Cultural Elements Research Articles

Democracy as Religion in the Context of the Global Governance System

Introduction. The article examines the modern understanding of democracy as a religious belief system. New technologies and globalization open up opportunities to influence all spheres of society, which makes it possible to impose ethical standards and moral ideals through political technologies and propaganda. Understanding democracy as a new kind of religion allows us to get a full-fledged view of all key elements of the current culture of the modern world, which determines the main semantic content of global revolutionary transformations. Its consideration in the spiritual dimension is an additional vector for the study of social and political processes of globalization. Taking into account the increasing of tensions in the global political arena and the deepening interdependence of all international actors, such an approach can play an important role in their analysis and forecasting. The object of study is democracy; the subject of the study is the specifics of the modern vision of democracy, democratic values and ideals as a special form of religious cult. The purpose of the study is to identify the role of democracy, its new moral values and guidelines in the context of global revolutionary transformations.Materials and methods. The methodological basis of the study was following general scientific and special methods: method of system analysis; historical-genetic method; phenomenological method; analytical method; historical method; contextual analysis and formal logical research methods.Research results. The authors analyzed the specifics of the dominant interpretation of democratic values and goals in the context of Western political culture. The main elements of the new system of beliefs, their relationship, evolution and place in the modern world are revealed. The results obtained allow us to conclude that democracy is being transformed into a special form of cult, which has the characteristic features of religious teaching.Discussion and conclusion. The ideology of people's rule has lost its original meaning, turning into a special cult that serves as an instrument of social management, without taking into account traditional cultures, the diversity of societies and states, and the national identities of peoples. Democracy as a religion without God has become an instrument of the world information agenda, exploiting faith to build a new world order.

At the Intersection of Cinema and Architecture: An Exploration of How Architectural Space Design Transforms into a Subject of Resistance in the Film 'Leyla's Brothers'

The use of space holds a distinctive place in cinematic narrative, as spaces created primarily in adherence to the story are also intertwined with the ideological stance within the narrative. Transforming a place into a space is possible through communication established with that place, and a location initially planned as four walls becomes a space through interaction with individuals. In cinema, space is a distinctive area where the story unfolds, and the narrative is directly shared with the audience. Thus, the ideological nature of space within the context of the story also finds its place in the cinematic narrative. The relationship between cinema and space signifies the combination of visual and spatial elements in the art of cinema, conveying a specific atmosphere, emotion, or meaning on the aesthetic plane to the audience. This relationship involves the ability of filmmakers, producers, and cinematographers to offer a certain experience to the audience by selecting specific locations, while also reflecting the director's subjective perspective in the film, taking the audience on a journey. Architectural design of spaces not only advance the flow of the story and lead the character development but also manage conflict areas. A specific location can alter the dynamics of relationships between characters. The film "Leyla's Brothers" (2022), directed by the Iranian filmmaker Saeed Roustaee, serves as a symbolic example of the strong structure of cinema by attempting to convey inter-sibling conflicts to the audience in ideological, cultural, and societal terms. It also emphasizes the significant role of architecturally designed cinematic spaces in conveying these nuances. In this context, the study attempts to discuss the film "Leyla's Brothers" within the framework of Henri Lefebvre's spatial theory, providing a comprehensive perspective that goes beyond the physical environment to understand social relationships, power dynamics, and cultural structures. Lefebvre regards space not only as a physical area but also as a social, cultural, and political phenomenon. His space theory argues for the understanding of space in conjunction with social relations. The analysis aims to explore the film within the power of cinema to reflect social dynamics and cultural elements, considering the societal dynamics of Iran.

Transcultural Appropriation and Aesthetic Breakthrough of Hollywood Film Noir in Contemporary Taiwan Suspense Thriller Films: A Case Study of Who Killed Cock Robin (2017)

The production of suspense thriller films has recently surged in Taiwan. These films adopt narrative techniques and visual aesthetics reminiscent of classic and neo-noir Hollywood cinema but also address social issues in Taiwan and represent transcultural aesthetic appropriation of film noir. This article employs a case study approach to examine the narrative and visual style of the Taiwanese suspense thriller Who Killed Cock Robin (2017), using film narratology as a textual analytical framework. This study considers themes, characters, visual style, and narrative structures, focusing on fundamental characteristics of classic film noir and neo-noir. This study reveals that the selected film both appropriates and deviates from the aesthetics of Hollywood film noir. It effectively incorporates aesthetic elements from classic Hollywood film noir and neo-noir, enriching the intricacies of storytelling and character depiction, while also localizing them through complex narrative strategies and nuanced Taiwanese cultural and social elements. The film brings attention to several prevalent issues in Taiwan’s media landscape, including truth manipulation, sensationalism, tabloidization, and conglomerate and political control. The film portrays Yi-Chi as a morally compromised character embodying the detective archetype with classic noir traits, while also reflecting the “Eastern mentality” in Taiwan journalism. Despite his moral compromises, Yi-Chi partly retains traditional virtues, presenting a nuanced view of human nature that blends pessimism and optimism in Taiwan. This approach creates a distinct cross-cultural narrative that resonates emotionally with Taiwanese audiences, while also contributing to the broader global cinematic discourse on film noir.

Studying Some Illegal Ways of Speaking in Vietnamese Life on The Basis of Pragmatic Theory

Vietnamese language life always contains many interesting illogical expressions. These illogical expressions reflect the way of thinking as well as cultural elements of the Vietnamese. By statistical methods and linguistic analysis, the report presents some illogical expressions in linguistic life and is based on the theory of pragmatics. These will be specific instructions towards effective service for the process of teaching Vietnamese to foreigners.

Exploring the Trends and Reasons for Chinese Mainland Consumers' Extra Consumption of Western Festivals Take Christmas in Shanghai as an Example

This study focuses on the consumption patterns of Chinese mainland consumers during Western festivals, using the Christmas shopping habits of Shanghai residents as a case study. The aim is to explore the impact of Western festivals on consumer spending trends and habits and identify the factors driving these changes. Drawing on a comprehensive review of relevant literature and employing a questionnaire analysis method, the findings reveal that some Shanghai consumers significantly increase their spending in comparison to everyday life during Western holidays, exemplified by Christmas. However, a considerable number of consumers choose to allocate minimal or no funds for expenditures during the holiday season, with no significant difference between the two groups. Consumers are more willing to allocate their funds towards cultural products, including holiday-related items. In the context of cultural exchange, the influence of new cultural elements and commercial marketing strategies play a crucial role in shaping the consumption trends associated with Christmas.

The Inheritance and Integration of Chinese Traditional Culture in College English Teaching and Learning

In the context of globalization, the integration of traditional Chinese culture in university English teaching is particularly important. This paper discusses the value of inheriting and integrating traditional Chinese culture in university English teaching, including enhancing students’ sense of cultural identity, cultivating students' cultural appreciation, enriching the content of English teaching as well as promoting cultural innovation and development. At the same time, corresponding strategies are proposed, such as integrating traditional cultural elements with curriculum content, adopting diversified methods to feel the charm of traditional culture, using scientific and technological means to enrich traditional cultural resources, organizing practical activities to enhance the awareness of cultural inheritance, and enhancing teachers’ qualifications to optimize the path of cultural inheritance. The implementation of these strategies will help to effectively inherit and integrate traditional Chinese culture into university English teaching, cultivate students’ intercultural communication skills, and promote the inheritance and development of excellent traditional Chinese culture.

Integrating Regional Culture and College English Teaching by Introducing “Telling Guangxi’s Story” to College English Classes

With globalization, research in intercultural communication and language teaching is becoming more in-depth and extensive. In this context, integrating regional cultural elements into English teaching holds significant value. Exploring the role of regional cultural factors in enhancing cross-cultural communication skills and English learning can offer new perspectives and methodologies for college English education. This study aims to integrate regional culture into college English teaching, particularly focusing on “telling Guangxi’s story.” The goals of this research include improving college students’ learning effectiveness and interest, providing a deeper understanding of Guangxi’s history, culture, and characteristics, and fostering an appreciation and respect for different regional cultures. Additionally, the study seeks to enhance students’ cross-cultural communication skills, cultural cognition, cultural identity, and cultural self-confidence. By doing so, it also contributes to the inheritance and development of local culture in Guangxi, promoting a modern educational approach that bridges local and global cultural understanding.

Food Culture: Identification of Typical Food and Dishes of a Municipality in the Northeast Region of Brazil

Objective: The aim was to map among the interviewed population of Lagarto/SE which savory and sweet typical foods and preparations are considered characteristic of the city. Theoretical Framework: The relationship between travel, cuisine, and culture highlights their economic potential by transforming gastronomy and tourism into strategic ventures. Emphasizing the preservation of gastronomic legacies as cultural expressions and the adaptation of dining spaces to reflect this perspective. Additionally, cultural tourism enriches visitors' experiences and promotes economic development. Therefore, regional cuisine is an essential element of daily life and a tourist attraction, connecting people and reflecting local culture. However, the influence of globalization and fast-food chains has impacted eating habits, raising concerns about health and the decline of communal dining. Method: Cross-sectional study, conducted qualitatively, involving the administration of a questionnaire with questions related to the population's profile and the municipality's food identity. The data were evaluated using Microsoft Excel, presenting absolute and relative values. Results and Discussion: There was a predominance of women (63.4%) and the dominant age group was 18 to 25 years old (27.2%). How much to marital status, there was a predominance of singles (45.5%). Regarding education, 29.5% had incomplete primary education and most of the interviewees received less than 1 minimum wage (44.1%). The typical food reported was cassava (39.2%), followed by jackfruit (15.4%). The salty preparation was maniçoba (27.4%), accompanied by rice with chicken (17%) and couscous (16.2%) and the sweet preparation, was milk sweet (33.7%), followed by rice sweet (11.4%). The research highlights the Lizard gastronomic culture, in a way that rescues, values and, above all, enhances this local cultural element so that it is not forgotten either by the residents or by its visitors. Research Implications: Generating scientific data from the Brazilian Northeast region to support discussions around the gastronomic approach. Therefore, it is necessary to invest in knowledge production about gastronomy linked to technical development. Originality/Value: It is justified by the need for scientific studies that contribute data on gastronomy and its relationship with tourism and culture in order to broaden the knowledge of Brazilian population's gastronomic practices, aiming to encourage and valorize them.

Spread of Ideas: The Legacy of Diffusionism School

This comprehensive analysis explores the concept and development of diffusionism throughout the history of anthropology. Diffusionism, a theory that emerged in the early 20th century, posits that cultural elements are assimilated and disseminated throughout multiple nations, leading to transformative shifts in society. The German and British diffusionist schools were the primary institutions that concentrated on the transmission of cultural characteristics across temporal and spatial dimensions. The notion of "culture circles," first proposed by German diffusionism, led by figures like Wilhelm Schmidt and Robert Fritz Craebner, posited that the cultural traits of ancient civilizations spread to the surrounding regions. British diffusionism, spearheaded by Grafton Elliot Smith and V. J. Perry, emphasized Egypt as the birthplace of civilization and attributed cultural advancements to Egyptian origins. Franz Boas, the founder of the US diffusionist school, advocated for a historical-cultural perspective that opposed the idea of linear progress. Boas emphasized the importance of culture as a unified entity shaped by particular historical circumstances and dismissed notions of cultural advancement. Notable American diffusionists include J. Robert Lowie, Edward Sapir, Clark Wissler, and Alfred Louis Kroeber. Kroeber's examination of women's fashion trends and cultural zeniths demonstrates the multifaceted nature of diffusionist analysis. Lowie's study focused on challenging linear evolution ideas and emphasizing the crucial significance of spatial dispersion in understanding cultural events. Wissler concentrated on the biological components of disperse on, whereas Sapir examined how individual personalities shape cultural patterns. While diffusionism is not as common in modern anthropology, it is important for comprehending the intricacies of cultural transmission and societal progress. Diffusionism provides valuable insights into the dynamics of human culture and civilization by examining historical processes, geographic distribution, and cultural interaction.

Tourist flows and protection of cultural heritage in Andalusia (Spain): An econometric analysis with panel data

This article analyzes the influence of heritage labeling on tourist flows in Andalusia (Spain). Some of the labels considered correspond to public registries whose purpose is the protection of heritage, while others correspond to specific recognitions aimed at promoting tourism and local development. A data panel of 31 tourist destinations covering the entire territory of Andalusia has been constructed for the period 2009-2022, incorporating the tourist flows of travelers as response variables and the density of the different typologies of cultural heritage elements as explanatory variables and different control variables. Different models with temporal and transversal effects have been estimated, aimed at evaluating the contribution of different typologies of cultural heritage on traveler flows. The results show that cultural heritage has a significant effect on tourist flows in Andalusia, but with a different distribution depending on the type of flow and the typology of the tourist destination.

Cultural cures for the disconnected mind.

The current article advances the hypothesis that creative culture evolved, in part, to allay the costs of the overgrown human brain and the cognitive integration limit that it imposes. Specific features can be expected among cultural elements best suited to allaying the integration limit and also among the neurocognitive mechanisms that might undergird these cultural effects. Music, visual art, and meditation are used as examples to illustrate how culture helps to bridge or sidestep the integration limit. Tiered religious, philosophical, and psychological concepts are considered in light of their reflection of the tiered process of cognitive integration. The link between creativity and mental illness is offered as additional support for the role of cognitive disconnection as a wellspring of cultural creativity, and I propose that this link can be harnessed in defense of neurodiversity. Developmental and evolutionary implications of the integration limit are discussed.

Study of the Cultivation of Cultural Awareness in Senior High School English Teaching

This study takes a high school senior English teacher and students in a high school in Chengdu as the research subjects, and uses questionnaire survey method and interview method to understand the current situation of cultivating students’ cultural awareness in high school English teaching. The findings revealed that the following problems exist in the cultivation of cultural awareness in schools: weak cultural literacy of teachers and students, heavy teaching tasks under exam-oriented education without time for the cultivation of cultural awareness, a single approach to teaching culture, and insufficient depth of teachers’ exploration of cultural elements in the new curriculum and teaching materials. In response to the above problems, the author puts forward teaching suggestions based on the current situation of high school culture teaching from three aspects: schools, teachers and students, in order to promote the cultivation of cultural awareness among high school students.

Long-term oriented culture, performance pressure and corporate innovation: Evidence from China.

This paper extracts culture element of long-term orientation from Chinese listed firm's annual report, then argue and testify whether long-term orientation can help firms to hang on risky decision especially as innovation, when firms are under performance pressure. There are three main conclusions. First, we report that the higher degree of long-term oriented culture a firm has, the stronger innovation capability the firm shows. Second, we find that long-term oriented culture can improve employee's educational qualification to promote corporate innovation, as well as improve the corporate internal control to promote innovation. Third, when firms are subjected to internal or external performance pressure in their business process, higher long-term oriented culture will make firms more innovative.

Tradition and Modernization of Thai Music and Dance Art

Thailand, as one of the important representatives of Southeast Asian culture, has a long history of music and dance art. It integrates various cultural elements such as Thai, Chinese, and Indian, forming a unique and diverse artistic style. With the development of society and the exchange of culture, Thai music and dance constantly evolve between tradition and modernity, showing rich artistic charm. This paper aims to explore the significance of Thai music and dance in cultural inheritance, artistic innovation, and international exchange through the study of Thai music and dance.

Subtitle Translation of Chinese Elements in View of Cultural Translation: A Case Study of Ne Zha: I Am the Destiny

Guided by Bassnett’s cultural translation theory, this paper probes the strategies and methods used in subtitle translation of film and television productions containing Chinese elements. Taking the translation of lines from Ne Zha: I Am the Destiny, it analyzes the language expressions of Chinese tradition and categorizes the methods of dealing with cultural elements in the translation process. The aim is to elevate the translation quality of film subtitles from a cultural perspective, facilitating better communication between the original-language films and target-language audiences, and promoting cross-cultural exchanges.

Unveiling Cultural Heritage: Exploring the Perceived Online Destination Image of China’s Cultural Heritage Destination and Narrative Strategy in Travel Vlogs

ABSTRACT From the perspective of cultural heritage tourism, this study aimed to explore the narrative strategy utilized in travel vlogs and the perceived online destination image of Meishan City through travel vlogs. Grounded in an interpretivism paradigm, data was collected from WeChat Channels, and a five-element narrative analysis method was adopted to analyze six travel vlogs. The findings revealed that travel vlogs display the online destination image of Meishan City as an authentic cultural heritage destination. The study further identified a three-stage narrative strategy utilized in travel vlogs that effectively integrates intangible and tangible cultural heritage destination elements, including narrative enrichment, narrative ascendant, and narrative resonance. It further enhances the online destination image and highlights the significance of Chinese cultural heritage. This work provides valuable theoretical and practical implications for cultural heritage destination studies and marketing practice.

Folktales of Bihar: A Study of the Animal Characters

Cultural elements in folktales can manifest through idiomatic expressions, metaphors, proverbs, or references to specific historical events or figures. Each of these elements holds significant cultural value, enriching the story and providing insights into the community's collective experiences and values. In India, folktales are cherished by millions for their entertainment and aesthetic value. These tales are typically passed down orally from one generation to the next, and in more recent times, they may also be found in written form. Folktales from different regions reflect the thoughts, traditions, and culture of their people, providing both entertainment and insight into their past and present customs. Bihar is one of the most important states of India, located in the eastern region of the country, and has a rich tradition of folk culture. We often observe the representation of animal characters in folktales. In the context of the folktales of Bihar, we can also observe the depiction of different types of animal beings. The purpose of this study is to analyze how the animals are represented in the context of folktales of Bihar. To undertake this study, we need to utilize the descriptive analysis approach. To undertake this study, we need to utilize the descriptive analysis approach.

Assessment of Living Room Furniture Arrangement on Wellbeing Case Study Jeddah Residents, Saudi Arabia

This review explores the impact of living room furniture arrangement on the wellbeing of residents in Jeddah, integrating cultural, environmental, and psychological perspectives. It synthesizes findings from various qualitative studies, highlighting the significant role of cultural and traditional elements in living space design. The review emphasizes the importance of biophilic design, adaptability, and flexibility in modern living spaces, particularly in the context of post-COVID-19 lifestyle changes. It also examines the influence of urban planning and socio-economic factors on residential space design and its impact on resident wellbeing. Key conclusions suggest that living room arrangements in Jeddah should resonate with cultural values, incorporate biophilic elements, and be adaptable to multifunctional use. Future research directions include further exploration of cultural aspects in living space design, innovations in biophilic integration, adaptive design solutions, and the establishment of wellbeing metrics for evidence-based design. The review acknowledges limitations in scope, potential biases, and the dynamic nature of urban living, underscoring the need for ongoing research.

Modernizing propaganda in Republican China under a foreign gaze

ABSTRACT During China’s Republican era (1912–1949), the Kuomintang (KMT) Nationalists experimented with propaganda in theory and practice as its propaganda moved from a traditionally preaching oriented mass culture to modern mass-media-based weaponry deemed as ‘paper bullets.’ Contrary to the commonly overstated role and influence of the Soviet Union and its theorists during this transition from a utilitarian to an aggressive, weaponized model of propaganda, this essay, drawing insights from articles in the foreign press of Republican China, illuminates the complexity and intricacy of this experimental phase. The period is characterized by continuity, ruptures, hybridization, and innovation, providing a nuanced, multifaceted understanding of KMT propaganda. Aligned with the existing non-Soviet perspective on KMT propaganda, emphasizing the integration of cultural, folk, or modern elements into the propaganda arsenal, this study enhances it by providing a more comprehensive outlook.

Exploring the relationship between cultural ecosystem services and human well-being of Qiandao Lake in China: insights from tourists and residents

Abstract Landscapes of lakes have a significant impact on people's perceptions of Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES), as well as on their overall sense of well-being. However, there is limited understanding of how best to manage land landscapes and how different approaches influence these perceptions. To explore these questions, a case study of China's Qiandao Lake was conducted, using a survey of 416 tourists and residents based on the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) framework. The relationship between CES and Human Well-Being (HWB) was examined using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), followed by the application of the Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) method to identify which aspects should be targeted in management strategies. The results revealed several key findings. Firstly, there were significant differences in satisfaction with CES between tourists and residents. Tourists showed higher satisfaction levels in spiritual service, aesthetic service, inspiration, and education and science aspects. In contrast, residents prioritized cultural heritage and sense of place, indicating a deeper connection to the cultural and historical elements of their environment. Secondly, age, education, and income levels played important roles in shaping perceptions of CES. Thirdly, the study underscored the impact of CES on HWB, with aesthetic service having the greatest influence on tourists' HWB, and spiritual service having the most impact on residents' HWB. Lastly, using the IPA model, indicators with low satisfaction but high importance were identified, suggesting areas for improvement, particularly in cultural integration and unique environmental features. These research findings provide scientific and theoretical support for the management and landscape planning of lake ecosystems.