizing and sustaining the ritual, despite opposition from religious authorities and growing indifference from younger generations. The ritual’s symbolic meaning has shifted over time, from being a vital mechanism of communal sustenance during periods of economic hardship to a contemporary quest for solidarity and cultural affirmation in the face of isolation induced by agricultural modernization and migration. By employing Clifford Geertz’s “thick description” method, as well as drawing on comparative insights from Robert Darnton’s “The Great Cat Massacre” and Hans Sabean’s studies on village discourse, this research situates the ‘Tekke Pilavı’ within broader debates on cultural reproduction, historical memory, and gendered agency in rural societies. The findings suggest that the ritual is both a reflection of Galini’s multi-layered identity as a Turkish-Muslim minority in Greece and a living site of negotiation between local tradition, religious orthodoxy, and modernity.

Unlocking the Dynamics of Keujreun Blang Customary Institution in Aceh Province, Indonesia

The Keujreun Blang customary institution aims to oversee rice field management following local wisdom, considering Aceh's farming communities' social and cultural values. Given its importance, it is crucial to recognize and understand the institution's position and role within the broader societal context. This study employs an ethnographic descriptive approach, drawing upon previous research, to comprehensively analyze the subject matter. The findings revealed that the Blang customary institution serves as a traditional entity responsible for managing rice cultivation practices. It is led by prominent figures well-versed in agricultural philosophy and deeply rooted in Aceh's local wisdom, values, and cultural heritage. The institution's responsibilities encompass the entire agricultural cycle, from planting to harvesting. Despite the institution's formal establishment, Acehnese farmers remain strongly influenced by the customary and cultural values associated with rice cultivation, which are considered integral to their heritage and must be preserved. Given the significance of these traditional institutions in maintaining cultural continuity and agricultural practices, it is imperative to integrate them into public policy frameworks systematically. This integration should be implemented consistently to preserve local wisdom and effective rice cultivation management in Aceh. By doing so, policymakers can balance modern agricultural practices, and the rich cultural heritage embodied in the Keujreun Blang customary institution.

Navigating Identity: Cultural Continuity in Nepali Diasporic Literature

The term "diaspora" refers to the dispersion of people from their original homeland to various parts of the world. Historically associated with involuntary dispersion due to conflict, persecution, or economic hardship, contemporary usage includes voluntary migrations driven by economic opportunities, education, or quality of life improvements. Nepali migration, which began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries primarily to India, has significantly expanded in the latter half of the 20th century and early 21st century to countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Gulf countries. This migration has fostered vibrant Nepali diasporic communities worldwide, characterized by a strong retention of cultural heritage and traditions. The objective of this research is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of Nepali diasporic writings, exploring the themes, cultural contexts, key authors, and the broader significance of these narratives. The methodology involves qualitative analysis of published literary works, academic articles, and interviews with Nepali writers. The findings reveal that Nepali diasporic literature extensively explores themes of migration, cultural adaptation, nostalgia, and generational conflicts. Notable authors like Samrat Upadhyay, Manjushree Thapa, and Sushma Joshi highlight the complexities of maintaining cultural continuity while adapting to new environments. The conclusion emphasizes that Nepali diasporic writings not only preserve cultural identity but also enrich the global literary landscape with diverse narratives, fostering cross-cultural understanding and highlighting the interconnectedness of diverse cultural experiences. Навигацийн таних тэмдэг: Балбын диаспорын уран зохиол дахь соёлын залгамж чанар Хураангуй: "Диаспора" гэсэн нэр томъёо нь эх орноосоо дэлхийн янз бүрийн хэсэгт тархан сууршсан хүмүүсийг хэлдэг. Мөргөлдөөн, хавчлага, эдийн засгийн хүндрэлийн улмаас өөрийн эрхгүй таран сууршсан түүхэн шалтгаантай холбоотой байдаг бөгөөд энэ ойлголтын орчин үеийн хэрэглээ нь эдийн засгийн боломж, боловсрол, амьдралын чанарыг сайжруулах зэргээс үүдэлтэй сайн дурын шилжилт хөдөлгөөнийг багтаадаг. 19-р зууны сүүлч, 20-р зууны эхэн үеэс Энэтхэгт эхэлсэн Балбын нүүдэл 20-р зууны сүүлийн хагас, 21-р зууны эхэн үед АНУ, Их Британи, Австрали, Канад, Персийн булан зэрэг улс орнуудад ихээхэн өргөжин тэлсэн. Энэхүү шилжилт хөдөлгөөн нь дэлхийн хэмжээнд соёлын өв, уламжлалаа хүчтэй хадгалан үлддэг Балбын диаспоруудын эрч хүчтэй бүлгүүдийг бий болгосон. Тус судалгааны зорилго нь Балбын диаспорын бичвэрүүдэд иж бүрэн дүн шинжилгээ хийж, сэдэв, соёлын нөхцөл байдал, гол зохиогчид болон эдгээр өгүүлэмжийн илүү өргөн ач холбогдлыг судлах явдал юм. Аргачлалын хувьд хэвлэгдсэн уран зохиолын бүтээл, эрдэм шинжилгээний өгүүлэл, Балбын зохиолчидтой хийсэн ярилцлага зэрэгт чанарын дүн шинжилгээ хийлээ. Судалгааны үр дүнд Балбын диаспорын уран зохиолд цагаачлал, соёлын дасан зохицох, дурсамж, үе үеийн зөрчилдөөн зэрэг сэдвүүдийг өргөнөөр тусгадаг болохыг харуулж байна. Samrat Upadhyay, Manjushree Thapa, Sushma Joshi зэрэг алдартай зохиолчид шинэ орчинд дасан зохицохын зэрэгцээ соёлын залгамж чанарыг хадгалах нарийн төвөгтэй байдалд байдгийг онцлон тэмдэглэв. Балбын диаспорын зохиолууд нь соёлын өвөрмөц байдлыг хадгалаад зогсохгүй дэлхийн утга зохиолын ландшафтыг олон янзын өгүүлэмжээр баяжуулж, соёл хоорондын харилцан ойлголцлыг бий болгож, олон янзын соёлын туршлагын харилцан уялдааг голчлон тусгаж буйг онцгойлон дүгнэлээ.Түлхүүр үг: Диаспора, өвөрмөц байдал, соёлын дасан зохицох, дурсах, нүүлгэн шилжүүлэх

A Scoping Review of the Current Knowledge of the Social Determinants of Health and Infectious Diseases (Specifically COVID-19, Tuberculosis, and H1N1 Influenza) in Canadian Arctic Indigenous Communities.

Social determinants of health (SDHs) and the impact of colonization can make Canadian Arctic Indigenous communities susceptible to infectious diseases, including the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This scoping review followed the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews and studied what is known about selected pandemics (COVID-19, tuberculosis, and H1N1 influenza) and SDHs (healthcare accessibility, food insecurity, mental health, cultural continuity, housing, community infrastructure, and socioeconomic status (SES)) for Canadian Arctic Indigenous communities. Original studies published in English and French up to October 2024 were located in databases (PubMed, Medline, and CINAHL), AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples, and through reference tracking. We included 118 studies: 6 relating to COVID-19, 5 to influenza, 5 to TB, 27 to food insecurity, 26 to healthcare access, 22 to mental health, 9 to SES, 8 to housing, 7 to cultural continuity, and 3 to community infrastructure. SDHs affecting Indigenous individuals include food insecurity, limited healthcare access, mental health challenges, low SES, suboptimal housing, and limited cultural continuity. These findings are relevant to other Arctic regions. It is crucial to understand how SDHs impact the health of Arctic communities and to utilize this information to inform policy and practice decisions for pandemic prevention, management, and treatment. Many SDHs pose challenges for preventing and managing infectious diseases.

Shui Dui Dou Mu Shrine: A Pillar of Protection and Inheritance for Phuket’s Jia Cai Festival

This study examines the strategies employed by the Shui Dui Dou Mu Shrine to preserve the Jia Cai festival in the face of contemporary challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and declining interest among younger generations. The research focuses on the shrine's adaptive leadership, highlighting its innovative approaches to sustain the festival's cultural integrity while ensuring its relevance in a rapidly changing world. These strategies include implementing public health measures during the pandemic, leveraging digital platforms to reach broader audiences, and actively engaging younger generations in festival activities. By balancing the preservation of traditional values with the necessity of modernization, the shrine navigates complex societal dynamics that influence cultural continuity. This study also explores broader themes tied to the shrine's efforts, such as government initiatives promoting tourism, the festival's role in fostering community pride, and its function as a medium for transmitting cultural and spiritual values to future generations. Through its governance, the shrine serves as a case study on how cultural institutions can respond to crises while maintaining authenticity and spiritual significance. The findings contribute to global discourses on cultural preservation, adaptive leadership, and the sustainability of heritage practices in the context of globalization. This research offers valuable insights into the delicate interplay between tradition and modernization, demonstrating that cultural heritage can be both preserved and innovatively adapted to meet contemporary needs. By documenting the strategies and outcomes of the shrine's efforts, this study underscores the importance of proactive governance in ensuring the longevity and relevance of cultural practices for future generations.

MEMAKNAI TRADISI TAU TAIS DAN PENGARUHNYA TERHADAP PENGEMBANGAN IMAN KAUM PEREMPUAN SUKU TAHILA PERSPEKTIF MULIERIS DIGNITATEM

The Tahila tribe is a community group that always tries to preserve culture. The culture that is always passed down is tau tais. Tau tais is a tradition that has been carried out by the people of the Tahila tribe since time immemorial. In this tradition they are directed to change bad habits that always cause problems. The problem that often occurs in the Tahila tribe is regarding the position of women (wives) in front of their husbands. This situation makes some women feel depressed and down so that in the end they close themselves off from being involved in social activities and religious activities.This research aims to determine: (1) the influence of the tau tais tradition on the development of the faith of Tahila tribe women; and (2) the meaning of the tau tais tradition in the Mulieris Dignitatem perspective. The model or type of research used by the author is a descriptive method. The research was carried out using a qualitative approach or research based on nature (natural settings) with the data sources being traditional leaders, community leaders, religious leaders and women figures in the Tahila Tribe. The Tahila Tribe is a community group that is involved in all activities, be it social, economic or religious activities. Their involvement really ensures the continuity and existence of culture. However, the issue of the role and position of women is a problem that exists in the Tahila tribe. Women are considered a secondary group and are only recognized as a complementary and additional group. Therefore, the tau tais tradition has become a real manifestation and step to change the bad views of society, especially their husbands, towards women.

Unraveling The Threads of Tradition: The Transformation of Kepayang (Pangium edule Reinw.) Ethnobotanical Knowledge in Sarolangun, Central Sumatra

For centuries, the Sarolangun community in Central Sumatra has depended on kepayang for its essential roles in nutrition, medicine, environmental conservation, and cultural practices. However, modernization now threatens the preservation of indigenous knowledge and traditions related to kepayang. This study investigates the shifts in ethnobotanical knowledge concerning kepayang in six villages across three sub-districts of Sarolangun Regency, Jambi Province, encompassing urban, peri-urban, and rural landscapes representative of the region’s main kepayang production areas. Using a descriptive-analytical approach, data were collected from 68 participants through in-depth interviews and participatory observations utilizing snowball sampling. Findings reveal the plant’s diverse uses and evolving application patterns, with a broader range of uses in rural areas compared to urban ones. Despite these shifts, kepayang retains its culinary significance throughout the community, symbolizing cultural continuity. Additionally, its role in oral traditions continues to impart moral values to younger generations, supporting collective wisdom essential for conservation. This research advocates for a balanced conservation strategy that integrates ecological preservation with cultural heritage and sustainable development, adapting to local knowledge’s evolution while exploring kepayang's potential for economic benefits within the community.

Politeness Strategies in Sasak Language: Avoiding Rudeness in Conversations with Elders

This study explores the politeness strategies embedded in the Sasak language, spoken by the Sasak people of Lombok, Indonesia. These strategies reflect deeply rooted cultural norms emphasizing respect and harmony, particularly in interactions with elders. The Sasak people use a linguistic system known as undag bangse/bahase, or “language levels,” allowing speakers to adjust their language based on age, social relationship, and status. Through this system, communication aligns with Sasak cultural priorities, especially the value placed on avoiding conflict and maintaining social cohesion. A central feature of Sasak politeness is the use of indirect and deferential speech, enabling speakers to convey disagreement or decline requests subtly, minimizing confrontation and preserving harmony. This qualitative study, based on interviews with native speakers, reveals how these strategies not only support the diversity of Sasak dialects but also reinforce the community’s core cultural values. The Sasaknese language, influenced by historical and regional factors, remains distinct and resilient, reflecting the cultural heritage of Lombok in a rapidly modernizing world. Sasaknese language practices, marked by respect and indirectness, play a key role in expressing social identity and cultural wisdom, positioning the language as both a means of connection and a symbol of identity. This research highlights the Sasak people’s dedication to preserving cultural values through language, demonstrating how linguistic practices help sustain social harmony and cultural continuity.

A CROSS-CULTURAL STUDY OF MOTIF SEMIOTICS IN IRANIAN QASHQAI AND SERBIAN PIROT KILIMS

Kilims, while primarily functional as floor coverings, hold deep cultural, artistic, and aesthetic significance. The design, patterns, and motifs on these traditional woven floor coverings, in addition to their beauty and artistic features, reflect beliefs, myths, and cultural heritage, preserving the community’s identity across generations. This paper aims to review the rich tradition of kilim weaving and study the motifs, symbols, and patterns found within the kilims of Qashqai nomads in Iran and those of the Pirot region in Serbia. This research employs a cultural semiotics framework, based on “The Theory of Semiotics,” to analyze and compare placements, types and connotative meanings of motifs within these two regions. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology, involving developing a corpus (database) of motifs from sample kilims. To set up the corpus, a random sample of 80 kilim photos was gathered, mainly from catalogs and books, consisting of 40 images of Qashqai kilims and 40 images of Pirot kilims. Each kilim was reviewed to detect motifs using an annotation model. A tagset of motifs was then developed to classify and annotate each motif based on its region, placement, type, connotative meanings, and thematic categories. The corpus reports support various forms of analysis, including statistical, descriptive, and comparative assessments. The findings indicate that while Qashqai and Pirot kilims feature some common motifs, the symbolic and semiotic meanings linked to these motifs differ significantly, reflecting unique ways of understanding within each cultural context. The comparative analysis of motifs also indicates cultural similarities and differences rooted in each region’s unique beliefs, customs, and myths. The research is divided into four sections: the first provides an introduction to the tradition of kilim weaving, focusing on practices among the Qashqai tribes of Iran and the Pirot region of Serbia; the second outlines the theoretical framework and research methodology; the third discusses the motif classification, annotation schema, and development of the tagset; and the final section presents a comparative analysis of motifs and their representations in kilims from each region. By identifying, classifying and analyzing kilim motifs as a visual language that reflects cultural identity, historical continuity, and regional distinctions, this study aims to contribute to the broader field of cultural studies in general and cultural semiotics in particular.

Sociology of Meitei Architecture: Unpacking the Interplay between Culture, Tradition, and Modernization

Meitei architecture, a reflection of the community's cultural identity, stands at the crossroads of tradition and modernity. Traditional building practices, rooted in history, mythology, and nature, face the challenges of modernization. This tension permeates various aspects of Meitei society, from language and script to festivals and customs. Traditional Meitei architecture embodies cultural heritage and community values, symbolizing the people's deep connection to their traditional beliefs, ancestors, and cultural legacy. However, modernization and urbanization threaten to erode this cultural identity. In contrast, modernity brings opportunities for innovation and sustainability. This study explores the complex interplay between culture, tradition, and modernization in Meitei architecture. It examines how traditional practices can be revitalized and reinterpreted to create buildings that reflect the community's cultural identity while embracing modernity's benefits. The research investigates the historical and cultural context of Meitei architecture, analysing the impact of modernization on traditional building practices. It also explores case studies of successful fusion of traditional and modern elements in architecture. Ultimately, this study aims to provide insights into the preservation of Meitei cultural heritage through architecture, ensuring its survival for future generations. By documenting and analysing Meitei architectural traditions, this research contributes to the broader discourse on cultural preservation and sustainable development in indigenous communities. The findings of this study will inform strategies for balancing cultural continuity and modernization in Meitei society. Keywords: Meitei architecture, culture, tradition, modernization, cultural heritage, sustainability