Cultural Boundaries Research Articles

A GLOBAL NORTH: TRANSFERS, EXCHANGES and TRANSNATIONAL LINKS BETWEEN VICTORIA AND SOUTH YORKSHIRE, 1880–1914

This article seeks to establish transnational links between South Yorkshire and the colony of Victoria in Australia during the late nineteenth-century. Examining definitions of ‘northernness’ and challenging arguments that depict northern identity and culture as inward-looking, it explores the relative absence of ‘northernness’ in narratives of migration and makes the case for the interconnection of ideas, events and individuals across cultural, political and national boundaries. Exploring Sheffield’s links and relationship with Victoria this article places recent research about population transfers, civic identity, protest and business practice in a global perspective that highlights overlaps and connections over disjunctures, difference and the particular. Throughout, the emphasis of the article is on the diverse and wide-ranging nature of these links in an imperial context. Against this background, neither steel workers in Sheffield, nor the shearers in outback Australia appear as insular and inward-looking, as has often been asserted. In short, the article poses questions about the nature and scale of a transplanted northern identity, and the relevance of the environment of the Australian colonies to a developing sense of what it was to be from Sheffield.

Transculturality of Virtue in the Early Modern Mediterranean

This article approaches the transculturality of virtue ethics in early modern Mediterranean intellectual culture by focusing on the case study of Florentine-Ottoman relations during the reign of Sultan Mehmed II. It examines how both entities, though drawing from different intellectual traditions and interpretations of virtue, engaged in a constructive dialogic process that facilitated diplomatic and cultural exchanges. To Florentine humanists, using virtue ethics with the Ottoman court allowed the framing of political actions as ethical conduct. To the Ottomans, it permitted an intellectual integration of the Florentines into the nizam-ı alem. This reveals how Mediterranean actors developed deep intellectual structures, which endowed their actions and encounters with culturally specific yet transculturally significant meanings. As an analytical concept, I argue, transculturality is not about portraying an overly rosy picture; it is a process that helps us better understand the multidimensionality of Mediterranean intellectual culture without imposing cultural boundaries where none exist.

Interaktionsprozesse in einem virtuellen Austauschprojekt – duoethnografische Reflexionen der begleitenden Lehrpersonen

In the discussion of international student mobility, virtual exchange(s) (VE) become increasingly important. Similar to on-site exchanges, VEs aim to provide students with an international experience and transcend geographical, social, and cultural boundaries. While students’ experiences with VEs have been presented repeatedly, this paper focuses on an aspect that features less prominently in the literature: the perceptions of a VE from the perspective of the facilitating team. We report on our experiences, interactions and reflections as supporting teacher educators in a VE project between German and New Zealand pre-service English teachers and New Zealand students of German. We employ the collaborative research approach of duoethnography to critically reflect on our experiences and practices with the VE as well as to portray our reflections on duoethnography as our chosen research approach. Our findings are based on continuous individual and collaborative written reflections throughout the project.

UNRAVELING CORRUPTION: A HISTORICAL EXPLORATION OF ITS EMERGENCE AND IMPACT ON SOCIETY

Corruption, a pervasive and insidious phenomenon, has plagued societies throughout history, transcending geographical, cultural, and political boundaries. This article delves deep into the roots of corruption, tracing its origins,evolution, and enduring impact on individuals, institutions, and nations. By examining historical examples from ancient civilizations to modern democracies, we aim to shed light on the complex nature of corruption, its causes, and the strategies employed to combat this formidable challenge. Through this comprehensive analysis, we seek to foster a better understanding of corruption and its far-reaching consequences on social, economic, and political structures.

Unraveling The Musical Tapestry Of Tazul Tajuddin’s Opera Puteri Saadong Through Freytag’s Pyramid

In the heart of Kanazawa, Japan, on May 3, 2016, the Kanazawa Opera House was the stage for an operatic spectacle that transcended cultural boundaries and took the audience on a profound emotional odyssey. Tazul Tajuddin’s “Opera Puteri Saadong” skillfully weaved together Malaysian and Western influences, creating a musical narrative that resonated with both heartache and desire. This article delves into the performance of the “Opera Puteri Saadong”, focusing specifically on its musical elements within the perspective of Freytag’s five-act structure. Through an exploration of the opera’s music, including its emotional depth, character development, dramatic tension, cultural influences, and vocal performance, this analysis seeks to uncover how the music enhances the storytelling and conveys the central themes of the narrative in each act. Outlining a moment of tragedy for the main character, Freytag’s pyramid was determined as the analytical approach to analyse the opera performance due to its emphasis on tragic narrative, which is applicable to the dramatic arc of the legendary story of Puteri Saadong. By examining a range of musical techniques and dramatic effects demonstrated throughout the opera, this paper also intends to provide insight into the significance of incorporating materials of Malaysian folk music and contemporary Western art music in bringing the tale of Puteri Saadong to life on the operatic stage. From the tender intimacy of a love scene to the epic grandeur of a battle sequence, this intercultural music enhances the overall impact of the opera, conveying its central themes of love, betrayal, resilience, and transformation with depth and resonance, engaging the audience with its unique blend of Malaysian and Western cultural impact.

Values and needs: on issue of the relationship of concepts

When we speak about values and needs, it becomes important to determine the content of these concepts and their specificity, in contrast to others that are semantically similar. H. Rickert, one of the founders of the theory of value, distinguished the first from the latter, saying that values, unlike evaluation, do not correlate with benefit and are not “sensible things”. The specificity of value can be formulated through the explanation “this item is dear to me”, while evaluations can be formulated through the explanation “this item is useful to me”. According to the neo-Kantians, values objectively exist within the boundaries of culture, in contrast to evaluation, which can be subjective and individual for each person. The article shows that the position of the neo-Kantians, in a certain sense, became the basis for further research into this issue. The author examines the approaches of various researchers to the concepts of value and evaluation, revealing their specifics.

The Dynamics of Transcultural Insight in Jhumpa Lahiri’s Literary Universe

Blending literary and cultural studies, the essay discusses the manners in which Jhumpa Lahiri’s literary universe constructs a gradual unfolding of a layered transcultural vision. The paper argues that in the shift from fictions of migration to autobiographical narratives of self-redefinition, the Bengali-American author advances cultural scenarios of transformation that enable the reshaping of cultural identities through the transcendence of fixed cultural loyalties. Invoking perceived lacks in their native cultural traditions and intuiting the incompleteness of cultures, her characters are haunted by the urge to cross cultural boundaries in order to gain a sense of personal fulfilment. Ultimately, Lahiri herself replicates this pattern as she relocates to Italy and writes in a new language (Italian). The last stage in Lahiri’s transcultural scenario is represented by an attempt to dissociate cultural specificity from the notion of identity, as she takes refuge in the realm of abstraction through minimalist aesthetics. Relying on a close reading of her texts, the essay will scrutinise the author’s peculiar outlook on transculturality, which appears to embrace various cultural spaces while seemingly avoiding specific attachments. The analysis aims to establish whether Lahiri succeeds in transgressing the very idea of cultural belonging in her quest for a freeing path.

The Urge to learn English: Breaking the Stigma of English as Bahasa Kafir (Infidel Language)

English is often considered a "Bahasa Kafir" or infidel language and is associated with Western values conflicted with certain religious beliefs. This literature research explores the origins of this stigma and why English is perceived as such. This article aims to break the stigma associated with English by analyzing cultural, historical, and religious contexts. Through a literature review, researchers highlight the importance of understanding that language is a universal communication tool not tied to a particular religion or culture. In contrast, English has values that transcend cultural and religious boundaries. Although such stigma can hinder access to educational and professional opportunities, a deeper understanding of English can broaden our view of the world, open the door to cross-cultural collaboration, and promote a deeper understanding of human diversity. Therefore, examining why English is considered a “Bahasa kafir” can provide valuable insight into how cultural biases and prejudices can influence how people think and interact.

Empowering Narratives: Exploring the Impact of Kotak General Insurance's 'Drive Like a Lady' Campaign on Shifting Perceptions of Female Empowerment

Amid India's evolving societal landscape, this study delves into the profound influence of Kotak General Insurance's 'Drive Like A Lady' campaign on reshaping perceptions of female empowerment and aspirations. Central to the campaign is the portrayal of Surekha Yadav, India's first female loco pilot, whose journey embodies resilience and determination. By spotlighting Yadav's story and celebrating women who drive change, the campaign aims to instill empowerment and possibility among its audience. The literature review section provides a thorough examination of relevant literature surrounding gender stereotypes, biases, and the role of advocacy campaigns in driving social change. The methodology section outlines the research approach adopted to analyze the 'Drive Like A Lady' campaign. This section discusses the theoretical underpinnings guiding the analysis and the conceptual framework employed. Drawing on theories such as the Hypodermic Theory and the Habermas Public Sphere Theory, it offers a conceptual framework for understanding the transformative potential of initiatives like the 'Drive Like A Lady' campaign in challenging ingrained societal norms and fostering inclusivity. It emphasizes the use of qualitative analysis, and content analysis, to examine the campaign's effectiveness in reshaping cultural narratives surrounding female achievement and ambition. In the results section, the findings of the study are presented, highlighting the campaign's effectiveness in challenging biased stereotypes and inspiring young girls to pursue ambitious goals. Through content analysis and exploration of existing literature, the research uncovers how the campaign's storytelling strategies and celebration of female role models foster a more inclusive and aspirational societal narrative. Additionally, the study examines the campaign's resonance across diverse demographic groups, probing its ability to surpass cultural boundaries and resonate with individuals from varied socio-economic backgrounds. Finally, the conclusion synthesizes the key insights from the study, emphasizing the significant impact of the 'Drive Like A Lady' campaign as a catalyst for reshaping cultural norms and empowering the next generation of women to dream big and defy societal limitations. It underscores the transformative power of advocacy campaigns in driving social change and recommends further research to explore the long-term implications of such initiatives on gender equality in India.

Learning Methods in the Era of Society of Society 5.0: Implications of the Islamic Education System within the Merdeka Curriculum

This paper delves into the dynamic realm of learning methods within the context of the Era of Society 5.0, an era characterized by rapid technological advancement and profound societal transformations. As traditional educational paradigms are being reshaped, there is a growing recognition of the need for innovative approaches that equip learners with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. Central to this discussion is the exploration of the Merdeka Curriculum, a pedagogical framework that emphasizes autonomy, critical thinking, and adaptability. By empowering learners to take ownership of their education and cultivate a deeper understanding of the world around them, the Merdeka Curriculum seeks to prepare individuals for the complexities of the modern world. Within this framework, the integration of the Islamic education system presents unique opportunities to enrich the educational experience. Islamic principles, which emphasize ethics, morality, and spirituality, can serve as a guiding light in navigating the complexities of contemporary society. By incorporating these principles into the curriculum, educators can foster a sense of identity, purpose, and belonging among learners while also promoting values-based education that transcends cultural boundaries. Moreover, by embracing diversity and inclusivity, the Merdeka Curriculum can serve as a platform for promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding, fostering a sense of global citizenship among learners. Through this exploration, we aim to shed light on the transformative potential of integrating the Islamic education system into the Merdeka Curriculum, highlighting the synergies that emerge when tradition meets innovation in the pursuit of holistic education.

Performances of Hope and Despair: A Case Study of Organ Donation Between a Palestinian and Israeli Jew Amidst War.

We explore the phenomenon of organ donation between rivals in time of war when a significant gift such as organ donation is given not just to a "stranger" but to a stranger who may be considered an enemy. This is a case study of a unique organ donation event that occurred in Israel during Operation Guardian of the Walls in May 2021. It involved a Palestinian boy killed by a Jewish policeman and a Jewish man killed by Palestinian youths. Both victims, lacking organ donor cards, had their organs donated by their families with the awareness that recipients could come from the "opposing" group. We ask: (1) How do families from rival groups construct meaning in their decision to donate organs? (2) How do they construct meaning in their experience of loss? The findings reveal that bereaved families imbue their actions with political and religious significance, framing the organ donations as a "universal gift" guided by religious commandments to save lives. While these acts initially transcend cultural and national boundaries, a lack of recognition and gratitude afterward can lead to disillusionment, reinforcing "us" versus "them" boundaries. This study underscores the intricate dynamics in organ donations during political conflict and the pivotal role of religious authorities in shaping perceptions and meaning. Moreover, it highlights the potential for organ donations to foster reconciliation and coexistence amidst conflict, provided mutual recognition in cases where compassion and understanding of loss are prioritized.

Breaking the Silence: Unveiling Child Abuse in Bangladesh

Child abuse is a grave global concern that goes beyond geographical, cultural, and socio-economic boundaries. Bangladesh is a country characterized by its rich cultural heritage and diverse population. It’s a densely populated South Asian nation, that has made significant strides in improving various aspects of human development over the past decades. However, despite these advancements, child abuse remains a significant challenge that demands urgent attention. Child abuse takes various forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, and neglectful abuse, each leaving scars that can impede a child's potential to thrive and contribute positively to society. Moreover, the intricate tapestry of socioeconomic disparities, traditional practices, and limited access to education and healthcare services further compounds the vulnerabilities of children, often exposing them to increased risks of exploitation and maltreatment. This paper will delve into the prevailing cultural norms and societal attitudes that might perpetuate child abuse, exploring how traditional beliefs and practices intersect with modern challenges. By analyzing statistical data, academic research, and expert opinions, the study will provide a nuanced understanding of the scale of the problem, helping to identify gaps in current policy frameworks and protective mechanisms. Additionally, the research will scrutinize the role of various stakeholders, such as government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies, in addressing child abuse in Bangladesh.

The problem of domestic violence: issues of theory and practice

The article is devoted to the problem of understanding domestic violence in the legal system of the modern state. Risk factors for domestic and family violence are examined, including individual characteristics, relationship problems, and community and societal influences. Individual factors include the psychological and physical characteristics of victims and perpetrators, which may include problems with emotion regulation, low self-esteem, and childhood trauma. Also, sexual orientation and gender identity can influence the risk of becoming a victim or a perpetrator. It is reasoned that domestic violence has serious consequences for victims, their families and society as a whole. It can lead to injuries, psychological and emotional problems, destroy relationships, disrupt the development of children and reduce the productivity and efficiency of society. Domestic violence is becoming a global problem that crosses cultural and geographic boundaries, and the level of its prevalence can vary depending on the socio-cultural and economic context. Also important is the role of economic factors, such as unemployment and economic hardship, which can increase family tension and contribute to violence. It was also found that at the community level, lack of access to psychological and legal aid services, as well as lack of education about rights and opportunities to leave violent relationships can complicate the situation for victims. In addition, cultural stereotypes and norms that condone or normalize violence may also support this problematic pattern. At the same time, research must be carried out taking into account the diversity of cultural, social and economic contexts, since approaches to solving the problem may differ depending on specific conditions. Special attention should also be paid to the support of victims of domestic violence, their access to safe places of refuge, legal aid and psychological support. Increasing public awareness and educational initiatives about the issue can also help increase awareness and support in the fight against domestic violence.

The Rise of Mass Advertising, Law, Enchantment and the Cultural Boundaries of British Modernity, by Anat Rosenberg

<i>The Rise of Mass Advertising, Law, Enchantment and the Cultural Boundaries of British Modernity</i>, by Anat Rosenberg

We have a lot in common: Cognate words

AbstractThis study presents a list of 2022 Bulgarian‐Turkish cognate words that can be used to facilitate vocabulary acquisition and cross‐linguistic awareness. The list was created manually through a multi‐step process that involved scanning the database of an online dictionary to identify Bulgarian words that had the same or similar forms in Turkish. For each cognate word identified, its Bulgarian and Turkish forms and English meanings were recorded, and their accuracy was checked through additional sources and expert consultation. The final list of cognate words includes only those confirmed based on linguistic criteria and expert judgement. The use of cognate words in language teaching methods such as total physical response and teaching proficiency through reading and storytelling can enhance the effectiveness of these methods by helping students understand and remember new vocabulary and building their confidence in language learning. Additionally, this study highlights the potential of cognate awareness to promote peace in the world by emphasizing the commonalities among languages and cultures. By recognizing the abundance of cognates across different languages, we can reinforce the idea that we are all part of the same human family and share a common linguistic heritage. Moreover, the study demonstrates how a new and innovative multilingual education can be achieved through cognates, showing that language education does not necessarily have to be limited to bilingual instruction. The use of cognates as a tool for vocabulary acquisition and cross‐linguistic awareness can open up opportunities for multilingualism and facilitate communication across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Future research could explore the use of cognate words in other language teaching contexts and investigate the potential benefits and limitations of using cognates in language learning.

Unveiling Divinity: A Comparative Quest Into The Perception Of God In Islam And Semitic Religions

The quest to understand the perception of God across different religions has been a central theme in human civilization. This comparative study delves into the essence of divinity as perceived in Islam and Semitic religions, exploring the foundational beliefs and philosophical underpinnings that shape the understanding of the Supreme Divine Authority. Drawing from insights gleaned from renowned historian Arnold Toynbee's monumental work on the history of religion, this study underscores the significance of religion in unraveling the mysteries of existence. Despite attempts by non-religious ideologies like Marxism and Freudianism to undermine organized religion, the enduring presence of faith systems underscores the intrinsic role of religion in human existence. Through an examination of key scriptures, including the Glorious Qur'an, this study elucidates the commonalities and divergences in the perception of God, emphasizing the universal call to worship a singular, omnipotent deity. Moreover, it highlights the innate human inclination towards belief in the Creator, positing that acceptance of divinity requires no precondition, while disbelief necessitates conditioned skepticism. Ultimately, this study offers profound insights into the universal quest for understanding the divine, transcending cultural and religious boundaries to illuminate the timeless truths underlying human spirituality.

Cross-Cultural Influences in The Satanic Verses

The novel The Satanic Verses focuses on the cross-cultural influences and delves into the complexities of cultural hybridity by exploring the collision and blending of diverse traditions, identities, and belief systems. The narrative follows the intertwined lives of two Indian expatriates, Gibreel Farishta and Saladin Chamcha, who survive a terrorist attack on their flight from Bombay to London. Following the miraculous survival, the characters experience a series of surreal and fantastical transformations, blurring the lines between reality and myth. Rushdie's novel is renowned for its exploration of cultural syncretism, where elements of Eastern and Western cultures converge and coalesce. The characters navigate between different cultural landscapes, grappling with questions of identity, belonging, and the clash of civilizations. The narrative traverses various historical and geographical contexts, including India, Britain, and the Islamic world, highlighting the interconnectedness and fluidity of cultural boundaries. Central to the novel is the concept of hybridity, where characters embody multiple cultural identities and negotiate the complexities of their hybrid existence. Through vivid imagery, intricate storytelling, and linguistic experimentation, Rushdie depicts the rich tapestry of cultural influences shaping the characters' lives and experiences. The novel challenges essentialist notions of cultural purity and celebrates the dynamic interplay between diverse cultural traditions. Furthermore, the text explores the impact of colonialism, migration, and globalization on cultural formations, illustrating how power dynamics shape cultural exchanges and encounters. Rushdie critiques the hegemony of dominant cultural narratives and emphasizes the importance of embracing pluralism and diversity in contemporary societies. Overall, "The Satanic Verses" serves as a provocative and illuminating exploration of cross-cultural influences, offering profound insights into the complexities of cultural identity, hybridity, and the ever-evolving nature of human experience in an increasingly interconnected world.

Educational Innovations in the Fundamentals of Marxism in the Context of the New Era

In the historical context of the new era, socialist education with Chinese characteristics faces many opportunities and challenges. With the further deepening of globalisation and informatisation, traditional economic, cultural and technological boundaries are becoming blurred, while bringing about social challenges such as intensified global competition and the polarisation of the rich and the poor. As the world's second largest economy, China is striving to find a development path suitable for itself in the wave of globalisation. In the age of information technology, cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data are reshaping the economy and society, while the Internet and mobile communication technologies have made the flow of information more rapid, which not only facilitates the dissemination of knowledge, but also has a significant impact on the mode of education and the way of work. By promoting the "Internet Plus" action plan and the development of the digital economy, the Chinese government aims to improve governance capacity and efficiency, and draw up a blueprint for a digital China and a smart society. In the new era of ideological pluralism, China faces the challenges and opportunities of both socialist core values and traditional cultural heritage. China is trying to find a balance between inheritance and innovation, and to strengthen citizens' moral construction and cultural confidence. Such an endeavour not only enhances the country's cultural soft power, but is also a positive response to the changes of the times. At the same time, socialist education with Chinese characteristics is also placing greater emphasis on people's livelihoods and fairness and justice in the new era, and the public's pursuit of a high quality of life has become more intense. The rising demand for education, health, housing and the environment requires the government to pay more attention to livelihood improvement and social equity while promoting economic development. The concept of environmental protection and green development has become a social consensus, pointing to the goal of sustainable development. China's economic system is transforming into a more globally competitive modernisation and is seeking a broader space for development under the new pattern of globalisation. The changes brought about by this new era to Chinese education are not only challenges, but also opportunities. China not only needs to play an important role in the international arena, but also needs to deepen its internal reforms in order to raise the level of national education and contribute to the grand blueprint of high-quality economic development and national rejuvenation. Marxist education, as a guiding ideology, will continue to play an important role in this process, aiming to cultivate the talents needed by the times, promote the internalisation and practice of socialist core values, and ultimately realise socialist modernisation and the overall revitalization of the country.

The image of a human in the poetry of Abai Qunanbaiuly (1845-1904) and Ahmed Shawqi (1868-1932)

Relevance. The relevance of this study is conditioned by the importance of the variety of factors in the field of studying human nature and the concepts surrounding personality. Many researchers, working not only for the benefit of the literary world like Abai Qunanbaiuly and Ahmed Shawqi but also in the interests of philosophy, psychology, sociology, and many other sciences, put the phenomenon of human personality and identity at the centre of their studies. Purpose. The main purpose of the study is to analyse the image of a person in the poetry of two authors who worked on the same fundamental moral axes � Abai Qunanbaiuly and Ahmed Shawqi. Methodology. Research methods within the framework of this study were the ones that are basic for literary review. These include the analysis of poetic works, which reveals all the necessary categories, a historical method that allows getting acquainted with the specific features of the region of residence of poets or their historical homeland. Moreover, the psychological method was necessary for a more personal and deep acquaintance. Results. Abai Qunanbaiuly and Ahmed Shawqi both portrayed complex, flawed human characters in their poetry, emphasizing freedom, courage, and tolerance. They transcended cultural boundaries, blending regional heritage with European influences. Qunanbaiuly promoted progressive ideas like women's rights, while Shawqi combined simple language with emotionally rich depictions. Conclusions. Their nuanced portrayals of human nature continue to resonate globally, offering enduring insights into philosophical and psychological aspects of the human condition. Their work demonstrates lasting literary and cultural significance beyond their immediate contexts. Keywords: poetry; comparative approach; Abai Qunanbaiuly; Ahmed Shawqi; human image; literary creativity

A semi-automated software model to support AI ethics compliance assessment of an AI system guided by ethical principles of AI

AbstractCompliance with principles and guidelines for ethical AI has a significant impact on companies engaged in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Specifically, ethics is a broad concept that continuously evolves over time and across cultural and geographical boundaries. International organisations (IOs), individual states, and private groups, all have an interest in defining the concept of ethics of AI. IOs, as well as regional and national bodies, have issued many decisions on AI ethics. Developing a system that complies with the ethical framework poses a complex challenge for companies, and the consequences of not complying with ethical principles can have severe consequences, making compliance with these requirements a key issue for companies. Furthermore, there is a shortage of technical tools to ensure that such AI systems comply with ethical criteria. The scarcity of ethics compliance checking tools for AI, and the current focus on defining ethical guidelines for AI development, has led us to undertake a proposal consisting in a semi-automated software model to verify the ethical compliance of an AI system’s code. To implement this model, we focus on the following important aspects: (1) a literature review to identify existing ethical compliance systems, (2) a review of principles and guidelines for ethical AI to determine the international and European views regarding AI ethics, and (3) the identification of commonly accepted principles and sub-principles of AI. These elements served to inform (4) our proposal for the design of a semi-automated software for verifying the ethical compliance of AI systems both at design-time (ethics-by-design perspective) and afterwards on the resulting software.