Cultural Expression Research Articles

Metaphorical understanding of Jesus’ resurrection

In addition to being a central tenet of Christianity, Jesus Christ’s resurrection is a powerful metaphor that relates to the human experience of change, hope and renewal. Although this event is frequently regarded literally, it can also be understood metaphorically to explore themes such as personal and collective transformation. This article seeks to explore some of these multifaceted meanings by considering historical contexts of relevant biblical texts (mainly the four gospels and Paul) and literary, artistic and cultural expressions, culminating in the ongoing relevance of the resurrection narrative.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The article illustrates the need for interpreting the ancient references to the resurrection of Jesus metaphorically. Interpreting these mythological descriptions in a realistic, historical and literal sense renders them anachronistic in our time. Resurrection, viewed metaphorically, can, however, still convey rich and meaningful perspectives. It can still be a core element of one’s existential belief.

Rethinking the foundations: Global cultural policy at the crossroads

This article extends the culture as a foundational approach to the global level of cultural policy. Reviewing the failure of the 2015 UN campaign to establish culture as one of the Sustainable Development Goals, the article argues that reframing culture away from being an economic sector and towards a cross-cutting, all of society, thematic is likely to compound the problems facing culture at a global level. The article argues for a narrower framing of culture as the symbolic system of ‘art and culture’, taking as its exemplars the 1982 UNESCO Mondiacult Conference, the 1995 UNESCO Our Creative Diversity and the 2005 Convention on Diversity of Cultural Expressions. It tries to show how a foundational approach to culture, including the notion of (global) public goods, can open up a route to a new, more radical approach to global cultural policy fit for these more uncertain times.

Exploring Cultural Identity Through Profile Pictures: The Use of Cultural Symbols by Chinese Gen Z on Social Media

In the digital age, social media has become an essential platform for self-expression and cultural identity, particularly among Generation Z in China. This study explores how Chinese Gen Z individuals utilize cultural symbols in their social media profile pictures to convey their cultural identities. Through in-depth interviews with 48 participants aged 13 to 28, the research identifies a diverse range of cultural elements, including traditional motifs and modern pop culture symbols, that reflect their cultural heritage and contemporary influences. The findings reveal that profile pictures serve not only as personal representations but also as tools for social connection and cultural expression. Participants often blend traditional and modern elements, showcasing a dynamic understanding of their cultural identities shaped by globalization and digital interactions. This research contributes to the existing literature on social media and cultural identity by highlighting the significance of profile pictures in the identity construction process of Chinese Gen Z, emphasizing the interplay between cultural heritage and modernity in their self-presentation. The study concludes by suggesting avenues for future research on cultural identity in the context of rapidly evolving social media landscapes.

CRITERIA, INDICATORS AND LEVELS OF FUTURE BORDER GUARD OFFICERS’ GENDER CULTURE FORMATION

The article examines the specific aspects of training, daily operations, and operational and combat activities of border guard officers, which determine the particular conditions for performing tasks and can influence the formation and expression of gender culture in the professional and personal spheres. The article analyses modern scientific approaches to interpreting indicators, criteria, and levels of developing the future specialists’ gender culture. It establishes that despite the differences in the names of its components and criteria, scientists propose using a generally accepted definition. The future border guard officers’ gender culture is a holistic system consisting of various interrelated components that are constantly evolving. Given this, the criteria and indicators of gender culture formation are proposed to be examined through the lens of its structural components. In particular, the author distinguishes the motivational-axiological criterion, which reflects the recognition of moral and spiritual values, acceptance of the principles of gender equality, critical attitude towards gender stereotypes, awareness of the importance of gender sensitivity in society, and the desire to maintain an atmosphere of equal opportunities. The epistemological criterion includes knowledge of gender policy and legislation, understanding of the key concepts of gender theory, the concept of social construction of gender, and willingness to adopt gender-sensitive practices. The activity-based criterion pertains to the ability to demonstrate an adequate gender identity, prevent gender conflicts, analyze one’s behavior, adapt to social conditions, and actively contribute to implementing gender-sensitive strategies. It is proposed that the level of formation of gender culture be diagnosed on a three-level scale: optimal (high) level, acceptable (medium) level, and critical (low) level. The proposed diagnostic tools will effectively assess the level of gender culture and direct pedagogical measures for its development.

Linguistic Justice in the Face of Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric: The Threat of English-Only Policies to Spanish Speakers and Multilingualism in the United States

Anti-immigrant rhetoric has intensified under the Trump 2025 administration, reinforcing linguistic discrimination and fostering a climate of fear for Spanish speakers in public spaces. In this essay, I examine the linguistic and historical relevance of Spanish in the U.S., the consequences of linguistic profiling on minority language speakers, and the implications of the 2025 executive order designating English as the official language. I argue that such policies erode linguistic rights and deepen social inequalities. Additionally, I consider the role of schools and churches, which are critical spaces for language preservation and cultural expression and are being increasingly threatened by immigration enforcement. In advocating for sociolinguistic justice, this essay calls for policies that recognize and protect the linguistic rights of Spanish and other minority language speakers, framing multilingualism as a societal strength rather than a threat.

Pedagogical strategies in teaching Sodoran dance to young performers

ABSTRACT Sodoran Dance, as a form of cultural heritage, plays a crucial role in maintaining the identity of the Tenggerese people. However, traditional dances are increasingly at risk of extinction due to social changes, technological advancements, and shifting cultural values. To ensure its preservation, it is essential to involve young performers and apply effective pedagogical strategies for teaching and practicing the dance. This study explores the use of pedagogical strategies in teaching Sodoran Dance to young performers aged 7 to 15. Pedagogical strategies include various instructional methods and approaches aimed at enhancing learning and encouraging active student engagement. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through observations and interviews to gain insights into effective teaching methods. The findings reveal that combining behavioristic and constructivist approaches significantly improves both the technical and expressive abilities of young dancers. The behavioristic approach helps refine accuracy and precision in movement, while the constructivist approach promotes creativity, collaboration, and cultural expression. This combination provides a comprehensive model for teaching Sodoran Dance that supports the development of both technical and artistic skills. Ultimately, these strategies contribute to the sustainability and meaningful transmission of Sodoran Dance, ensuring its continued relevance among future generations..

Cultural elements in Chinese animation characters: A systematic review of their visual, narrative, and communicative roles

As an important carrier of cultural communication and artistic expression, animation has gradually formed a unique style and charm in the process of development in China. Cultural elements in Chinese animation character design not only give characters distinct personalities and rich meanings, but also build a bridge of emotional resonance and cultural inheritance between audiences and works. An in-depth study of this topic helps to explore the potential of Chinese animation and improve its influence in the domestic and international cultural markets. This study aims to explore the application of cultural elements in Chinese animation character design, in order to enhance cultural expression and global communication. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to collect and analyze relevant studies from 1945 to 2024. The review summarizes how cultural elements function in visual presentation, narrative structure, and cultural communication. The findings show that cultural elements play a significant role in shaping character identity, strengthening emotional connection, and conveying values. However, existing research still faces problems such as vague classification and a lack of empirical studies. This study deepens the understanding of the role of cultural elements in character design and provides theoretical and practical references for animation creators. It also promotes the global dissemination and recognition of Chinese culture through animation.

Investigating the connection between sculpture productions and criminal behaviours of ghanaian sculpture users through the perspective of labelling theory

This research explores the knotty relationship between sculpture creations and crime, focusing on the perceptions of Ghanaian sculpture users through the lens of the labelling theory. The labelling theory, a sociological perspective, posits that individuals become deviant when labelled as such by society, influencing their self-identity and behaviour. In the context of Ghana, where sculpture is a significant cultural and artistic expression, this study investigates how sculptures are perceived about criminal activities and societal norms. The research employs a qualitative approach, combining interpretivist’s phenomenological research philosophy and descriptive research design with face-to-face interviews with sculpture users, artists, and community members, alongside direct observation to gather comprehensive data. The findings reveal that sculptures, often seen as cultural artifacts, can be misinterpreted or labelled as symbols of deviance due to societal prejudices and misconceptions. This mislabelling led to the stigmatization of both the art form and its creators, impacting their social standing and economic opportunities. In conclusion, the study calls for policy interventions and community engagement to promote a more inclusive and informed appreciation of sculpture as a vital component of Ghanaian heritage and identity.

A Good Bloke and a Good Man to Do Business With: How Men Use Symbolic Masculinity to Network Through Golf

ABSTRACTBusiness networks are known to be gendered. However, few studies have delved into precisely how gender relates to networking practices. This study focuses on the gendered symbolic practices used by men when they play golf for the purposes of business networking. The study involved participant observations of five men who worked as wealth managers and who used golf for networking with prospective clients. Analysis reveals how networking and cultural expressions of masculinity intersect. Specifically, we identify the discursive, embodied, and material symbolic practices used by the wealth managers to network with other men. The study shows how performances of “being a good bloke” and “being a good man to do business with” are symbolically related. We contribute to literature on how culturally embedded notions of masculinity are enacted in business contexts, especially business networking interactions.

A Study on the Development of Blues Music and Its Interaction with American Society

This paper explores the origins, evolution, and impact of blues music in American society. It analyzes how blues music emerged from African American communities in the late 19th century and evolved into a significant form of cultural expression in the 20th century. The study highlights the close connection between blues music and American social, political, and racial issues. By examining the lyrics, stylistic changes, and performance forms of blues music, this paper reveals how blues reflects and influences racial issues, social classes, and historical changes in American society.

Inter-artistic alliances in the early twentieth-century renouveau catholique: the case of Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Abstract The spirit of Catholic revivalism in turn-of-the-twentieth century France has received attention from literary scholars and musicologists respectively. But little consideration has been paid to the ways in which a conservative religious identity was bolstered by alliances between the visual arts and music during this period. This article considers how one community in Saint-Germain-en-Laye was mobilized in service to the renouveau catholique before and after the First World War. This ‘cenacle’ of musicians, theologians and artists was centred around a local orphanage choir, whose growing reputation beyond the suburbs was founded upon its promotion of liturgical chant. The article concentrates on those most closely connected with the choir, including the priest Clément Besse and the painter Maurice Denis. A consideration of the choir’s role within a wider social fabric demonstrates the earnestness of debates over cultural expression within the broader Catholic revival, when Republican laicization was forcing worship into the private sphere.

Local Ecological Knowledge and Fishing Practices of Fishermen on Barrang Lompo Island, Makassar City

Marine ecosystems in small coastal and island communities play a vital role in sustaining local livelihoods. This study adopts a phenomenological approach, following the Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen method, to examine the forms of local ecological knowledge (LEK) held by fishermen on Barrang Lompo Island and how this knowledge informs their fishing practices. Drawing on Coleman’s Rational Choice Theory, the findings demonstrate that fishing behavior is shaped by ecological knowledge acquired through prolonged environmental interaction and passed down through generations. Rituals, traditions, and the use of ecologically responsive fishing gear are not merely cultural expressions; they are part of rational decision-making shaped by factors such as financial resources, anticipated returns, type of catch, availability of labor and equipment, market demand, pricing, and risk assessment. The choice to use or refrain from using fish bombs, for instance, reflects deliberate reasoning grounded in both experience and ecological insight. This study offers a sociological perspective on fishermen’s motivations and knowledge systems, contributing to the broader conservation discourse and highlighting the importance of knowledge transmission for fostering sustainability within fishing communities.

Narratives of Caribbean housing flows: step-by-step development and changes in self-organized homes in St. Martin

PurposeThe global housing shortage, intensified by climate change, poses unique challenges for low-income populations, particularly in regions highly vulnerable to environmental hazards, such as the Caribbean. This study investigates housing in Saint Martin, where communities face severe housing shortages and increased exposure to climate-related threats, such as Hurricane Irma in 2017. With limited external support, many residents have adopted self-building strategies, constructing and incrementally modifying their homes to withstand local environmental risks and accommodate changing needs.Design/methodology/approachThis research, conducted through ethnographic observations and semi-structured interviews with 30 residents, explores how low- and middle-income households built and adapted their homes over time, focusing on the construction process, materials, forms and aspects of safety, comfort and beauty. It follows the narratives of six housing units that exemplify a proposed housing typology and documents residents’ efforts to enhance durability, functionality and aesthetics under challenging circumstances.FindingsThe findings highlight that self-organized housing practices in Saint Martin are shaped by financial constraints, climate risks and evolving household needs. Residents use incremental construction, climate-responsive design elements, materials perceived as durable and community-based support to adapt their homes.Originality/valueDocumented housing practices reflect both resilience and cultural expression, emphasizing the need for community-inclusive, safe, flexible and climate-adapted housing design approaches. Additionally, by analyzing these adaptive strategies, the study offers insights for the Designing for Flow Framework, promoting housing solutions that align with local contexts and contribute to sustainable development in hazard-prone areas like the Caribbean.

ANALYZING PATTERNS OF CONGRATULATORY STRATEGIES IN VIETNAMESE FACEBOOK WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENTS

This study explores the patterns of congratulatory strategies related to wedding rituals on Facebook, a prominent platform within the Vietnamese community. With the increasing integration of information technology, Facebook has become a vital space for expressing emotions and fostering connections. Employing a descriptive research design, the study integrates both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data analysis. Quantitatively, the frequency of semantic formulas used in congratulatory messages was calculated and compared across engagement and wedding announcements, with descriptive statistics applied to interpret the data. Qualitatively, an ethnographic approach was used to explore and analyze these strategies through observation and discourse analysis, identifying recurring themes and patterns. The analysis reveals seven distinct patterns, including two single-strategy patterns–using illocutionary force indicating devices (IFIDs) and offering good wishes–and five combined-strategy patterns that integrate IFIDs with offering good wishes, giving compliments, joking, and expressing positive emotions. These findings highlight linguistic and cultural features that showcase how Vietnamese users express care, pleasure, and affection in congratulatory comments, reflecting the preservation of cultural traditions in a digital context. This study contributes to the sociolinguistics field by providing insights into the intersection of social media and cultural expression, offering a novel perspective on Vietnamese culture in online communication. While the study is limited by the availability of data specific to Facebook wedding announcements, its findings offer valuable implications for understanding the role of social media in shaping and sustaining cultural practices.

Nollywood and the hybrid postcolonial space: cultural nationalism and identities construction in Kayode Kasum’s Afamefuna

ABSTRACT The rediscovery and construction of cultural identities is the resultant manifestation of postcolonial realities, which are explored in African cultural productions, including literature and films. Existing studies on Nollywood films have examined different socioeconomic, political and cultural themes. However, the issue of identity construct and nationalistic commitment which constitutes much of such cultural expressions has not received adequate scholarly attention. This article examines the representations of cultural identities and nationalistic consciousness in Afemefuna, a Nigerian film directed by Kayode Kasum. The film was purposively selected, transcribed and subjected to qualitative literary analysis, paying a critical attention to characters’ conducts, dialogues, costumes and the events featured in it. The study adopts Postcolonial Theory, especially Homi Bhabha’s Hybridity and Third Space Theory, to account for the exploration of cultural nationalism and identity construction in the film. Afamefuna chiefly celebrates the apprenticeship tradition of the Igbo entrepreneurial system, and raises question of identity formation within that hybrid postcolonial space. The analysis reveals that hybridity and cultural identities are portrayed through the use of indigenous features like proverbs, idioms, cultural archetypes and cultural preferences. The projection of these indigenous ideas depicts cultural nationalistic consciousness, which underscores the ongoing de-colonial commitment in the African continent.

ANALYSIS OF THE FORM AND HARMONY OF WIDYA SARASWATI DANCE MOVEMENTS

The Widya Saraswati dance is a mascot dance of UHN I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa Denpasar, created by I Wayan Dibia and I Gede Arya Sugiartha in 2003. This study aims to identify the structural form of the dance and analyze the harmony between its movements, music, and costumes. The analysis is based on Djelantik’s theory of instrumental aesthetics and employs a qualitative research approach. Data were collected through observation, interviews, literature review, and documentation. The findings reveal that the Widya Saraswatidance is a Balinese group dance performed by eight female dancers, representing the characters of Dewi Saraswati, swans, rays, and peacocks, and accompanied by Gong Kebyar music. The choreography, costumes, and makeup remain rooted in the stylistic conventions of traditional Balinese dance. Supporting properties include tunjung flowers, lontar leaves, genitri beads, and a rebab instrument. The harmony between costume and movement is evident in how the costume's form influences character portrayal and movement quality. Similarly, the synchronization between movement and music is achieved through choreography that adheres to the established musical patterns. Although the dance has undergone several structural modifications over time, these changes have often lacked consideration for artistic depth and harmony. This analysis serves as documentation and a means of preserving the dance, ensuring its continued relevance and integrity within Balinese cultural expression.

Costume and Culture: Indigenous Tribes of the Himalayas

The unique landscape of the Kumaon Himalayas of Uttarakhand is home to several tribes such as Rajis, Shauka of Johar Valley and Rung of Darma Valley each with its own distinctive culture. These hill tribals have deeply depended on the ecosystem for their sustenance as they practised transhumance. For centuries, weaving garments from local wool has been a traditional practice among many tribal women in the Himalayan region, showcasing their artistic skills and heritage. The traditional costumes of these tribes have a charm which remained unchanged over the decades. The clothing of these tribes served not only as practical attire but also as expressions of identity, culture, and status within the community. As social advancements beckoned, most of these tribes migrated leaving behind the echoes of their existence in Kumaon. At present, the old women of the Shauka and Rung communities are still fond of weaving, but the current generation’s takers are few. The Internet epoch may have confused the researchers; hence this study aims to document the traditional costumes of the Shauka and Rung tribes of the Pithoragarh district for posterity achieved through comprehensive research, fieldwork, and engagement with members of these communities.

Beyond Words: A Linguistic and Cultural Analysis of Tribe's Image in Jordanian Proverbs

Proverbs, as a form of cultural expression, encapsulate long-standing human experiences. Proverbs associated with the tribe reflect a distinct form of social organization in Arab societies, including Jordan. This study examines the image of the tribe in the popular proverbs in Jordanian culture. The corpus of the study consists of 42 Jordanian proverbial expressions related to the tribe. The data were obtained from 36 students studying at Al-Balqa Applied University and Yarmouk University, Jordan. This study adopts Hofstede's (1980) cultural dimensions theory. The proverbs were organized using content analysis methods into five key cultural themes or dimensions, linking their linguistic meanings to their cultural connotations. These themes include collective identity, blood ties, a sense of strength, pride in lineage, and leadership. The study has concluded that investigating the tribe through popular proverbs is an important means of understanding the nature of Jordanian culture. The findings have also indicated that the tribe persists in the collective consciousness and people's everyday lives. Some recommendations for future studies have been suggested.

Exploring the Intersection between Gender, Culture, and Technology: African Dress Styles and Femininity in Digital Spaces

Abstract This article examines the intersection of gender, culture, and technology, focusing on the representation of African dress styles and their influence on femininity in digital spaces. Utilizing feminist studies, fashion studies, African studies, and human-computer interaction, this article applies an intersectional lens along with African Technocultural Feminist theory and Femme Theory to unravel these complex relationships. The study critically analyzes the evolution of African dress in digital contexts, evaluating its role in promoting inclusive femininity and addressing challenges related to beauty standards and self-presentation. It reviews social media accounts, blogs, and digital content to gauge perceptions and acceptance of African dress styles, analyzing hashtags related to femininity and societal norms in African contexts. Although digital platforms offer opportunities for cultural expression and empowerment, they can also reinforce harmful beauty standards and traditional gender norms. This study identifies digital spaces as arenas for both cultural expression and societal progress, emphasizing the intricate connections between trendsetters and followers. The intersection of gender, culture, and technology is a crucial area of research that examines their interactions and effects, especially regarding women’s gender identity and clothing as a gender symbol.

Designing virtual cities: Exploring the impact of metaverse architecture

The metaverse is rapidly emerging as a new frontier for architectural design, offering unprecedented opportunities to create immersive, interactive, and dynamic virtual environments. This paper explores the evolving landscape of metaverse architecture, examining its potential impact on urban design, social interaction, and cultural expression. It investigates the unique design challenges and opportunities presented by virtual cities, considering factors such as user experience, spatial organization, and the integration of digital technologies. Furthermore, the paper analyzes the implications of metaverse architecture for real-world urban planning, exploring how virtual environments can inform sustainable design practices, influence architectural innovations, and facilitate cross-disciplinary collaboration in shaping the cities of the future. The metaverse presents a unique canvas for architects and urban planners to reimagine the built environment, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the physical world. By leveraging the flexibility and adaptability of virtual spaces, metaverse architecture can enable new modes of interaction, collaboration, and community-building that transcend traditional geographic boundaries. This emerging field holds the potential to transform the way we conceive, design, and experience the urban landscape, leading to more dynamic, inclusive, and responsive cities that better serve the needs of their inhabitants.