Cultural Elements Research Articles

Cultural factors contributing to gender-based violence in Zambian societies

Overview: This study examined the intricate cultural dynamics underlying the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) within Zambian societies. Despite legislative efforts and international campaigns to combat GBV, its persistence underscores the need for a deeper understanding of the cultural underpinnings that perpetuate such violence. Body of Knowledge: Through qualitative and quantitative analysis, this study sought to identify key cultural elements such as patriarchal structures, beliefs about masculinity and femininity, and the role of family and community dynamics in shaping attitudes and behaviors related to gender-based violence. Additionally, this study delves into the multifaceted ways in which cultural norms, beliefs, and practices intersect with gender dynamics to foster environments conducive to GBV. Methods: The population comprised of government officials at the district level who had some responsibility for GBV, police officers from VSU, and Members of the community. The total target population was 1000. The sample size involved a total of 100 respondents which is 10% of the target population. The study used purposive sampling to select government officials and police officers while simple random sampling was used to selected community members. This study used descriptive design to analyze the data. Interviews, ethnographic observation, and questionnaires were used to collect data. Qualitative and Quantitative techniques of data analysis was used, and data was presented on the analytical tools such as tables, figures and charts. Results: Initial findings revealed that traditional gender roles deeply entrenched in Zambian culture play a pivotal role in perpetuating GBV. The patriarchal structure of society often assigns men dominance and control over women, leading to power imbalances that facilitate violence. Furthermore, beliefs surrounding masculinity, including expectations of aggression and dominance, contribute to a culture of impunity surrounding GBV. Men are often socialized to perceive violence as a legitimate means of asserting authority, while women may internalize norms of submission and silence. Recommendation: This study underscores the urgent need for culturally sensitive interventions that address the root causes of GBV in Zambia. By engaging communities in dialogue and challenging harmful cultural norms, sustainable solutions can be developed to promote gender equality and create safer environments for all individuals.

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.

Extracting Cultural Elements of Intangible Cultural Heritage Based on Region-CNN Algorithm

Extracting Cultural Elements of Intangible Cultural Heritage Based on Region-CNN Algorithm

Cultural and co-designed principles for developing a Māori kaumātua housing village to address health and social wellbeing

BackgroundThe current study is a case study of a Māori (Indigenous people of New Zealand) organisation and their developmental processes in creating a kaumātua (older people) housing village for health and social wellbeing. This study identifies how a set of established co-design and culturally-centred principles were enacted when creating and developing the village.MethodA mixed-method concurrent design was used in creating the case with interviews (n = 4), focus groups (N = 4 with 16 total participants) and survey questionnaires (n = 56) involving kaumātua and organisation members.ResultsSurvey results illustrate that suitable and affordable housing are associated with self-rated health, loneliness, and life satisfaction. The primary purpose of the housing village was to enable kaumātua to be connected to the marae (community meeting house) as part of a larger vision of developing intergenerational housing around the marae to enhance wellbeing. Further, key themes around visioning, collaborative team and funding, leadership, fit-for-purpose design, and tenancy management were grounded in cultural elements using te ao Māori (Māori worldview).ConclusionThis case study illustrates several co-design and culturally-centred principles from a previously developed toolkit that supported the project. This case study demonstrates how one community enacted these principles to provide the ground for developing a housing project that meets the health and social wellbeing of kaumātua.

Features of designing a Component Element of the National women's Azerbaijani Costume - Kelagai Scarfs

Presents studies of the parameters of the structure and design of Azerbaijani national scarves kelagai. A historical analysis of the development of kelagai production has been carried out, which reflects the ethnographic, historical, artistic and technological features of folk art. Proposals have been developed for the use of kelagai in the design of modern fashionable women's clothing. The features of making kelagai scarves have been studied and the factors influencing their structure and structure, as well as their role in the formation of national characteristics of modern fashion, have been identified. The structure and structure of kelagai scarves was studied based on the texture of the fabric structure. The conducted research makes it possible to use the national traditions of making kelagai scarves in the design of modern clothing, as one of the iconic and symbolic elements of folk culture and an important component of the artistic and compositional patterns of shaping promising models of modern women's clothing, as well as for the dynamic development of material and spiritual culture.

Expressing the Spatial Concepts of Interior Spaces in Residential Buildings of Huizhou, China: Narrative Methods of Wood-Carving Imagery

In the interiors of ancient Huizhou buildings in China, a profusion of wood carvings are employed for decoration, with traditional research interpreting their function from decorative and aesthetic perspectives. However, this research suggests that the role of Huizhou wood carvings in interior spaces surpasses mere decoration; they enhance the expression and experience of spatial concepts through narrative imagery. By analyzing the mechanism and intrinsic logic behind the spatial concepts formed in Huizhou residential buildings, this study investigates how wood-carving imagery contributes to shaping spatial concepts through narrative techniques, as well as their creativity and expressiveness in architectural design. Utilizing literature reviews, field surveys for case selection, and case analysis methods combined with observation, interviews, and measurements, this research ultimately employs image analysis to interpret the narrative structures and styles of wood-carving imagery in detail. This study reveals that (1) the spatial concepts of Huizhou residential buildings are influenced by traditional thought, social culture, and other factors, leading to an interweaving of material, cultural, and social spaces that results in a spatial concept characterized by harmony between heaven and humanity, clear hierarchy, and orderliness; (2) Huizhou wood-carvings, through their narrative images, actively engage in the production of spatial concepts, employing thematic juxtaposition narrative modes and utilizing singular-scene narration, composite-scene narration, and cyclical narration to articulate these concepts. These findings significantly deepen our comprehension of the relationship between the spatial concepts of Huizhou’s traditional residential architecture and social culture. By integrating cultural elements with spatial production theory, this research addresses the limitations of existing studies and augments their theoretical interpretative power. Additionally, clarifying the connection between the cultural elements of wood-carving imagery and the formation of spatial concepts offers a novel perspective on the study of Huizhou wood carvings, moving beyond their longstanding categorization as purely decorative elements.

Beyond the horizon

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings This paper identified that for organizations to venture into international franchising and licensing, there are some risks that need to be considered and addressed. These are mostly related to legal and cultural elements. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Exploring the Agony of the 1947 Partition and its Socio-Political Impacts Through Poetry

Exploring the Agony of the 1947 Partition and its Socio-Political Impacts Through Poetry

Challenging the Societal Stigma Surrounding Body Dysmorphia in the Philippines: Bridging the Gap of Misconceptions

Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a mental health disorder that adversely affects how people perceive their physique and self-concept. The study focuses on a thorough investigation of the pervasive societal stigma surrounding Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) in the Philippines. Moreover, it expounds on the related literature and studies to elucidate the profound impact of the stigma on individuals with the disorder. Patients with the disorder often experience unrestrained and excessive repetitive behavior, such as criticizing one’s physical flaws, people-pleasing, and overly obsessing about self-grooming practices (Body Dysmorphic Disorder, n.d.). Utilizing the integrative review for the methodology, the paper examines relevant and significant literature from electronic databases to further develop vital information and analyses for challenging social stigmas related to body dysmorphia in the Philippines. The study reviews the existing literature to recognize social perceptions and stereotypes of body dysmorphia in the Philippines, exploring cultural, social, and historical elements that contribute to the stigma. It identifies interventions intended to challenge societal stigma. Local and international sources were used to examine the effectiveness of existing approaches in addressing BDD and its societal stigma. It further explores the effectiveness of community-based education programs, media literacy campaigns, and mental health awareness programs in challenging misconceptions and promoting acceptance of people facing BDD. The research aims to identify the societal stigma associated with BDD or Body Dysmorphic Disorder in the Philippines, which negatively affects the mental and emotional well-being of individuals facing the disorder, further bridging the gap of misconceptions.

Pagelaran Pottery Village: Culture-Education Resin-Concrete Souvenir in Industrial Tourism

This implementation aims to develop resin-concrete souvenirs as a superior product for the pottery industry tourism in Pagelaran Village, with the aim of promoting cultural education and enhancing the visitor experience. Pagelaran Village, renowned for its heritage in pottery production and traditional cultural practices, faces challenges in preserving its cultural identity and attracting tourists amid changing consumer preferences. Consequently, this activity explores the concept of resin-concrete souvenirs as a method to convey the cultural identity of Pagelaran Village pottery according to tourist preferences. Implementation of this activity employed a mixed approach, combining qualitative interviews with local artisans and quantitative surveys of tourists, to gather insights into the village’s cultural heritage and visitor preferences. The resin-concrete souvenir prototype in the form of merchandise was designed by amalgamating traditional pottery motifs and cultural elements unique Pagelaran Village. Subsequently, it underwent user tests and feedback sessions to ensure their aesthetic appeal, durability, and ability to evoke cultural narratives. The resin-concrete souvenir prototype has significant potential as a superior product in industrial tourism. The integration of traditional pottery with modern materials enables the creation of products that are both visually appealing and culturally relevant. Additionally, tourist responses show high interest in souvenirs characterized by authentic and narrative cultural experiences. This implementation contributes to the development of souvenirs in the context of industrial tourism, emphasizing the significance of education and preservation of cultural heritage. Besides bolstering the economy of Pagelaran Village, resin-concrete souvenirs can educate visitors about the village’s cultural heritage, thereby encouraging sustainable tourism practices. Keywords: resin, concrete, souvenir, pottery, pagelaran

A Comparative Study on the Impact of Gratitude on Well-Being among Youth and Adult Populations

Gratitude's impact on the welfare of young and old populations is primarily examined in this research paper. Gratitude, one of the multi-dimensional responses towards emotional behavior, has attracted a great deal in positive psychology for its capability to produce better mental health and quality well-being. The goal of this study is to analyze and contrast the impact of gratitude on subjective well-being, life satisfaction, and psychological resilience in two different age groups. This study uses a mixed-methods design, integrating quantitative and qualitative interviews to obtain detailed data. All participants from youth and adult age groups practice gratitude interventions, reflective exercises, as well as self-report measures. Such quantitative analyses use statistical comparisons of pre- and post-intervention well-being scores to shed light on any potential age variations in the performance of gratitude practices. The subjective perception of gratitude and its impact on overall well-being is also reflected by qualitative data, which emerged from in-depth interviews. The research takes into account situational variables including life events, social ties, and cultural elements that contribute to gratitude expression among different age groups. The results add to the literature on positive psychology by highlighting possible differences in efficacy, which may be related to the age cohort. These findings have implications beyond the application of targeted well-being interventions designed for youth and adult populations concerning their individual needs, bringing a more profound understanding of the role gratitude plays in ensuring mental health satisfaction is achieved. Keywords: Gratitude, Well-being, Age groups, Positive psychology, Intervention

Examining the Cultural Connotations in Human and Machine Translations: A Corpus Study of Naguib Mahfouz's Zuqāq al-Midaqq

The translation of culture-specific terms constitutes a major challenge for professional translators as it necessitates a thorough understanding of both the linguistic and cultural elements. With rapid technological advancement over the past few years, machine translation has enhanced translation quality. This study investigates the transability of cultural connotations in the Arabic-English translation of Naguib Mahfouz’s Zuqāq al-Midaqq. A descriptive qualitative research design was adopted to achieve the intended goals of the study. The data comprised human and machine translations from Google Translate and ChatGPT. Through qualitative content analysis, the translations were compared for accuracy in transferring the cultural connotations prevalent in the Arabic source text. The findings revealed that the human translation showed greater naturalness and accuracy in rendering cultural connotations. Machine translation has struggled with rhetorical devices, idioms, and cultural nuances. The results also indicated that the AI-enhanced machine represented by ChatGPT captured the cultural elements more effectively than Google Translate. The study concluded that human expertise remains essential for the high-quality translation of literary works to maintain cultural significance. The findings can inform translator training and guide improvements to AI-enhanced translation for literary texts.

Category Shifts in the Chinese–English Translation of Animal Idioms in Journey to the West

Idioms are important elements of language and culture, forming the essence of language and the core of vocabulary. Animal idioms naturally have different connotations in the Chinese and Western cultures, which can pose a tremendous challenge for translators. Thus, the reasons for translators’ choices in this context are significant. To better understand this subject, this study investigates the cognitive category shifts in the translations of animal idioms in Journey to the West. Through the theory of cognitive category shifts, the paper finds that translators’ choices are influenced by cognitive concepts derived from their living environments, cultural backgrounds, and knowledge reserves.

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.

Studi Identitas Regional untuk Pariwisata Berkelanjutan di Kecamatan IV Koto Kabupaten Agam

Tourism is growing rapidly globally, making an important economic contribution in Indonesia. However, it is necessary to focus on sustainable tourism that considers ecological and cultural aspects. This research aims to identify regional identity for sustainable tourism in IV Koto Sub-district, Agam Regency based on the potential of natural and cultural resources. The research method used in this research is quantitative and qualitative approaches, this research analyzes primary and secondary data to evaluate the attractiveness of natural attractions and cultural elements of interest to local communities. The results showed that the Great Wall of Koto Gadang was the natural attraction with the highest potential as a regional identity, while traditional ceremonies, particularly batagak gala, became the most significant cultural identity. The findings emphasize the importance of utilizing natural and cultural resources in a sustainable manner, involving the active participation of local communities in tourism development.