Cultural Hybridity Research Articles

Exploring the Impact of Social Media on the Integration of Western Cultural Elements by University Students in China

This paper delves into the profound impact of social media on the cultural dynamics of Chinese university students, with a particular emphasis on how these digital landscapes mediate the integration, adaptation, and at times, resistance to Western cultural elements. As digital platforms become increasingly central to daily life, they not only serve as conduits for global cultural exchange but also as arenas where cultural identities are negotiated and redefined. By conducting a comprehensive analysis of popular social media platforms among Chinese youth, such as Weibo, WeChat, and Douyin, this study uncovers the complex interplay between global cultural flows and local traditions. It examines how these interactions influence the formation of identity, the evolution of values, and the adoption of social practices among the youth in China. The investigation reveals that while social media facilitates the exposure to and engagement with Western culture, Chinese university students approach these encounters with a critical eye, selectively adopting elements that resonate with their personal and cultural identity while resisting those that conflict with traditional values. This selective engagement highlights a dynamic process of cultural hybridization, where Western influences are not merely absorbed passively but are actively interpreted, modified, and integrated into the fabric of Chinese youth culture. The findings underscore the role of social media as a significant force in shaping contemporary cultural landscapes, offering insights into the broader implications of digital technology on cultural globalization and identity formation in the context of China’s rapidly changing society.

Greek Modernity and its Reception in the Great Exhibition of 1851

The article explores the participation of Greece in the 1851 Exhibition as an event that offers a glimpse into Greek modernity and its reception in the Victorian press. Greece, a nascent state, partook in the ‘Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations’ with a display that attested to modern economic interests and a knowledge of the commercial value of its past: the thirty one exhibits included products for exports like tobacco, raisins, and figs, some fabrics and garments, and several types of marble which were shown side by side with national Greek costumes, woodcarvings, marble bas-reliefs, and reproductions of ancient monuments. The marginal position of the Greek display on the floor plan of the Exhibition designated the country as belonging more to the Orient, rather than the European nations. Located in an imaginary ‘grey area,’ between the European West and the Levantine East, the Greek pavilion reinforces the Victorian impulse to negotiate the old with the new and thus contributes to the cultural hybridity that characterised modern Greece. I suggest that the display and the ways it was received in the press be viewed as a register of the relation between Victorian culture and modern Greece, a country which resisted taxonomy and assimilation within the given modern categorisations.

Cultural adaptation experiences of people in New Zealand

ABSTRACT The rich history of migration of people to New Zealand paved the way for the multicultural environment that it has today. As individuals from different countries with various cultures move to a new environment, they encounter transformations that commence contact and communication with members of the new environment. The constant interaction of both New Zealanders and migrants creates changes in feelings, perceptions, and lifestyles that can be analyzed along with the development of cultural adaptation theories. Social science researchers explained how individuals manage changes within themselves and in the environment and proposed working concepts on adaptation. This paper provides a literature review on the cultural adaptation experiences in New Zealand acculturation, cultural adaptation, and cultural fusion using Berry (1970, 2003, 2005, 2006), Aycan and Berry (1996), and Sam and Berry (2010) on acculturation, Kim (2001, 2017) on cross-cultural cultural adaptation, Kraidy (2005) on cultural hybridity, and Croucher and Kramer (2017) on cultural fusion theory. Discussions are centered on the interplay of concepts and empirical studies in understanding different perspectives on the process of adaptation in New Zealand through a communication lens.

The Impact of War on Interethnic Godparenthood in Ukraine

The study examines whether kumivstvo, godparenthood, with its, with its moral and spiritual cultural heritage in Ukrainian society, provides normative power from the bottom up rather than top down for maintaining solidarity in a polyethnic society in the face of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. A mixed methodology is employed, carried out by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology. The quantitative findings report how common kumivstvo is in Ukrainian society, what its density is among different faiths and in different regions, how important the kinship heritage is to Ukrainians today, and what the proportion of interethnic kumivstvo is. The qualitative interviews reveal to what degree Russia’s invasion has desolated the trust and godparent connection between the Ukrainian and Russian peoples. There is immense strain on the integrity of these relationships; however, for some it is imaginable that these bonds may not only endure, but also revive afterward. The study asks whether Ukraine will lose an essential social structure and kinship custom that sustains its cultural hybridity when interethnic kumivstvo becomes unviable after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Exploring cultural hybridity, questioning cultural appropriation: Peruvian fans’ responses to Latin tropes in K-pop

Drawing on qualitative interviews with K-pop fans in Lima, Peru, this study explores how Latin fans think about and negotiate K-pop industries’ citations of Latin pop music tropes. It addresses the ways in which K-pop's practices of citing other cultures are perceived by the audience whose culture is cited. The Peruvian fans in this study suggest that the citations of other cultures observed in K-pop offer versatile entry points for them to easily engage in the cultural genre. For them, K-pop is a novel cultural genre that has become an alternative yet intimate cultural resource, especially compared to hegemonic American pop music. By providing an analysis of Latin K-pop fans’ lived experiences through the lens of cultural hybridity and appropriation, this audience study contributes to the field of transcultural media research.

Exploring Cultural Hybridity Branded by Convergence and Syncretism in the Characteristic Features of the Pentecostal Charismatic Churches in Zimbabwe: Implications for Spiritual and Material Well-Being

When applied to Pentecostalism in Zimbabwe, the concept of cultural hybridity provides a framework for understanding how global religious movements can adapt to and incorporate local cultural elements. This process results in a unique form of religious expression characterised by convergence and syncretism, reflecting cultural and religious identity’s dynamic and fluid nature. This hybridity in religious practice is a testament to the ongoing, interactive cultural exchange and adaptation process. This article delves into the intricate cultural hybridity, convergence, glocalisation and syncretic tendencies within the characteristic features of New Religious Movements (NRMs) in Harare, Zimbabwe, illuminating their multifaceted role in addressing spiritual and material needs. Through a comprehensive exploration of selected NRMs that emerged from the Catholic Church in Zimbabwe, including Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries and Grace Oasis Ministries, this article unravels the central role of prophets and pastors in shaping the fundamental ethos of these religious entities. A striking and thought-provoking parallel emerges between the hallmark features of these NRMs and the tenets of African Traditional Religion and many other religious traditions. This parallel extends to practices such as exorcism, worship, healing, and deliverance, thus manifesting a profound form of religious expression informed by cultural hybridity, convergence, syncretism, and glocalisation. While there are ambiguities around scholarly debates on the definition of these terms, the article delves deep into the intricate religious elements embedded within the NRMs’ characteristic features, such as hymns, modes of worship, healing rituals, and deliverance ceremonies. These elements are tangible manifestations of their unique position at the crossroads of diverse belief systems. The cultural hybridity, convergence, syncretism, and glocalisation tendencies within NRMs offer gateways to invaluable networks, fostering social cohesion and the sharing of critical information. Consequently, these characteristics have become instrumental in the holistic development of individuals and communities within the vibrant religious landscape of Harare. Thus, this article provides profound insights into the nuanced dynamics of NRMs in Zimbabwe, shedding light on their various dimensions. It contributes substantially to our comprehension of the intricate interplay between spirituality, material prosperity, and the rich tapestry of religious traditions in Harare and the broader context of religious studies.

The power of words: sociolinguistic perspectives in Mulk Raj Anand's novels

This comprehensive article embarks on an exhaustive sociolinguistic inquiry into select novels authored by Mulk Raj Anand, aiming to decipher the intricate interplay between language utilization and the multifaceted tapestry of societal dynamics within the realm of his literary creations. The investigation revolves around Anand's intellectual sphere, intricately woven with the threads of politics and social reform. Going beyond a superficial linguistic analysis, the study delves into the profound ways in which language serves as a potent instrument, enabling the expression, interrogation, and transformation of cultural narratives. The research methodology employs a qualitative exploration of linguistic elements in Anand's novels, with a keen emphasis on contextual significance. Drawing insights from the field of sociolinguistics, the analysis meticulously examines the nuanced linguistic choices employed by Anand, unravelling their pivotal role in conveying the subtleties of societal nuances. The chosen novels for scrutiny, notably "Untouchable" and "Coolie", emerge as focal points due to their explicit depiction of sociolinguistic intricacies, offering a fertile ground for investigating linguistic diversity, power dynamics, and cultural hybridity. This study seeks to deepen our comprehension of Mulk Raj Anand's literary legacy by illuminating the embedded sociolinguistic dimensions within his narratives. Through a holistic examination of linguistic choices, the research endeavours to underscore the enduring influence of words in shaping societal frameworks and cultural identities within the expansive canvas of Anand's novels.

Afrocentricity and the Quest for Identity in the African Diaspora

Africa as a continent has experienced and still going through lot of negative, derogatory and dehumanizing experiences. This, in turn formed the basis of the identity crises that rock the continent. Some Western philosophers, historians, sociologist and so on are of the opinion that Africans do not have an identity nor history of their own; this is emboldened in the idea that Africa is not part of world history. This view may not necessarily be unconnected with the clash of culture occasioned by the colonization of the continent of Africa by the Western world. Against this backdrop, the discourse examines what constitute African identity before the advent of colonialism. This is done to unravel the content and context of Africa(n) identity before the subjugation of the continent’s identity by the colonial master. This search, which seems to have formed the basis of the contemporary contention of the Africans’ diaspora wanting to know ifs they are truly Africans or a hybrid of different cultures remain the fulcrum of this discourse. In driving home the argument of the paper, different philosophies such as afrocentricity, afropolitanism, negritude, transnationalism as articulated by African scholars are reviewed with the aim of reconstructing the misconception and misrepresentation of the images alluded to Africa. Hence, using the analytical method of philosophical investigation, the paper project afrocentricity as a philosophy that is basic to the quest of identity in the African diaspora than afropolitanism.

Diasporic Narratives: Cultural Hybridity, Identity and Multiculturalism in Lahiri’s “When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine”

Jhumpa Lahiri, a prominent Indo-American author, is acclaimed for her insightful depictions of diasporic experiences. This research delves into the complexities of identity construction in Lahiri's works, with a particular focus on her engaging short story, "When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine." The study examines the challenges faced by individuals navigating dual cultural worlds, centering on the character of Lilia and her responses to multicultural experiences. This analysis reveals the continuous process of identity formation within a multicultural context. Grounded in Homi K. Bhabha's theoretical framework, the research explores concepts of cultural hybridity and the third space. The third space is conceptualized as a neutral cultural zone that transcends binary oppositions, allowing for the emergence of alternative identities. Cultural hybridity is examined as a method of balancing diverse practices, values, and customs associated with different cultures. Through an in-depth analysis of Lahiri's writings, the study offers crucial insights into the challenges of cultural identity construction and the difficulties encountered by individuals straddling multiple cultural realms. The exploration of cultural hybridity and the third space enriches the understanding of identity formation. The findings are expected to contribute significantly to the broader discourse on identity construction, illustrating how Lahiri’s work continues to inspire and resonate with literary enthusiasts.

Time for Tea: Representations of Postcolonial and Chinese Diaspora Culture and Identity in Chuah Guat Eng’s Echoes of Silence

Tea, the second most consumed beverage in the world, originates from China, and was then brought all over the world through trade, affecting the many different cultures that it encounters along the way. The way a person takes their tea can often reveal parts of their cultural identity and upbringing. This paper aims to examine the representations of the hybrid identities of the Chinese Diaspora in Malaysia through a close reading of tea scenes and tea culture in Chuah Guat Eng’s first novel, Echoes of Silence: A Malaysian Novel, first published in 1994. The novel explores the complex race relations and postcolonial politics and identity in Malaysia and provides an excellent springboard for the examination of Malaysian literary cultural politics, as well as postcolonial issues such as cultural hybridity, and the way that culture spreads and is spread from one part of the world to another and is manifested in diaspora identities. Through such an exploration, I hope to examine the negotiation between the hybridizing culture of being overseas Chinese as well as a British subject simultaneously in relation to representations of tea consumption and culture in Anglophone literature, which may provide more insight into the mentality of Anglophone Malaysian writers concerning issues of cultural identity and diaspora.

Outlaws and Cultural Hybridity in New Spain's Northwestern Borderlands - Son of Vengeance: Searching for the Legendary Apache Rafael. By Bradley Folsom. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2023. Pp. 289. $55.00 cloth; 24.95 paper; $21.95 e-book.

Outlaws and Cultural Hybridity in New Spain's Northwestern Borderlands - Son of Vengeance: Searching for the Legendary Apache Rafael. By Bradley Folsom. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2023. Pp. 289. $55.00 cloth; 24.95 paper; $21.95 e-book.

Cultural Crossroads and Subaltern Realities in Diasporic Discourse: Exploring the Sense of Belonging in Lahiri and Mistry’s Narratives

This study examines the theme of cultural navigation and the sense of belonging in Jhumpa Lahiri's novel The Namesake and Rohinton Mistry's A Fine Balance. Focusing on the Indian diaspora, the study meticulously explores the multifaceted dimensions of subalternity embedded in the characters' experiences of cultural displacement, identity negotiation, and socio-economic adversities. This research paper aims to elucidate the complex dynamics of belonging in a diverse and interconnected global community by conducting a comparative analysis of the many ways in which these narratives portray the journeys of people bridging many cultures. In navigating the complex fabric of two separate cultures, this paper explores the challenges, triumphs, and transformations of the protagonists. It investigates the literary techniques employed by Lahiri and Mistry to portray the psychological and emotional aspects of cultural adaptation, illuminating the characters' changing self-perceptions. It also examines how society and family dynamics shape the identities of the characters, highlighting the conflict between the desire for integration and clinging to one's traditional origins. Through a thematic analysis, this study seeks to uncover the authors' perspectives on cultural hybridity, shedding light on the broader implications for individuals striving to reconcile their heritage with the demands of contemporary life. The study also looks at how the characters' sense of place affects their sense of belonging, examining how the writers employ location as a narrative device to highlight the contrasts between cultures. This comparative approach aims to provide various insights into the ways in which Lahiri and Mistry articulate the multifaceted nature of cultural identity and how it changes over time and contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between culture, identity, and belonging in contemporary literature.

Cultural Hybridity in Central and Southern Jordan at the End of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A

Abstract. Our understanding of the transition from the PPNA to the PPNB in central and southern Jordan has undergone significant changes in recent decades. Initially, it appeared that the PPNB arrived in the region fully formed during the Middle PPNB, expressed at sites such as Beidha. Yet it retained features like circular architecture associated with the PPNA, and was thus presumed to indicate a time lag in its arrival from the north, where such structures had largely disappeared by the Middle PPNB. Fieldwork has uncovered a rich PPNA record in Jordan, but a marked cultural gulf between the PPNA and PPNB remains visible, for example visible in the contrast between pisé semi-subterranean PPNA architecture and the aboveground stone PPNB buildings, and in the appearance of naviform technology in PPNB chipped stone repertoires. Ongoing research has narrowed this gap, documenting a shift from semi-subterranean pisé constructions to circular free-standing stone structures during the Late PPNA, as well as the cessation of el-Khiam point manufacture and the emergence of an opposed platform blade technology that appears to echo parallel Early PPNB developments in chipped stone technology to the North. There is now no chronological gap between the Late PPNA and the Middle PPNB, and it appears that this central and southern Jordanian Late PPNA is an indigenous trajectory that developed into a local Middle PPNB while simultaneously adopting further external influences such as true naviform technology. However, recent work on the western edges of the Badia has identified a fully developed Early PPNB roughly contemporaneous with Late PPNA settlements in the adjacent wadi systems to the west. Out of sync with local developments, this Early PPNB presence suggests the arrival of a distinct group in the western Badia who maintained their identity, adding to the mix of local, already highly diverse, early Neolithic communities of central and southern Jordan. Interactions between these populations continued and through a process of cultural hybridisation formed the characteristic Middle and Late PPNB of the area.

МІЖДИСЦИПЛІНАРНА СИНТЕЗІЯ КОНВЕНЦІЙ ТА ПАТЕРНІВ СУЧАСНОЇ ПОПУЛЯРНОЇ КУЛЬТУРИ США

This article offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary analysis of contemporary popular culture in the United States, with a focus on its development over the past two decades. The research encompasses various theoretical approaches, including philosophical, economic, sociological, psychological, historical, and anthropological perspectives, aiming to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex and multifaceted phenomenon of popular culture within the context of globalization and digital transformation. Attention is given to the impact of recommendation algorithms on popular culture, particularly their role in fostering cultural homogenization, personalizing cultural experiences, and shaping new cultural trends. The issues of cultural hybridization, the ritualization of social practices, and the significance of collective memory in the context of popular culture are also explored. Historical analysis reveals the periodization and evolution of cultural institutions, while the socio-anthropological approach highlights the importance of symbolic structures in the formation of cultural narratives. The philosophical lens emphasizes the postmodern characteristics of contemporary popular culture, including the deconstruction of traditional cultural patterns, and analyzes the dynamics of metaphysical concepts, particularly the idea of presence within the conditions of hyperreality. Sociological methodologies assist in addressing the structuration of cultural practices and adaptive processes of socialization through social networks and other digital platforms, which are emerging as new spaces for the construction of social identities. The psychological analysis focuses on the cognitive and emotional effects induced by popular culture, including cognitive disintegration caused by excessive media consumption, and the impact of social comparison on self-esteem and the psychological well-being of individuals. It is emphasized that popular culture products can be designed to appeal to unconscious desires and internalized norms, shaping motivational structures and social behavior patterns. The economic perspective highlights the processes of commodification of cultural products and the monetization of cultural industries. The article underscores the necessity of integrating these approaches to gain a deeper understanding of how contemporary popular culture in the United States influences global cultural processes and shapes the future directions of cultural practices and social structures. The conclusions emphasize the importance of an interdisciplinary approach that allows for a comprehensive consideration of the impact of popular culture on society, its cultural norms, identities, and social dynamics.

The Futurity of Indigenous Languages in Nollywood Movies

This qualitative research delves into the futurity of indigenous languages in the context of Nollywood movies, employing a dual methodology of Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews. Participants spanning two age groups, 18-36 and 36-70, engaged in the FGD sessions, adding depth and diversity to the study. The research is anchored in the Language Vitality Theory and Cultural Hybridity Theory, providing a robust theoretical framework for exploration. The study sets forth four primary objectives. Firstly, it aims to scrutinize the audience’s consumption patterns of indigenous language films vis-a-vis English language movies in Nollywood. Secondly, it delves into the audience’s perceptions and interpretations of the cultural and linguistic dimensions presented in indigenous language movies. Thirdly, the research investigates the factors contributing to the sustained use and relevance of indigenous languages in Nollywood filmmaking. Finally, the study scrutinizes the potential future roles of indigenous languages in the Nollywood film industry. The research questions, strategically derived from the objectives, guide the inquiry process. Key findings underscore the significance of subtitles in enhancing audience engagement, comprehension, and enjoyment. Participants expressed a preference for subtitles, emphasizing their role in reducing the linguistic barrier and enhancing the overall movie-watching experience. In conclusion, the study recommends concerted efforts to enhance the quality and authenticity of indigenous languages in Nollywood. Particularly, it advocates for substantial investment in subtitles, recognizing them as a pivotal factor in bridging linguistic gaps and ensuring a broader audience base. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on the role of indigenous languages in the ever-evolving landscape of Nollywood, shedding light on both current consumption patterns and potential future trajectories.

Exploring Identity Dynamics in Min Jin Lee’s Pachinko through different Paradigms: Marginality, Liminality, Alterity, Cultural Syncretism, Exilic Consciousness, and the Myth of Going Home

This article researches the complex experiences of Koreans residing in Japan as depicted in Min Jin Lee’s Pachinko. The analysis is divided into three parts each of which consisting of different paradigms: marginalization, liminality and alterity, cultural syncretism and exilic consciousness, and the myth of returning home. It shows how they remain marginalized despite the passage of time which indicates that their existence is liminal as they negotiate a dense cultural identity oscillating between Korean heritage and Japanese societal norms. The idea of alterity captures this constant estrangement from Japan. Further, this study delves into how characters in this novel adopt a hybrid culture mixing both Korean and Japanese traditions. Lastly, it explores the myth of coming back to Korea that affirms emotional attachment to an idealized homeland that is barely attainable. Pachinko is also unique because it uses generations for its story line thereby revealing the transforming face of Zainichi experience marked out by resilience, cultural negotiations and long-term effects caused by displacement.

الاستخلاص المعزز للنفط بالميكروبات في مكامن النفط

Microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR), characterized with the virtues of low cost and environmental protection, reflects the prevalent belief in environmental protection, and is attracting the attention of more researchers. Nonetheless, with the prolonged slump in global oil prices, how to further reduce the cost of MEOR has become a key factor in its development. This paper described the recent development of MEOR technology in terms of mechanisms, mathematical models, and field application, meanwhile the novel technologies of MEOR such as genetically engineered microbial enhanced oil recovery (GEMEOR) and enzyme enhanced oil recovery (EEOR) were introduced. The paper proposed three possible methods to decrease the cost of MEOR: using inexpensive nutrients as substrates, applying a mixture of chemical and biological agents, and utilizing crude microbial products. Additionally, in order to reduce the uncertainty in the practical application of MEOR technology, it is essential to refine the reservoir screening criteria and establish a sound mathematical model of MEOR. Eventually, the paper proposes to combine genetic engineering technology and microbial hybrid culture technology to build a microbial consortium with excellent oil displacement efficiency and better environmental adaptability. This may be a vital part of the future research on MEOR technology, which will play a major role in improving its economic efficiency and practicality. Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) is a biological-based technology involving the manipulation of functions or structures within microbial environments present in oil reservoirs. The primary objective of MEOR is to improve the extraction of oil confined within porous media, while boosting economic benefits. As a tertiary oil extraction technology, MEOR enables the partial recovery of the commonly residual 2/3 of oil, effectively prolonging the operational lifespan of mature oil reservoirs. Keywords: Microbial enhanced oil recovery, MEOR mechanisms, theory, Biopolymers, Field trials.

ENEOLITHISATION FROM THE STEPPES. A CASE STUDY ON VOLHYNIA

The aim of the article is to formulate a hypothesis explaining the chronology and genesis of the Lublin-Volhynian Culture, with particular emphasis on such important elements of this culture as the white painting of pottery, the use of trough retouch, and the deposition of flint daggers retouched in this way in the graves of some men. At the same time, two different Eneolithisation processes are reconstructed: from the east (with flint daggers) and from the south-west (with copper metallurgy). It has been pointed out that adaptation of the cultural elements mentioned above must have taken place no later than 4100 BC. The most likely place where this happened was the basin of the upper Styr and Horyn in Volhynia. From about 4400 BC, the area was inhabited by representatives of the late phase of the Malice Culture. This community exploited local deposits of excellent-quality Volhynian flint and supplied it to the population of the Tiszapolgár Culture on the upper Tisza and Bodrog rivers. Processes fuelling cultural heterogeneity were taking place in Volhynia. In some grave complexes, there are elements of the Malice, Trypillia, and Polgar cultures. Heterogenisation and cultural hybridisation fostered the emergence of new cultural units. The emergence of the Lublin-Volhynian Culture was impacted decisively by the Skelya Culture, which instilled among the late-Malice people the ideas of hierarchisation of local communities and the rise of the elites (a group of male warriors, distinguished by the possession of blade-daggers).

Promoting Cross-Cultural Psychology Research in the Caribbean: Best Practices in Intersectionality

Given the Caribbean region’s post-colonial history with entrenched and daunting challenges of: structural racism, patriarchy, and colorism as epiphenomenal outcomes, it is imperative that cross-cultural investigators using 21st century research paradigms honed and crafted from strengths-based approaches interrogate issues surrounding national, cultural identity, and cultural hybridity. Additionally, push-pull factors in migration, acculturative influences, psychological resilience, and coping strategies within non-pathologizing frameworks of inclusivity and intersectionality are fodder for empirical research. These holistic perspectives borrow from multiple perspectives in Black Psychology paradigm shifting as they reject and deconstruct Eurocentric models in explaining Black psyche and behaviors. The discursive frame around subaltern voices, is that, it deracinates “grand” theories, splinters and challenges hegemonic assumptions. Moving from the mechanistic, binary constructions placing a premium on only quantitative models with a concomitant devaluation of qualitative approaches, this author argues that the kinds of cross-cultural research that offers the most qualitatively-rich analysis is ethnography, as this approach embraces concepts of lived epistemological realities of participants. As a cross-cultural tool, it triangulates participant observations, interviews, and case studies. The ethnographic report generated from this data-gathering methodology and comprised of multiple sections, illuminates the following: the uniqueness of indigenous psychologies; provides important historical contexts; addresses issues of language, cultural rituals, and norms; and grounds the work within multidisciplinary perspectives offering more integrative, cogent analyses of cultural phenomena. Further, even research ensconced in knowledge-production for academic consumption should hue to the penultimate, translational goals of nation building, community flourishings, and human capital development. Keywords: cross-cultural research, Caribbean psychology, intersectional research

The cultural and educational impact of Nobita in the Vietnamese context

This qualitative study delves into the cultural and educational impact of Nobita, a central figure in the Japanese anime series “Doraemon”, within the Vietnamese setting. Employing a qualitative approach, the research utilized a thematic analysis of specific episodes of “Doraemon”, combined with the Vietnamese viewers’ comments. The episodes were carefully selected to cover a range of scenarios depicting Nobita’s various challenges and interactions. A thematic analysis of viewer comments and selected episodes featuring Nobita was conducted, accompanied by insights from Vietnamese viewers. The objective was to discern how Nobita’s character aligns with, and at times contrasts with, Vietnamese cultural and moral norms. The findings unveil key themes: the cultural hybridization of Nobita’s character, the impartation of moral lessons, viewer identification with Nobita, and his influence on shaping children’s notions of responsibility and self-reliance. The study reveals how Vietnamese viewers, particularly children, actively engage with Nobita’s traits, resulting in a blend of Japanese and Vietnamese cultural elements. This refutes the conventional perspective of global media as a one-way cultural force, highlighting instead a reciprocal process of cultural interpretation and adaptation. Moreover, the research underscores Nobita’s significant role in moral education, illustrating that Vietnamese children do not just emulate but critically engage with his character through observational learning. This process extends beyond imitation, involving a deeper level of understanding and internalization of moral lessons. Furthermore, the study emphasizes Nobita’s role in fostering empathy and understanding, resonating with the universal aspects of human experiences and emotions. These findings offer insights into the intricate relationship between global media content and local cultural dynamics, underlining the influential role of media characters in shaping cultural perceptions, moral reasoning, and empathy in young audiences. The study contributes to the discourse on the impact of international media on local cultures, highlighting the potential of media content in bridging cultural gaps and aiding in child development.