Cultural Awareness Research Articles

The Role of Xi’an Drum Music in Promoting Literacy and Cultural Awareness among Young Learners

Xi’an Drum Music, a traditional folk wind and percussion music originating in Shaanxi Province, China, is a rich cultural heritage known for its intricate rhythms, evocative melodies, and narrative depth. This study investigates the role of Xi’an Drum Music in promoting literacy and cultural awareness among young learners by integrating this traditional art form into educational practices. Conducted in primary schools in Xi’an, the study utilized a qualitative approach involving classroom observations, semi-structured interviews with educators, and focus group discussions with students. Key informants included scholars, performers, and students engaged in preserving Xi’an Drum Music. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, identifying themes related to literacy engagement, cultural awareness, and pedagogical challenges. Findings reveal that the rhythmic and lyrical elements of Xi’an Drum Music significantly improve literacy skills, such as phonemic awareness and reading comprehension while fostering cultural pride and identity among learners. However, resource constraints and limited teacher training hinder broader implementation. The study suggests developing standardized teaching materials, providing professional development for educators, and fostering collaborations between schools and cultural institutions. These measures can enhance the integration of traditional arts into modern education, ensuring cultural preservation and educational innovation.

A nurse-led approach to testing and adapting a telehealth guide for e-empathy in goals of care conversations for Black patients with chronic kidney disease

ObjectiveThis study aims to explore and enhance the expression of empathy in telehealth visits (e-empathy) with Black American Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients, focusing on goals of care conversations. It seeks to address the intersection of CKD, telehealth advancements, palliative care discussions, and the impact of racism in healthcare for holistic understanding. MethodologyA qualitative case study design was employed in Washington, DC, involving Black patients with CKD. Data collection included cognitive testing via semi-structured interviews and feedback from a Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG). Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo 20 software. ResultsThemes emerged regarding empathy definitions, telehealth understanding, factors influencing confidence, importance of patient stories, cultural awareness, handling upsetting conversations, prioritizing treatment preferences, end-of-life decisions, and definitions of mental health professionals. ConclusionThe study highlights the significance of e-empathy in telehealth for Black CKD patients, emphasizing respect, trust, and effective communication. It underscores the need for culturally targeted guidance and acknowledges limitations such as self-selection bias and a small sample size. Future work should address healthcare disparities and improve palliative care discussions, including virtual advance directives. Practice ImplicationsProviders should prioritize e-empathy in telehealth visits with Black CKD patients, fostering trust and communication to improve patient outcomes during goals of care discussions.

Nanjing Yun Brocade of China: Cultural Inheritance and Social Education in the Context of Modern Society

This study aims to explore the cultural heritage and social education of contemporary Nanjing Yun brocade by combing the historical background and traditional culture of Nanjing Yun brocade, combined with the current social and cultural background, this paper analyzes the inheritance status and problems of Nanjing Yun brocade in modern society. At the same time, from the perspective of social education, this paper discusses how Nanjing Yun brocade can promote the sustainable development of Nanjing Yun brocade through social education platforms, such as school education and community activities. At the same time, it can popularize brocade knowledge to the public, enhance people’s awareness and interest in traditional culture, and then promote cultural consciousness and self-confidence. This study uses qualitative analysis method, mainly using the concepts of “cultural heritage” and “social education”, using two research methods of literature research and field survey, and presenting in the form of descriptive analysis. The results show that through school education, community activities, media publicity and other channels, the public’s awareness and interest in Nanjing Yun brocade can be effectively improved, so as to promote the inheritance and development of brocade culture. At the same time, the cultural heritage of Nanjing Yun brocade has also promoted the innovation of social education. The innovation of brocade culture communication mode and the establishment of a perfect social support system can form a joint force to jointly promote the prosperity and development of brocade culture.

Musical Literacy in Chinese Fuyang Folk Songs through the ‘Dui Duo Luo’ Music Piece

Fuyang folk songs, rooted in the cultural traditions of Anhui Province, China, represent a vital component of intangible cultural heritage, encapsulating the region’s linguistic, musical, and cultural identity. This study explores the musical literacy in Chinese Fuyang folk songs through the ‘Dui Duo Luo’ music piece. The research investigates the song’s textual, melodic, and performative elements using qualitative methods, including fieldwork, interviews with five key informants, and musical analysis. The findings reveal that the lyrics of ‘Dui Duo Luo’ serve as a repository of local dialects and idiomatic expressions, reflecting the cultural values and everyday lives of Fuyang communities. The melodic structure, characterized by pentatonic scales and rhythmic patterns, facilitates oral transmission and fosters cultural continuity. The performative aspects highlight its communal and participatory nature, such as its duet format and call-and-response interaction. These dimensions collectively underscore the significance of literacy in folk music as a multifaceted competence encompassing cultural awareness, interpretive ability, and artistic appreciation. The study concludes that integrating Fuyang folk songs into educational frameworks can enhance cultural literacy and preserve these traditions amid modernization. Recommendations include incorporating folk music literacy into curricula, leveraging digital tools for preservation, and conducting comparative studies with other regional folk traditions.

Promoting Traditional Music Literacy: A Case Study of Tuhu Preservation through School Education

This study investigates the current promotion of traditional music literacy through the preservation and integration of the Tuhu, a two-stringed bowed instrument deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Zhuang ethnic group, into school education. Despite its cultural significance, the Tuhu faces challenges such as declining skilled practitioners, limited formal educational initiatives, and insufficient institutional support. Employing a qualitative methodology, this research focuses on educational institutions in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, where the Tuhu holds historical and cultural importance. Data were gathered through interviews, observations, and document analysis involving five key informants, including educators, performers, and cultural practitioners. The findings reveal significant barriers, including the aging demographic of Tuhu practitioners, lack of formal curricula, and minimal integration into school programs. However, schools were identified as critical platforms for advancing Tuhu literacy through structured programs, interdisciplinary approaches, and digital tools. The study highlights the need for tailored educational resources, teacher training, and supportive policies to preserve and transmit this unique tradition. It concludes that integrating the Tuhu into school curricula can foster cultural awareness, strengthen Zhuang identity, and ensure the instrument’s survival. Future research should explore digital innovations, community-driven models, and comparative studies on traditional music preservation.

Integrating Cultural Awareness Practices into Medical School Nutrition Education with a Virtual Global Elective Course

Integrating Cultural Awareness Practices into Medical School Nutrition Education with a Virtual Global Elective Course

Bridging Borders with a Project-based Approach to Enhance Bidirectional Cultural Awareness in Foreign Language Teaching and Learning

Cultural awareness is essential in foreign language education. This paper explores two projects that exemplify the integration of cultural elements into foreign language learning involving both first language (L1) and second language (L2) cultures. The first project was initiated in the course “German Cinema”. It focuses on the legendary English-language sketch “Dinner for One”, which has been part of traditional New Year’s Eve entertainment in the German-speaking world for over sixty years. Students explored its significance within German culture through surveys, translation, creative adaptations and organised an imaginary festival. These activities foster intercultural dialogue and understanding. The second project, “Die goldene Meergundel” (The Golden Goby), is an extracurricular activity that integrates Thai culture with the German language. A Thai fairy tale was performed in Likay-style theatre, but was spoken and sung entirely in German. The blending of Thai folklore with German pronunciation can enhance both cross-cultural appreciation and linguistic proficiency. These case studies underscore the significance of enhancing bidirectional cultural awareness in foreign language teaching and learning. Educators can act as facilitators by engaging students in projects that transcend linguistic boundaries, effectively bridging cultural borders, and cultivating foreign language learners to be equipped with intercultural competence and global citizenship.

Sexual harassment in rural workplaces in India and the human rights discourse: a case study of select Hindi films

ABSTRACT This article explores the issue of sexual harassment (SH) in rural workplaces in India through a case study of two Hindi films, Mirch Masala [Directed by Ketan Mehta. Bollywood, Mumbai: National Film Development Corporation, 1987] and Bawandar [Directed by Jagmohan Mundhra. Bollywood, Mumbai: Smriti Pictures, 2000]. While the global #MeToo movement in 2017 brought attention to workplace harassment, it largely overlooked women in India’s informal sector, particularly in agriculture. This article highlights how rural women, especially from marginalised communities, face SH in rural workplaces where caste and patriarchy further exacerbate their vulnerability. Drawing on Kamir's [Framed: Women in Law and Film. Duke University Press, xii, 2006] theory of ‘dignitarian feminism’, and Nayar's [Human Rights and Literature: Writing Rights. Springer, 2016] concept of ‘Human Rights Literature’, this study employs textual and discourse analysis of the films to examine how caste and honour-based social structures perpetuate SH. We argue that these films provide critical insights into the socio-cultural dynamics of SH in rural settings, illustrating the intersection of caste, gender, and patriarchy. By focusing on Dalit women's experiences, this paper calls for greater legal protection and cultural awareness to address SH in rural workplaces, beyond urban and formal sectors.

Diagnostic changes in a specialized psychiatric outpatient clinic for migrants: An observational study.

Culture significantly influences the understanding, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders, particularly among migrant patients. This observational study examines the frequency and timing of diagnostic changes among migrant patients in a specialized psychiatric outpatient clinic. Furthermore, the study includes a qualitative sub-study to provide insights into the diagnostic process. Out of the 119 migrant patients included in the study, 27.7% changed referral diagnoses during treatment. Diagnostic changes occurred in 15.7% of cases by the end of treatment, 13.4% at midterm, and 9.1% after the initial assessment. No significant associations were found between diagnostic changes and sociodemographic or treatment-related factors. While the qualitative sub-study primarily offered broader insights into the cultural aspects of treatment and the clinical encounter, rather than establishing causal effects on the diagnostic process, it revealed how acculturative stress and cultural identity influenced the presentation of symptoms. The study is conducted in a real-life clinical setting and, thus, reflects the everyday clinical practice of diagnostic changes at a specialized cultural psychiatric clinic. The findings from this study indicate that in addition to a culturally sensitive assessment, time is an important factor for diagnostic changes, which can be essential knowledge for clinical practice when planning diagnostic assessment and treatment. The findings underscore the need for enhancing clinicians' cultural competencies through targeted training, emphasizing cultural awareness in clinical practice.

Developing culturally competent models for inclusive social work and healthcare interventions

Cultural competence has become a cornerstone of effective social work and healthcare practices in increasingly diverse societies. This review explores the development of culturally competent models to enhance inclusive interventions in these fields. Drawing on interdisciplinary frameworks and empirical studies, the paper examines key concepts, such as cultural awareness, humility, and intersectionality, while analyzing their practical applications in various settings. Current models, including the Purnell Model for Cultural Competence and the Cultural Competence Continuum, are critically evaluated to highlight their strengths and limitations. Challenges such as implicit bias, resource inequities, and the absence of standardized assessment tools are identified as significant barriers to implementation. The review also discusses innovative strategies, including technology-assisted training and community-driven approaches, as potential solutions to address these gaps.

Phenomenological insights into socio-psychological and network dynamics of women entrepreneurs

PurposeThis study investigates the socio-psychological and network dynamics influencing women’s entrepreneurial journeys in Bangladesh. It focuses on understanding how societal expectations, financial barriers and emotional resilience shape these women’s entrepreneurial experiences and outcomes.Design/methodology/approachA hermeneutic phenomenological approach was employed, involving in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 15 women entrepreneurs from various industries in Bangladesh. Thematic analysis was used to identify critical patterns and themes in their experiences.FindingsSix major themes emerged from the data: societal biases and constraints, financial hurdles, balancing family and work, psychosocial processes, the impact of social networks and strategic interventions. The findings not only reveal the deeply ingrained gender biases, limited access to financial resources and the emotional toll of juggling professional and domestic responsibilities but also underscore the remarkable resilience of these women in the face of such challenges.Practical implicationsThe study offers actionable insights for policymakers, support organizations and researchers. It underscores the urgent need for gender-sensitive financial policies, restructuring mentorship programs to include emotional support and developing cultural awareness campaigns to challenge societal norms that hinder women entrepreneurs.Originality/valueThis research uniquely contributes to the underexplored psychosocial dimensions of women’s entrepreneurship in Bangladesh. It highlights how emotional resilience and societal dynamics influence entrepreneurial success, offering valuable insights for enhancing support systems for women entrepreneurs.

Exploring Cultural Diversity Awareness and Addressing Cultural Biases among Undergraduate Students in Online Learning Environments

The growing field of online education has developed within a cultural context rooted in many forms of inherent bias. Therefore, this mixed-methods study was conducted within a sociocultural theoretical framework. The population consisted of teachers and students from various backgrounds at some universities in Karachi. In qualitative research, twelve teachers from random universities were selected using a purposive sampling method. In quantitative research, the researchers used the simple random sampling method to select one hundred students. The researchers conducted interviews and surveys. The researchers analysed the quantitative data using the statistical analysis method in SPSS. The researchers manually analysed the qualitative data through thematic analysis. The study's findings show teachers encountered challenges and biases in synchronous and asynchronous online sessions. Cultural diversity is an important element and an anticipated norm in online learning environments. Teachers should develop cultural diversity awareness in students and use teaching strategies. This study also found that students aware of cultural diversity were satisfied with their online learning experience. The findings of this study add to the literature on online learning satisfaction and provide direction for solving problems related to online learning satisfaction.

Drama in Foreign Language Education: Bridging Communication and Creativity

This study explores the role of drama in foreign language teaching, highlighting its ability to enhance linguistic skills, emotional intelligence, and cultural awareness through interactive and experiential learning. By integrating techniques such as improvisation, role-playing, and mime, drama fosters meaningful communication and reduces language anxiety. Despite challenges like time constraints and lack of teacher training, practical recommendations are provided to ensure effective implementation, transforming language education into a dynamic and engaging experience.

Traditional or alternative wine packaging: a study of consumer choices and perceptions

ABSTRACT Sustainability concerns in the wine sector have resulted in alternative types of wine packaging to traditional glass packaging. This article examines the impact of cultural heritage and environmental awareness on consumer behaviour and purchasing decisions in relation to wine packaging. To investigate this, a wine tasting experiment was carried out on a sample of 211 people in the city of Pécs, in Hungary, to assess consumers’ perceptions, taste perceptions and purchase propensity for 7 types of wine packaging. In order to measure the effect of each type of packaging, the same wine was poured into the same types of packaging. The aim of the experiment was to identify consumers’ attitudes towards traditional packaging and their preferences for alternative options. The results were analysed using factor analysis to identify 2 factor groups for each pack, which were validated using Bartlett's Test and Chi-squared Test. The results show that packaging style and traditionality have a significant impact on consumer preferences, especially for alternatives such as bag-in-box or pouch, which are completely different from the traditional glass bottle. In the case of PET bottles, the packaging itself has a strong explanatory power, which may be explained by its similarity in form to the glass bottle. The novelty of this research lies in the fact that with the help of the we were able to measure the effect of different wine packaging, alongside the role of cultural traditions. Based on the results, it is proposed that wine industry stakeholders should raise consumer awareness of the benefits of environmentally friendly packaging alternatives and take measures to reduce the environmental impact of traditional glass bottles.

THE BOY, HIS TEACHER AND THE LINGUIST: LEARNING TURKISH WITH AESOP FABLES

Can we “Aesopianise” other languages? This is what this article is about. You must be familiar with the fable of the Fox and the Grapes. Aren’t you? Its popularity has crossed the borders and became one of the most shared fables in the world. That popularity (1) is in fact an asset for linguists to implement the linguistic context predictability (2) using narratives. On the other hand, borrowings (3) and collocational patterns (4) can be of paramount importance to unlocking linguistically related languages. Therefore, it would be interesting to approach fables through specific strategies to try to guess familiar texts in context. To test this novel approach, we invited ten master students to participate in an experiment where they were asked to perform a series of tasks using the four linguistic tools in a game-like exercise. The results showed that participants succeeded in the post-test 26.09% of the lexicon found in ten popular fables -which is for sure not excellent but highly encouraging- when compared with that little 2.94% in the pre-test. Furthermore, the study implies that linguistic awareness preceded by cultural awareness could be a significantly powerful tool for learning any foreign language.

Causes of Low Turnout of Women Voters in the General Election 2018: A Case Study in Tehsil Barikot

The research study investigates the factors contributing to the low participation of female voters in the 2018 general elections in Tehsil Barikot, District Swat,through 50 unstructured interviews with political representatives and activists. Thematic analysis reveals a variety of obstacles, including cultural barriers, lack of awareness, limited women candidates, restricted polling station access, traditional social norms, gender-based discrimination, security issues, socioeconomic constraints, and more. Despite its specific focus, the study provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by women from diverse backgrounds. Recommendations sare made to address these barriers and promote greater female electoral participation, including cultural awareness campaigns, increased women candidate representation, improved access to polling stations, political education, gender equality measures, and support initiatives.

Mediation as Intercultural Communication: A Narrative Review

Written mediation is a critical skill that enables individuals from diverse languages and cultures to communicate with each other effectively. Developing written mediation skills is essential in language learning classrooms and is included as a component of the National Foreign Language Exam System (KPG) for advancing harmonious global societies. This narrative review explores written mediation as a form of intercultural communication in English language classroom contexts. The review provides insights into the nature and purpose of written mediation, the role of the mediator, and the competencies needed to fulfill the role with the objective of providing the information for language learning classrooms to develop and instruct written mediation skills effectively. This review goes beyond traditionally held views of mediators as interpreters primarily concerned with linguistic aspects and underscores the close relationship between and the need for a broader conceptualization of mediation that includes both language and culture. In particular, critical cultural awareness is emphasized as a primary driver of effective mediation, underscoring the importance of addressing cultural components within the English language teaching context. English language teachers have a vital role in promoting the development of learners' intercultural competence, ultimately ensuring they are competent mediators equipped to facilitate intercultural encounters.

Nurses' experiences of cross-cultural care encounters in Swedish pediatric hospital care: A qualitative study.

Nurses are expected to provide appropriate care for children from diverse cultural backgrounds to achieve the aims of current legislation on good care and to ensure equal terms for the entire population. This study aim was to describe nurses' experiences of cross-cultural care encounters when interacting with children and families with a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background in Swedish pediatric hospital care. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted. Individual semi-structured online interviews were performed with 21 nurses in pediatric care from six university hospitals. Two themes were identified, (I) the importance of culturally competent care, with two sub-themes, (i) the significance of open-mindedness and cultural understanding, (ii) the significance of organizational support, and (II) the importance of effective communication, with three sub-themes, (i) the influence of language barriers, (ii) the importance of using communication tools and strategies and (iii) the influence of socio-cultural differences. The findings provide further insight into the facilitators and barriers of cross-cultural care encounters in pediatric hospital care. Interactions with families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds offer opportunities to enhance understanding of cultural differences and promote cultural awareness. Facilitating cross-cultural care encounters in pediatric hospital care requires cultural competence, mutual respect, and sufficient organizational support. The findings have implications for nursing practice, particularly in improving nurses' understanding of the diverse opportunities and challenges related to cultural and linguistic diversity in pediatric care, and in improving family-centered care.

High school music teachers’ attitudes and practices regarding culturally responsive teaching in musical theatre production

Cultural awareness is crucial in fostering inclusive and authentically representative musical theatre productions in today’s diverse educational landscape. I designed this study to examine U.S. music teachers’ attitudes, perspectives, and the integration of strategies related to culturally responsive teaching (CRT) into their high school musical theatre productions, including the challenges they encounter and their suggestions. Analysis of responses to the electronic survey ( N = 119) indicated a strong emphasis on integrating cultural awareness across various stages of musical production, aligning with Gay’s five essential elements for CRT implementation. Teachers prioritized selecting culturally valid musicals that were responsive to students’ skills and diverse backgrounds while fostering cultural appreciation. Despite challenges such as finding culture bearers and accessing some culturally diverse materials, they did curate culturally accurate and relevant materials to deepen students’ cultural understanding, guiding them in interpreting and performing musical songs using appropriate diverse vocal styles in a healthy manner. Establishing a safe space where students felt acknowledged and could freely discuss, share, lead, and collaborate was integral to these efforts. Ultimately, these practices aimed to cultivate students’ respect for their own and other cultures, promote diversity, inclusivity, and enhance the overall quality of the musical presentation.

Constructing a Sustainable Evaluation Framework for AIGC Technology in Yixing Zisha Pottery: Balancing Heritage Preservation and Innovation

This study develops a sustainable evaluation framework for Yixing Zisha pottery design schemes generated by Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) technology, emphasizing the integration of cultural heritage preservation with innovation. As a traditional Chinese craft and a recognized element of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), Yixing Zisha pottery is celebrated for its cultural depth and unique design techniques. Guided by emotional design theory, the framework assesses aesthetic, functional, and emotional dimensions through hierarchical analysis. Using the Delphi method and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), primary and secondary indicators were identified and weighted based on expert consensus. AIGC technology, underpinned by advanced AI algorithms, generates culturally authentic yet innovative design solutions, striking a balance between tradition and modernity. The findings reveal that this approach enhances design diversity, functionality, and efficiency while fostering global cultural awareness. By providing practical guidance for integrating AIGC technology into traditional craftsmanship, the research offers a replicable model for other traditional crafts and contributes to the theoretical advancement of sustainable cultural heritage practices. By bridging the gap between digital innovation and heritage preservation, this study addresses the critical need for sustainable strategies in the creative industries.