Cultural Familiarity Research Articles

Exploring factors influencing Koreans’ intention to visit Japan through decision tree analysis: focusing on discharge of ALPS-treated water and low-yen perception

ABSTRACT In this study, factors influencing Koreans’ intention to visit Japan were examined using a decision tree. It is known that a negative national image generally adversely affects the intention to visit tourist destinations. Japan and Korea have maintained various political, economic and historical conflicts from the past. However, Koreans accounted for the largest proportion of tourists visiting Japan. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the decision-making process for Koreans’ intention to visit Japan and analyse the priority of influencing factors using a decision tree. As a result of the analysis, low-yen perception, historical animosity, interest in treated water, cultural familiarity and age were identified as major influencing factors. These results confirm that changes in Koreans’ perceptions of Japan are progressing despite the fact that the anti-Japanese sentiment towards Japan still exists. Such changes are affecting the selection of tourist destinations. This study is significant in that it considers factors influencing international tourism demand from various perspectives by inputting various predictive variables such as politics, economy, social culture and so on.

Exploring Gastronomy Tourism as Potential Halal Tourism Products: Preliminary Study of Tourist Perception on Baba Nyonya Cuisines

Gastronomy tourism has gained prominence globally, offering local and international tourists unique experiences for their taste palettes. The demand for Halal food among Muslim tourists has significantly increased as more people seek authentic and culturally appropriate dining experiences when travelling. This paper examines gastronomy tourism from the perspective of Islamic tourism, focusing on the Baba Nyonya cuisine; a combination of Chinese and Malay flavors as a viable Halal tourism product, aligned with the growing demand for Halal-certified options in the tourism industry. Factors of Halal certification, cultural familiarity, food awareness, and involvement, were explored. A structured survey was distributed to 385 tourists around Banda Hilir, Melaka, to explore Baba Nyonya cuisine's potential as a gastronomy tourism attraction. Baba Nyonya cuisine was found to be a promising attraction for Halal-conscious tourists. Interestingly, the Baba Nyonya cuisine appealed more to non-Halal food enthusiasts compared to a Halal option among Muslim tourists, since few of the Baba Nyonya restaurants were not Halal certified. This study underscores opportunities to increase the variety of Halal-certified foods and provide insights for travel marketers and local cuisine operators to capitalize on Baba Nyonya cuisines, thus pinning Malaysia as a leading destination for Halal gastronomy tourism.

Academic return migration amidst North-to-South trend: an integrative inquiry into the case of Chinese international STEM researchers

ABSTRACT Set against the booming reverse migration of scientific talents from developed nations to newly-emerged advanced economies, this study particularly examines the return of Chinese early career researchers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Deploying a mixed research design that integrates quantitative and qualitative traditions, it aims to address three prominent knowledge gaps surrounding this emergent pattern of transnational academic migration. According to survey results, caring duties, career prospects, and cultural attachments have consistently emerged as the primary drivers for returnees who received PhD training in various host destinations. In contrast, economic and lifestyle concerns were of much less import to those completing the doctorate in leading Anglophone countries. Stark gender disparities were also observed, with male returnees’ desire to secure cultural familiarity and upward mobility especially evident and their use of transnational academic networks more prevalent. Moreover, participants who made the decision to return toward the end of their overseas sojourn and whose doctoral education was sponsored by the Chinese government demonstrated a significantly higher likelihood of considering onward migratory movement. While largely corroborating the quantitative findings, interview data further highlights the vital role of a justice-oriented university environment in attracting high-skilled talents from across different axes of social disadvantage. Throughout, it points to the prospective stickiness of return migration instigated amidst the radical shifts in global science. We conclude the paper with critical reflections on our empirical and methodological focus.

Does the Cultural Context Influence on Reading Comprehension?

Language is an essential tool that shapes human interactions and understanding from birth, blending innate abilities with environmental factors. Oral language is the first form of communication, while written language develops through structured learning. Piaget's theory suggests a strong connection between language development and cognitive growth, with cultural context playing a significant role. Sociolinguistic theory also emphasizes how social and cultural factors influence linguistic interactions, shaping expression in different settings. This study examined the relationship between reading comprehension and cultural identity. A reading test, featuring texts reflecting diverse linguistic and cultural realities, was administered to 120 students in Barranquilla. The test included informal, informational, and literary readings, each tied to specific contexts. The results demonstrated that students more easily understood culturally familiar texts, while unfamiliar contexts posed greater challenges. This suggests that cultural familiarity significantly enhances reading comprehension, while cultural distance can hinder interpretation. The findings highlight the critical role of cultural and linguistic context in reading comprehension. Texts aligned with a reader's cultural experiences improve understanding and retention, pointing to the need for educational approaches that integrate students' cultural backgrounds to enhance learning and motivation.

Cultural Familiarity and Its Impact on Customer Satisfaction and Brand Awareness

This study investigates the impact of food quality, service quality, pricing strategy, and marketing initiatives on patron satisfaction and brand recognition of Indonesian restaurants in Taiwan. It also examines how cultural familiarity moderates these relationships. A structured survey was conducted among 400 international patrons who dined at Indonesian eateries in Taiwan. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with Partial Least Squares (PLS) and moderation analysis. Findings reveal that food quality and pricing strategy significantly enhance customer satisfaction, while service quality and marketing efforts do not. Cultural familiarity strengthens the positive effect of food quality on satisfaction. This study underscores the importance of maintaining high food quality, implementing effective pricing strategies, and leveraging cultural familiarity for Indonesian restaurant owners in Taiwan. The research highlights the role of cultural factors in customer perceptions, contributing to the discourse on marketing strategies in the competitive food industry. The sample's focus on foreign customers in Taiwan may limit the broader applicability of the findings. Future research should consider factors like ambiance, location, and menu diversity for a comprehensive understanding of customer satisfaction and brand awareness

DIALECT PREFERENCES AMONG THE SYRIAN REFUGEES IN JORDAN: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY

Background and Purpose: Taking into account the scarcity of research on Syrian refugees from the perspective of sociolinguistics, this research explored Syrian refugees’ reasons for dialect preferences when they communicate in various domains of life in Jordan. Methodology: The study employed a sequential mixed-methods design, which involved collecting both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire of 20 items. Qualitative data were collected using the semi-structured interviews which were conducted with 18 Syrian refugees. While the quantitative data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, the transcripts of the semi-structured interviews were coded and analysed thematically. Findings: The results of the study showed that the majority of Syrian refugees use the Syrian Dialect with family members, Syrian friends, and colleagues at work, and Syrian neighbours. Further, the results revealed that most of the Syrian refugees prefer to use the Jordanian Dialect when they communicate with Jordanian neighbours and friends, and with Jordanians at the workplace and in educational contexts. The study revealed that the major reasons for dialect preferences among Syrian refugees are a desire for integration, close connection to their families, a sense of cultural familiarity, comfort in communication, interlocutors, and the importance of the formal context. Contributions: The findings of this research can contribute to research in sociolinguistics in terms of understanding the Syrian refugees’ dialect preferences. Keywords: Syrian refugees, sociolinguistics, dialect preferences, Jordan, integration. Cite as: Samaher, F., & Salasiah, C. L. (2024). Dialect preferences among the Syrian refugees in Jordan: A mixed-methods study. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 9(2), 106-130. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol9iss2pp106-130

Examining the educational experiences of Behvarzes from the insufficient participation of some people in preventive measures against the COVID-19 pandemic: a lesson for the future

BackgroundThis study aims to explore the experiences of Behvarzes regarding the reasons behind the insufficient participation of some individuals with the preventive protocols established during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted from July 2021 to December 2022 using the conventional content analysis method. Purposive sampling was employed to select 14 Behvarzes working in villages covered by Kashan University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth individual interviews and analyzed using conventional content analysis.ResultsThe study identified seven subcategories which were grouped into two main categories of reasons for inadequate compliance with health protocols by some individuals. These include: (1) Intentional non-compliance with preventive protocols, with the following subcategories: perceived obligation and adherence to social customs, denial of risk, belief in external health locus of control, and fear and distrust of prevention and treatment methods. (2) Unintentional non-compliance with preventive protocols, with the following subcategories: insufficient or contradictory information, negligence, and inevitability.ConclusionThe findings suggest that ensuring compliance with health guidelines is not a one-size-fits-all approach. providing empowerment and obstacle removal solutions to those forced to violate preventive protocols for various reasons are all critical components of successful interventions. Also, cultural familiarity can aid in the design of appropriate interventions to address these challenges.

Cultural background and input familiarity influence multisensory emotion perception.

During multisensory emotion perception, the attention devoted to the visual versus the auditory modality (i.e., modality dominance) varies depending on the cultural background of the perceiver. In the present study, we examined (a) how cultural familiarity influences multisensory emotion perception in Eastern and Western cultures and (b) the underlying processes accounting for the cultural difference in modality dominance. Native Mandarin speakers from China and native English speakers from the United States were presented with audiovisual emotional stimuli from their own culture (i.e., familiar) and from a different culture (i.e., unfamiliar) and asked to evaluate the emotion from one of the two modalities. Across modalities, the emotions were either the same (i.e., congruent, happy face, and happy voice) or different (i.e., incongruent, happy face, and sad voice). When the input was in a familiar cultural context, American participants were more influenced by the visual modality, while Chinese participants were more influenced by the auditory modality. While both groups integrated the incongruent emotion from the irrelevant modality, only the American group integrated the congruent emotion from the irrelevant modality. When the input was in a less familiar cultural context, both groups showed increased visual dominance, but only the Chinese group simultaneously showed decreased auditory dominance. We conclude that cultural background and input familiarity interact to influence modality dominance during multisensory emotion perception. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

A study of the intercultural communicative competence and the effects of cultural familiarity on reading comprehension based on ethnicity

As an academic endeavor in an EFL setting especially in the field of reading comprehension, this study intended to examine intercultural communicative competence (ICC) and the effects of cultural familiarity on reading comprehension based on two specific ethnicities (Turk and Fars). To this end, participants, 130 EFL students majoring in English, were chosen from three universities in Iran. The effects of cultural familiarity on students' reading comprehension were examined by utilizing two types of processes, providing relevant background knowledge and text nativization. These two processes were used as two separate treatments for the members of the experimental groups. Members of both control and experimental groups subsequently received reading comprehension tests. Then, to elicit ICC levels, the participants were asked to complete ICC Questionnaire. The statistical analysis of the data revealed the significantly positive effect of cultural familiarity on the reading comprehension performance of both Turk and Fars experimental groups and no significant difference was observed between the reading comprehension performance and ICC level of the ethnic groups of Fars and Turks. The present study emphasizes the facilitating and positive effect of cultural familiarity on the reading comprehension of specific ethnic groups and suggests that cultural familiarity can be a valuable tool for enhancing reading comprehension and promoting language performance and cultural competence of Iranian EFL learners. Therefore, due to the importance of teaching culture in the field of English language teaching, there should be much more attention to cultural and intercultural matters when designing a language curriculum.

Influence of ecological restoration initiatives on emotional bonds between indigenous peoples and the Chinese alligator

As ecological restoration initiatives continue to revitalize degraded environments in the nature reserves, the dynamics of Indigenous people’s emotional relationships with wildlife undergo significant shifts. Drawing upon the theoretical framework of emotion sociology, this research explored the intricate social mechanisms shaping Indigenous emotions toward wildlife. This research used a questionnaire survey. Based on a 10% sampling proportion, this research used the Kish selection method to draw a random sample of 361 households from the Chinese Alligator Reserve. It found that the main effect of the family population outflow (Coeff = −32.62), traditional cultural loss (Coeff = −2.51), pop culture familiarity (Coeff = 1.60) on Indigenous-wildlife emotion was significant. Meanwhile, the moderating effect of income is also clearly significant. This reveals the mechanisms by which ecological restoration initiatives create Indigenous and wildlife emotional ties are social support, cultural shaping, and income stratification. These findings underscore the importance of considering social effects in conservation efforts to foster sustainable relationships between Indigenous communities and wildlife in the nature reserves.

Traditional healing for physical and mental problems in the Arab region: past and current practices.

Exploring traditional healing practices in the Arab world unveils a diverse range of methods deeply rooted in ancient beliefs. Traditional healing practices encompass natural remedies, spiritual rituals and physical treatments. These historical practices persist today, reflecting their enduring relevance in Arab culture and their influence on healthcare approaches. Factors such as accessibility to traditional healing services, a lack of affordable medical treatment, cultural familiarity and a strong belief in the efficacy of traditional healing methods in treating mental problems contribute to their continued use. However, potential challenges arise when an exclusive reliance on traditional methods might hinder access to critical medical interventions. Thus, the need for further documentation and research into these deeply ingrained healing traditions is emphasised. Some research has focused on integrating these traditional approaches with the modern medical system, recognising their combined value in healthcare. This balanced approach holds the potential to bridge the gap between culturally informed traditional practices and contemporary medical treatments.

Cultural Mistrust: Comparing Black Student and Faculty Experiences at HBCUs and HWCUs

ABSTRACT There is constant debate over the contributing factors that produce disproportionate outcomes in higher education between Black and White students. This study utilizes a symbolic interactionist theoretical framework and a qualitative phenomenological approach that pulls from the individualized and collective experiences of faculty, administrators, and Black students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and historically White colleges and universities (HWCUs), and examines their cultural and social experiences. Findings from this study highlight the cultural mistrust (CM) of Black students for White faculty at HWCUs, which complicates relationship-building processes. It also highlights Black students’ heavy reliance on communication for relationship-building with faculty/administration, which leads to them being more “culturally trusting” and maintaining a more rigorous, judgmental process of determining whether to continue to trust and create relationships with faculty. Although cultural familiarity and cultural environments lessened the CM of Black students at HBCUs, it was still a significant factor pertaining to White professors’ perceptions of Black students. Data from this study can possibly enable faculty/administration and policy-makers to develop and implement strategies for increasing positive experiences for Black students that lessen retention, increase matriculation and graduation rates, self-esteem and lead to better career opportunities.

Understanding consumers’ emotional responses towards extreme foodporn contents in social media: Case of whole oven baked camel

PurposeThis study aims to understand emotional responses towards extreme FoodPorn content in social media. In line with this purpose, this research seeks answers to the following two questions: (1) What type of food-related emotional responses could reveal from the comments on FoodPorn contents? Moreover, (2) how do locals and non-locals differ in their food-related emotional response to FoodPorn contents? Design/methodology/approachIn this study, qualitative study approach and case study design were adopted. A total of 401 online comments left under an extreme FoodPorn content were included in the dataset through the convenience sampling method. To analyze qualitative data, deductive content analysis and Chi-Square test were performed. FindingsThe findings of this study revealed that the visual and auditory stimuli in the FoodPorn content caused positive and negative emotional responses that led consumers to food acceptance or rejection. These findings supported the functionality of the S-O-R theoretical model. Findings suggest that cultural differences cause diverse emotional responses regarding food acceptance. Individuals with high food and cultural familiarity are more likely to respond cognition based emotional responses to FoodPorn posts. In contrast, the emotional responses of those with lower food and cultural familiarity are hedonic-based. Originality/valueThis study presents new ways of looking at the food-related emotions within the frame of extreme FoodPorn contents in social media. This study adds to novel insights into what is already known through the S-O-R theoretical model.

Cultural acceptability of STI screening guidelines and sexual positioning assessments among black sexual minority men.

To identify attitudes towards HIV/STI screening guidelines and explore the acceptability of assessing sexual positioning practices among Black sexual minority men (SMM). Risks for HIV/STIs vary by sexual positioning practices. However, clinicians and Black SMM do not always discuss sexuality with each other. Therefore, HIV/STI screening and testing remain suboptimal. Qualitative study using focus groups. Data were obtained from 12 focus groups and one in-depth interview conducted in Baltimore, MD among HIV-negative Black SMM between October 2019 and May 2020 (N = 39). Groups were stratified into three age categories: 18-24, 25-34 and 35+. Participants were given the "5 P's" from the CDC's 2015 Sexual History Screening Guidelines and asked to discuss attitudes towards existing questions regarding sexual positioning practices. Themes were identified using an electronic pile sorting approach. Most identified as homosexual/gay/same gender-loving (68%), were employed (69%) and single (66%). Additionally, 34% had ever been diagnosed with an STI, of whom 38% had a history of repeated STI acquisition in their lifetime. Participants across age groups said clinicians should use the words "top" and "bottom" to demonstrate cultural familiarity and build trust. Some said that screening for sexual positioning was unnecessary and intrusive; others said that questions should be justified. Younger men wanted clinicians to ask questions in ways that make them feel cared for. Guidelines should include language for clinicians to use culturally specific language and better ways to prepare Black SMM patients for screening. Some Black SMM will not discuss sexual positioning practices without clinicians' demonstration of cultural understanding and respect. Screening should incorporate culturally responsive language, justification and convey care. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ). There was no patient or public involvement in the design or drafting of this discursive paper.

The dual lens of authenticity and likability: The effect of cultural familiarity on consumer responses to ethnic foods

Authenticity is crucial in ethnic food perception. However, a conundrum arises when consumers’ cultural familiarity varies: Does authenticity remains a key driver for developing a positive likability perception? This research incorporates two studies to investigates the effect of cultural familiarity levels on the perceived authenticity and likability of ethnic foods, specifically traditional vs. localized ethnic food (Study 1), and the message framings (concrete vs. abstract) for localized ethnic food (Study 2). The study also explores the effects of perceived authenticity and likability on electronic word-of-mouth intention. The findings indicate that traditional ethnic food is perceived as more authentic only by low cultural familiarity participants, while localized ethnic food is more likable. Further, concrete message framing is more likable for those with high cultural familiarity, whereas no significant differences are observed for low cultural familiarity participants. Both studies consistently reveal that perceived authenticity and likability positively affect electronic word-of-mouth intention.

Culture influences conscious appraisal of, but not automatic aversion to, acoustically rough musical intervals.

There is debate whether the foundations of consonance and dissonance are rooted in culture or in psychoacoustics. In order to disentangle the contribution of culture and psychoacoustics, we considered automatic responses to the perfect fifth and the major second (flattened by 25 cents) intervals alongside conscious evaluations of the same intervals across two cultures and two levels of musical expertise. Four groups of participants completed the tasks: expert performers of Lithuanian Sutartinės, English speaking musicians in Western diatonic genres, Lithuanian non-musicians and English-speaking non-musicians. Sutartinės singers were chosen as this style of singing is an example of 'beat diaphony' where intervals of parts form predominantly rough sonorities and audible beats. There was no difference in automatic responses to intervals, suggesting that an aversion to acoustically rough intervals is not governed by cultural familiarity but may have a physical basis in how the human auditory system works. However, conscious evaluations resulted in group differences with Sutartinės singers rating both the flattened major as more positive than did other groups. The results are discussed in the context of recent developments in consonance and dissonance research.

Hashtags and heritage: the use of #italianamerican on Instagram

Abstract Purpose Using both framing theory and Collier’s cultural identity theory, this paper seeks to study the use of #italianamerican on Instagram by first attempting to determine if it is used exclusively by Italian Americans as a way to demonstrate their own cultural identity. The paper will then examine whether the message valence of posts using #italianamerican demonstrates users’ personal perceptions of Italian American culture. Finally, the paper will examine if there is a relationship between #italianamerican posters’ ethnicity and the message valence of their posts. This paper does not argue that Italian Americans are the only Americans of European ancestry taking part in the hashtag phenomenon; rather, this paper is meant to examine how one ethnic group attempts to define itself by its use of digital and social media. Design/methodology This simple exploratory study examined the 50 most recent Instagram posts using #italianamerican as they appeared on November 1, 2022. The posts were sent to two independent coders who analyzed their visual content. Findings This study provides insight into how ethnicity and cultural familiarity are associated. Results show that message valence and ethnicity are not linked, as anyone can admire and respect a culture and post a positive message about it on social media, even if it is not their culture of origin. Members of a specific ethnic group tend to have a stronger familiarity with their culture of origin, as demonstrated by the posts selected for this study. Implications This study showed that Italian Americans use social media to educate others about their heritage, as well as to celebrate their culture of origin. Value The methods used in this study could be applied to other European American ethnic groups and their social media usage, including Irish Americans, Polish Americans, and German Americans, among others.

Clinical Manifestations.

Patterns of cognitive performance associated with different stages of dementia have been primarily studied in Non-Hispanic White (NHW) populations. This study compares patterns of cognitive performance, on a brief neuropsychological battery, in Caribbean Hispanic (CH) and NHW individuals with mild cognitive impairment, based on Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) staging scores. Our data included 427 individuals including 299 self-identified CH (mean age = 76.0; 69.6% female; mean education = 11.9) and 128 NHW (mean age = 72.9; 61.7% female; mean education = 13.8) who completed the CDR and a brief neuropsychological battery. Participants with other medical conditions known to impact cognition were excluded. Sex-, age-, and education-adjusted Z-scores were calculated for all cognitive tests (Logical Memory (Immediate and Delayed recall), Digit Span (Forward and Backward), and Verbal Fluency (Animals and Vegetables)). ANOVAs were used to examine the effects of ethnicity (NHW, CH) and CDR Global Score (0.5, 1.0) on the adjusted Z-scores for all cognitive tests. CDR score distribution was adjusted through factorial ANOVA (ethnicity x CDR). Descriptive analyses included independent t-tests to examine differences between ethnicity groups on age, sex, education, percent AD, percent Unclear, and CDR Global Score. There was a main effect of ethnicity on Digit Span Forward (p < 0.001), Digit Span Backward (p < 0.001), and Verbal Fluency - Vegetables (p < 0.01), where CH individuals showed greater impairment regardless of Global CDR score. We found a main effect of Global CDR score on all cognitive tests, where individuals with Global CDR score of 1.0 demonstrated more impairment than individuals with a Global CDR score of 0.5. No ethnicity x CDR interactions were significant. Our sample of older CH and NHW individuals, presumed to have mild cognitive impairments based on CDR staging, did not differ in memory abilities. However, the CH group scored significantly lower on measures of attention and working memory. Finally, semantic fluency performance was variable and possibly influenced by cultural familiarity with different semantic categories. Among older CH individuals with mild dementia, cognitive difficulties may extend beyond memory problems and include attentional and executive function difficulties. These findings have clinical implications for diagnosis and management of CH patients.

From Learning to Teaching: Incorporating Cultural Familiarity to Enhance GTA Support for International Students' Learning

From Learning to Teaching: Incorporating Cultural Familiarity to Enhance GTA Support for International Students' Learning

Thai dance diplomacy: Thai government communication strategies for building soft power through staging Thai performances abroad

ABSTRACT Thailand has employed dance diplomacy in its international relations activities for more than 150 years, but there is a dearth of research on Thai dance. This study empirically explores untapped data on Thai dances used by Thai royal courts and governments. The research objectives are to elucidate communication strategies and strategic designs behind the ‘Thai dance diplomacy’ sponsored by Thai governments from 1998 to 2022 and to study the effectiveness of the diplomacy’s evaluation. Documentary research and in-depth interviews with five experts behind official Thai performances at home and abroad were conducted. The results indicate that directors designed performances based on budget constraint, creativity, cultural familiarity, and similarity between Thailand and other countries, exploiting the meanings of occasions upon which shows were performed. Show tactics were derived in alignment with the modified SMCR model of Thai dance communications by Virulrak ([2004]. หลักการแสดงนาฏยศิลป์ปริทรรศน์ [Principles of dramatic arts]. Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University Press) to portray beautiful, skilful, moral, and contemporary elements of Thai culture. A pitfall of Thai dance diplomacy is the evaluation system, which employs only the subjective judgement of diplomats and dance crews.