Cultural Exchange Research Articles

A Theoretical Discussion on the Flow of Tourist Population and the Development of Tourism Market in Heilongjiang Province

This paper deeply discusses the basic law of tourist population flow and its influence on the development of tourism market in Heilongjiang Province. Under the background of the vigorous development of global tourism, the flow of tourist population, as the core element of tourism activities, has an important impact on the prosperity and sustainable development of regional tourism market, such as seasonal, spatial distribution and interactive effects. Through the detailed analysis of Heilongjiang tourism market, this paper reveals the market size, resource characteristics, challenges and problems of this market under the action of tourist population flow. Further, this paper analyzes the dual impact of tourist population flow on Heilongjiang tourism market, including the positive effect of promoting local economy, cultural exchange and industrial development, and the negative effect of environmental pressure, over-exploitation of resources and decline of service quality. At the same time, this paper puts forward some strategic suggestions to promote the sustainable development of Heilongjiang tourism market, including rational planning of tourist population flow, strengthening the protection and development of tourism resources, promoting the development of smart tourism, and strengthening regional cooperation and linkage. These suggestions are intended to provide theoretical basis and practical guidance for the scientific planning and management of Heilongjiang's tourism market, and help it achieve long-term prosperity and sustainable development.

The impact of emotional solidarity on festivals visitors' satisfaction. Does the festival authenticity matter?

Festivals offer more than just entertainment, it considered a powerful platform for emotional connection and cultural exchange. This study explores the impact of emotional solidarity on festival visitors' satisfaction. It also examines the moderating role of festival authenticity in the relationship between emotional solidarity and festival visitors’ satisfaction. Quantitative approach using 456 self-administered questionnaire directed to festival visitors in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The findings reveal that all three dimensions of emotional solidarity welcoming nature, emotional closeness, and sympathetic understanding have a direct and significant positive impact on visitors' satisfaction. Furthermore, festival authenticity plays as a moderator between emotional solidarity dimensions and festival visitors’ satisfaction. The study discusses both theoretical and practical implications of these findings for festival organizers and tourism researchers.

Performing Peace and Friendship. The World Youth Festivals and Soviet Cultural Diplomacy

Pia Koivunens monografi Performing Peace and Friendship: The World Youth Festivals and Soviet Cultural Diplomacy analyserer og diskuterer rekka av internasjonale ungdomsfestivalar i sosialistiske land i perioden 1947–1957, med særleg vekt på festivalen i Moskva i 1957. Pia Koivunen’s monograph Performing Peace and Friendship: The World Youth Festivals and Soviet Cultural Diplomacy analyses and discusses the series of international youth festivals in socialist countries in the years 1947–1957, with a particular focus on the Moscow festival of 1957.

Internet Addiction: Influencing Academic, Non-academic and Psychological Aspects in Offshore Malaysian Medical Students

Excessive internet usage creates abundant problems like dependency and addictive behaviour. Internet addiction (IA) is becoming a universal public health concern. The isolated group of Malaysian students studying in offshore campuses in India is more susceptible to IA due to language, culture, ethnicity, and food habit differences, leading to a lack of communication with native students. The study aims to determine the prevalence of IA and its influence on academic, non-academic, and psychological aspects in Malaysian medical students. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 170 offshore Malaysian medical students using Young’s Internet Addiction Test (Y-IAT) questionnaire of 20 items. The difference was tested by student’s t-test and the association between IA and other factors by chi-square test with a statistical significance at 5%. The study observed a 46% prevalence of IA in offshore Malaysian medical students. Male students were more prone to IA compared to females. The amount of time spent on entertainment per day was significantly (p = 0.004) associated with IA. The present study revealed that the prevalence of IA was significantly associated with academic performance (χ2 = 33.670, p = 0.001) and psychological disturbances like sleep disturbance due to late-night log-ins (χ2 = 41.013, p = 0.001), felt life would always be joyless (χ2 = 27.272, p = 0.001) and, depressed moody without internet (χ2 = 33.347, p = 0.001). The present study revealed that IA has an adverse impact on students’ academic activities as well as on psychological health. Medical teachers and schools should identify students who are prone to and affected by IA and recommend interventions based on their needs. This study recommends that students utilise their valuable time in offline activities like regular sports, cultural exchange programmes, fun activities, yoga, meditation, and learning new skills and languages. These activities may help students prevent overindulgence with the internet, encourage the overall growth of promising doctors, and build a healthy society.

Princess power: Deconstructing the influence of popular culture on local traditions in a novel

The study employed a descriptive methodology with a cultural perspective, with a key focus on dissecting the novel ‘Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia’ by Jean Sasson published in 1993 to explore the impact of popular culture on the identity of Saudi women, focusing on the princesses within the royal palace. The cultural environment of Saudi Arabia presents a complex scenario for women as they reconcile traditional Islamic values with pervasive Westernized influences. This inquiry scrutinized how popular culture, introduced through migration and media exposure, molded Saudi women’s attitudes and actions, particularly those of the royal lineage. This novel is the source of data for the research. The analysis focused on themes, representations, and cultural significance. It examined language, imagery, and narratives to uncover meanings and relate them to broader societal issues, ultimately revealing how popular culture reflects or challenges prevailing ideologies. The findings revealed Sultana’s struggle to balance her Saudi princess identity with Western influences, revealing the complexities of cultural exchange, marriage practices, and societal expectations in both Western and Islamic contexts. Sasson’s narrative highlights how global influences, particularly Western culture, shape perceptions and interactions, enriching yet complicating societal norms. Vivid depictions of gender roles, sensory experiences, and emotional responses underline the ongoing struggles women face in patriarchal societies. These stories provide an understanding of the intersections of culture, gender, and identity, reflecting personal journeys while echoing broader themes of empowerment, resistance, and evolving cultural identities in a globalized world.

Exploring the Construction of University Campus Culture in the Multi-Campus Educational Setting

The establishment of new campuses has expanded the educational space, while bringing about integration and connection issues in campus culture across different campuses, questioning the homogeneity of university campuses. The main issue facing the construction of campus culture in a multi-campus setting is how to address the coordination of cultural integration among multiple campuses to achieve uniform quality across campuses. Inheritance serves as the foundation of campus culture construction in a multi-campus setting, connection acts as the path, and innovation points the direction. Strategies such as cultural edification, value shaping, cultural exchange, and social interaction can be adopted to promote campus culture construction.

Spatial Expansion, Planning, and Their Influences on the Urban Landscape of Christian Churches in Canton (1582–1732 and 1844–1911)

Canton (present-day Guangzhou, China) has a long history as a trading port and serves as a window for studying the history of Sino-Western cultural exchanges. Canton was a city built under Confucian orders, leading to significant differences (when compared to Christian cities) in urban functional zoning, layout, urban landscape, and methods for shaping spatial order. Therefore, the churches constructed by Christian missionary societies in Canton merit particular attention in missionary history research and urban planning history. Based on local gazetteers, historical maps, export paintings, Western travelogues, and archives at that time, from a cultural landscape perspective, this article compares and analyzes the spatial expansion of Christian churches and their influences on the urban landscape in Canton in two stages. In the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, the spatial layout of the churches indicated an active integration into Canton City. After the Opium War, churches were not only used for religious purposes but also served as symbols asserting the presence of Christians and Western powers (which made the situation more complicated). Missionary societies attracted believers through the construction of public facilities, building Christian communities centered around churches, thereby competing with authorities for spatial power and influencing the urban functional system and spatial layout controlled by the authorities. Comparatively, the Roman Catholic Cathedral has profoundly changed the traditional landscape order in Canton, while the Protestant Dongshan Church interacted more closely with the city.

Creative City Brand Building on Social Media Platforms

With the advent of the digital age, social media has become an important tool to shape the image of a city's brand. This paper aims to explore how to use social media platforms to build creative city brands, so as to enhance the attractiveness and competitiveness of cities. Through the study of many successful cases at home and abroad, combined with the theory of social media communication and the theory of urban brand image, this paper analyzes the mechanism of social media in urban brand promotion. The research adopted a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, including online questionnaire survey, social media data analysis and in-depth interviews, to collect and analyze relevant data. The results show that social media can not only increase the visibility of cities, but also promote cultural exchanges and economic cooperation. In addition, the study found that personalized content creation, interactive user engagement, and sustained brand storytelling are key factors for successful city branding on social media. Finally, this paper puts forward suggestions on social media marketing strategies for different types of cities, and points out that future research should pay attention to the impact of changes in social media platform algorithms on the effectiveness of urban brand communication. This study provides a practical reference for city managers to promote city image more effectively in the new media environment.

A Cognitive Translation Study of Traditional Chinese Health Preservation Culture: Semantic Reconstruction and Cross-cultural Transmission

This study centers on the cognitive translation of traditional Chinese health preservation culture, presenting innovative and practical insights. By employing cognitive translation theory, including cognitive schemas and concept integration, this study addresses translation challenges and proposes semantic reconstruction principles. The research delves into cultural barriers and solutions, as evidenced by case studies like the “Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor” and “Treatise on Febrile Diseases.” Future efforts should expand case studies and refine cross-cultural transmission strategies. Integrating traditional Chinese health preservation culture with modern technology will further promote global communication and cultural exchange.

DEVELOPMENT OF LINGVOCULTURAL COMPETENCE IN THE DIGITALIZATION PROCESS

This article is devoted to the problem of the development of lingvocultural competence in students in the process of digitalization. The aim of this article is to examine the impact of digitalization on the development of lingvocultural competence, focusing on how digital tools and technologies can enhance the teaching and learning of cultural and linguistic knowledge in an increasingly globalized world. This article employs a mixed-methods approach to explore the development of lingvocultural competence in the context of digitalization. The main research methods are a qualitative analysis of selected case studies performed to illustrate how digital tools and platforms (e.g. online language learning platforms, digital tools for intercultural communication) are currently being used to develop linguistic and cultural competence. Lingvocultural competence, the ability to understand and effectively use language in relation to the cultural values and practices it reflects, is becoming increasingly important in the digital era, where communication transcends national and cultural boundaries. The article analyzes how digital technologies, online learning platforms, and digital communication tools influence the teaching and learning of lingvocultural knowledge. It also examines the challenges and opportunities presented by digitalization in promoting intercultural understanding. Through a review of current digital resources and methodologies, the article provides insight into how educators can leverage these tools to enhance lingvocultural competence among students. The findings suggest that while digitalization offers new avenues for cultural and linguistic exchange, it also requires innovative approaches to ensure effective and culturally sensitive communication in a globalized digital world.

Research into intergenerational differences among Chinese female tourists consuming Thai cosmetics

Consumers, particularly women, pursue beauty and health in order to uphold their image within society, which has contributed to consistent demand for cosmetics. The cosmetics market, driven by globalization and cultural exchange, sees Thai cosmetics gaining popularity among Chinese women. There has been a significant rise in the popularity of Thai cosmetics, known for their natural ingredients and innovative formulations. With a growing interest in cross-cultural consumer behaviour, particularly in the context of skincare and make-up products, understanding how different age groups perceive and choose Thai cosmetics is crucial for effective marketing strategies. The main issue is the development of consumer preferences over time among Chinese women who have only recently been given the opportunity to choose among many brands. This qualitative study explores the intergenerational differences in Chinese female consumers’ preferences for Thai cosmetics, aiming to uncover rich insights into their perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours. The target population is female Chinese who have visited Thailand and purchased or used Thai-branded cosmetics. Key themes emerge regarding the perception of product efficacy, the cultural authenticity and the role of digital media and trends in influencing product choices. Findings highlight nuanced generational preferences, with older cohorts emphasizing trust and familiarity with established brands, while younger cohorts prioritize innovation, sustainability, and personalized beauty experiences. These insights provide valuable implications for marketers seeking to tailor strategies and product offerings to engage effectively diverse generational segments within the competitive cosmetics market.

Copra Production at the “End” of the World

Abstract Often mentioned only as a brief reference, the port town of Ende was a crucial player in a network connecting Arabic, Chinese, Indian, and Javanese merchants with the trade in valuable commodities from Eastern Indonesia. This article explores the cultural and economic exchanges at the heart of Endenese identity through archival research, historical ecology, oral histories, and ethnography. Known to the Dutch as a pirate and slaving centre, Ende was the most significant force in the Savu Sea until 1907. With the local economy reshaped to produce agricultural staples in the early twentieth century, Ende experienced a minor boom by exporting copra, or dried coconut husks. In this article, I reconstruct the complex commodity dynamics that silently shaped Ende. “Invisibilised” by colonial and Indonesian forces, I identify Ende’s peripheralisation as the deliberate consequence of the consolidation of governance power among outside elites and the disempowerment of local groups. I conclude by showing the value of ethnographic tools in retelling the stories of those who were once at the centre of the world.

The British Broadsheet Press and the Representation of “The Mosque” in the Aftermath of Post-7/7 Britain

The role of the mosque has become increasingly vital, particularly in contemporary societies such as Britain, where both the place and status of religion in public life are constantly discussed and debated. Indeed, in the contemporary period, the role of the mosque has several dimensions, ranging from a social space, educational and cultural exchange, and community cohesion centre to a knowledge hub. In this context, this paper suggests that a mosque should be seen as an independent religious institution, although these are influenced by and responsive to governments, elites, pressure groups, public bodies, etc. Using a thematic analysis of news items in The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph over a period of two years (8 July 2005–7 July 2007), it finds that in the aftermath of 7/7, the mosque as a religious place and an institution for British Muslims is largely seen as incompatible and a threat to secular British society and that it is linked with radicalisation and terrorism. According to Quranic texts and revelations, it is indeed a fact that mosques are open to all. This is logical since God’s mercy, love, and forgiveness are for all of mankind without any distinction, which is perhaps why the mosque has been the sacred house of God Himself. This study aims to reveal the development of visible hostility in some sections of the British media and political campaigns. Moreover, it intends to trace the determination and idea of the mosque as a religious place and an institution for British Muslims rather than only a place for worship. Finally, this study will argue the role of the mosque in promoting community cohesion and mutual understanding within the Muslim and other faith communities located in Britain.

THE IMPACT OF THE NEW SILK ROAD INITIATIVE ON THE INTERNATIONAL BALANCE OF POWER

This article examines the effects of the new Silk Road initiative, known as the "Belt and Road Initiative," on the international balance of power. It addresses its impact on revitalizing trade and relations among world nations, both culturally and geopolitically. It also discusses the role of the road in cultural exchange, intellectual and cultural interchange, and its contribution to reducing Western dominance and promoting global peace. The study concludes that the new Silk Road holds strategic importance in reshaping global power balances and the existing international system. The descriptive and analytical methods were employed to review the motives, causes, and challenges of reviving and re-establishing the Silk Road, along with analyzing trade-related figures. Additionally, historical methodology was occasionally used to recount the establishment of the Silk Road.

The Road User Perception of Municipal Road Deterioration: A Case Majalengka West Java

Municipal Roads are local infrastructure and serve as global routes for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Damage to roads is a topic of much urgent discussion in Indonesia. The aim of research on road damage in municipal roads, Majalengka, is to investigate the causes and impacts of road damage in the area. The research location to be carried out is Jalan Baribis in the Majalengka district. This research uses qualitative methods with perception analysis to study the various factors that cause damage to roads in the city of Majalengka and their Impact on society. When passing through Jalan Baribis, Majalengka, the respondents' data was divided into gender, vehicle used, and age. Based on the questionnaire results, the variable that received the highest importance value was the effect of road damage on two-wheeled vehicles and pedestrians, with an average value of 4.8. The variable that received the lowest importance value was road damage to public facility services, with an average value of 4.2. Meanwhile, the variable that received the highest satisfaction score was the effect of road damage on two-wheeled vehicles and pedestrians, with an average value of 2.6. On the other hand, the variable that got the lowest satisfaction score was the effect of road damage on heavy vehicles, with an average value of 2.14. From the research results, the level of importance of damage to road sections to road users has an average value of 4.48, which shows that repairing damaged road sections is very important.

Translation of Artifact Names Based on Toury’s Norms Theory: A Case Study of the National Museum of China

Amid increasing global cultural and intellectual exchange, China’s cultural interactions with the West have intensified. The National Museum of China, as one of the most internationally recognized Chinese museums, plays an important role in this exchange through the English translation of its artifact names. This paper applies Toury’s translation norms theory to analyze the English translations of artifact names at the museum, using a corpus of bilingual names collected through fieldwork. The analysis highlights how sociocultural factors and a preference for foreignization heavily influence the museum’s translation practices. The museum employs various translation methods, including literal translation, annotation, and transliteration, depending on the type of artifact. By offering practical insights for translators, this research aims to enhance the quality of museum text translations and contribute to the broader efforts made by museums to share Chinese culture with the world.

Comparative Analysis of the "H"-shaped Symbol from Göbekli Tepe and the Ritual "Binocular-shaped" Ceramics of the Trypillia Culture in Light of Ancient Farmers' Cosmological Beliefs

This article is dedicated to a comprehensive analysis and interpretation of the sacred "H"-shaped symbolism, which originates from the ancient temple complex of hunter-gatherers and early farmers of the Near East – Göbekli Tepe. The research identifies and analyzes a similar symbol found in the religious complex of ancient farmers in the territory of modern Ukraine, specifically in the Trypillia culture and its ceramic artifacts known as "Trypillia binoculars." A comparative analysis of these symbols is conducted within the context of the cosmological beliefs of early farming societies in Asia and Europe. Special attention is given to interpreting this symbolism as a reflection of complex religious and philosophical concepts related to the cyclicality of nature, the movement of celestial bodies, and the unity of heaven and earth. The research examines the architectural features of Göbekli Tepe, particularly the arrangement of the T-shaped columns, and their potential astronomical purpose. The author hypothesizes a connection between the physical structure of the temple complex, its T-shaped columns, and the formation of abstract "H"-type symbols. Parallels are drawn between the symbolism of Göbekli Tepe and the ritual artifacts of the Trypillia culture, allowing the hypothesis of shared cosmological concepts between various early farming cultures, despite significant geographical and temporal distances. This article offers a new perspective on the development of religious thought in ancient societies, highlighting the depth and complexity of their spiritual ideas. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the cultural connections and exchange of ideas between ancient civilizations of the Near East and Europe.

The Bee Fertilizes the Flower She Robs: Analysing the Diplomatic Games of Carrot, Soft Power and National Interests for Access to Natural Resources in Papua New Guinea

Purpose: This paper conducts a nuanced exploration of Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) intricate diplomatic landscape through the metaphor "The Bee Fertilizes the Flower She Robs." This conceptual framework elucidates the complex interplay between soft power, national interests, and resource access among global powers - namely Australia, China, and the United States - in the strategically significant Asia-Pacific region. By situating PNG within this geopolitical contest, this study aims to deepen understanding of how these states navigate power dynamics, particularly regarding PNG's abundant natural resources. Materials and Method: Employing a qualitative methodological approach, this research employs case analysis as its primary investigative tool. Selected case studies critically examine the diplomatic strategies executed by Australia, China, and the United States in PNG, focusing on soft power mechanisms such as cultural diplomacy, development assistance, and foreign direct investment. The analysis is grounded in a comprehensive review of primary and secondary sources, including diplomatic documents and investment reports, to capture the multifaceted nature of international relations in PNG. Findings: The findings reveal a paradox: while foreign investment catalyses economic development in PNG, it simultaneously engenders dependencies that can jeopardize sovereignty. The divergent strategies of Australia, China, and the United States manifest as a blend of cooperation and competition, accompanied by significant ethical considerations regarding environmental sustainability and community displacement. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study advances the discourse surrounding soft power, urging a re-evaluation of its role as both an instrument of influence and a potential source of dependency. Policymakers in PNG are encouraged to establish regulatory frameworks that ensure transparency, prioritize local agency, and promote sustainability, thereby navigating complex international engagements while safeguarding their sovereign interests.

The Impact of Hu’s Music Diplomacy on Mongolia’s Tourism National Branding Program

This study aims to analyze the impact of Hu's music diplomacy on Mongolia's national branding program. The study employs a descriptive qualitative method with secondary data analysis from journal articles, books, relevant reports, and media covering The Hu's activities. The results indicate that The Hu, with their unique approach of combining traditional Mongolian music elements with modern rock, has successfully raised global awareness of Mongolian culture and enhanced the country's positive image. Their international performances received awards, and collaborations with renowned musicians have introduced Mongolian cultural elements to a wider audience, creating curiosity and appreciation for Mongolia's cultural heritage. Strategic recommendations include greater government support, enhanced collaboration with digital platforms, and educational and cultural exchange programs.

Mosaic pattern of sustained rice domestication and its environmental and cultural implications in Neolithic East China

China is one of the main locations in which rice agriculture occurs, with East China now playing a significant role in research on rice domestication and culture interactions. However, the exact timing of sustained rice domestication and the process of prehistoric cultural exchange in East China remain unclear. Here, we present phytolith records of two profiles from Lingjiatan in the Chaohu Lake Basin. Our results show that rice cultivation was practiced throughout the Lingjiatan culture period (5800-5300 cal BP), and that sustained rice domestication began around 5500 cal BP, which was later than on the Taihu Plain (∼6200 cal BP), Ningshao Plain (∼5800 cal BP), and along the middle and lower Huai River (∼5800 cal BP). Combining other archaeological records and geomorphological features in East China, we hypothesize three possible routes for the spread of rice cultivation and cultural exchange between the lower Yangtze River and the middle and lower Huai River. Lingjiatan, situated at the intersection of two of the possible routes, experienced a gradual increase in its settled population as a result of cultural exchange and technological innovations in cultivation, thereby giving rise to its distinctive culture. This study demonstrates the significant role of Lingjiatan in facilitating transportation and fostering cultural exchange in East China during the mid-Holocene.