Cultural Identity Research Articles

The Role of Art in Empowering Marginalized Communities

Art has historically played a significant role in providing a voice to marginalized communities, enabling them to share their unique cultural narratives, express resilience, and advocate for social justice. This paper examines how visual, performing, and folk arts contribute to the empowerment of communities that have long been excluded from socio-political and economic development. Through historical analysis of art movements such as the Mexican Muralist Movement and the Black Arts Movement, alongside case studies like the Allsorts SLAM and “I am Liverpool,” the study underscores art’s role in fostering identity construction, well-being, and social capital. Additionally, the paper addresses the challenges in aligning art-based initiatives with the true needs of marginalized groups and proposes strategies for creating sustainable, community-centered art projects that drive long-term empowerment. Keywords: Marginalized communities, Empowerment through art, Cultural identity, Social justice.

From words to wealth: Decoding the language markers and compositions of shop names in Banda Aceh

This qualitative study examines the names of 100 local and independent businesses to study the linguistic diversity and features of the linguistic landscape in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. The names here refer to those written in specific languages used in Aceh (Indonesian, Acehnese, English, Arabic, and other indigenous languages spoken in the province). The data was collected from five main roads, capturing the shop names for analysis. The results show that English is the dominant language choice, composing a majority of 45% of signage, showing the influence of globalization and the desire for international appeal. While English appears to convey prestige, some businesses blend it with Indonesian or Acehnese, connecting with local culture and engaging diverse audiences. This deliberate language choice reflects a commitment to cultural preservation and authentic customer experiences. Meanwhile, diverse linguistic combinations, emphasizing global influences, cultural preservation, and strategic branding, were also revealed. The most prevalent linguistic structure of signs is product+X (57%), which highlights product types, followed by place+X (14%) which emphasizes regional or cultural identity. In addition, a name/person’s name+X establishes a personalized connection (6%). Finally, in language markers, shop names reveal globalization’s prevalence and demonstrate efforts to convey a global image. The revitalization marker reflects the commitment to the Acehnese language and cultural pride. Identity markers, which include place, name, abbreviation, product, plant name, and brand, establish trust, familiarity, and resonance, creating a dynamic linguistic and cultural landscape where businesses steer global influences and local heritage to connect authentically with customers. To conclude, shop names in Banda Aceh illustrate a vibrant linguistic and cultural environment where businesses use global influences and local heritage to create meaningful bonds with customers.

Economic Value of Endangered Languages

In a world where more than half of the 6,500 languages are under the threat of extinction, this paper challenges the conventional view that language preservation lacks concrete economic benefits. Investigating the intricate relationships between monolingualism, cultural identity, and economic dynamics, it illuminates the diverse values that languages contribute to our global heritage. From communicative and emotional to ecological and scientific perspectives, the paper unveils the interconnectedness of linguistic diversity with biodiversity, influencing conservation efforts and ecological equilibrium. Case studies illustrate the economic implications of language loss in sectors like medicine, where traditional knowledge guides pharmaceutical development. Beyond direct monetary considerations, the exploration underscores the unexpected role of language in business, influencing international trade, collaboration, and workplace dynamics. Advocating for the economic value of investing in language resources, the article urges decision-makers to recognize the economic dimensions of endangered languages. The conclusion calls for a shift in perspective, positioning languages not merely as cultural assets but as vital economic factors. It encourages the integration of language preservation into national and international policies to safeguard global linguistic diversity.

Schönberg, Trauma, and the Unrepresentable

This examination raises the possibility, that the completion of Schönberg's opera Moses und Aron became impossible in light of antisemitism and the Holocaust, Schönberg’s personal memory of the family’s precipitous flight from Nazi Germany just as Act II was completed, and the murders of those relatives left behind. Did Schönberg suffer from a resulting form of writer’s block, in whicha hopeful conclusion to Act III of the opera could no longer be envisioned? Extant text sketches for Act III suggest a grim post-traumatic reaction, and preoccupation with a militant version of Zionism. To understand these factors, we must first examine the vicissitudes of Schönberg’s cultural and political identifications over many years.

Transformation processes of professional identity against the background of media convergence

The purpose of the work is to study the transformation processes of constructing professional identity under the influence of new information technologies and to consider the evolution of views on the processes of scientific and practical understanding of new media resources in the context of the development of convergent journalism as a phenomenon of the modern information society. It was established based on the conducted research that the values and beliefs of journalists, reflecting the process of professional self-identification, are forming in the process of choosing certain options among a variety of alternatives and transforming further under the current conditions of the information and communication environment. In the process of the study, the article identifies the features, content, and main trends in the transformational processes of professional identity and professional culture of journalists in the context of technological changes in the media industry. The dynamics of the development of media convergence are shown from the point of view of the mutual influence of traditional and new media and the tendency of improving their technological and dialogue features and capabilities in content creation and broadcasting. An assessment is made of the degree of adaptation of regional media to modern conditions of the information and communication environment in the context of organizational, professional, and communicative convergence.

Training, practice, and career considerations in forensic psychology: results from a field survey of clinical and non-clinical professionals in the United States

The current field survey describes the identities, training, practices, and careers of 351 U.S. forensic psychologists. Findings are presented for clinical forensic psychologists (n = 323) with additional consideration for those working in institutions (n = 119), private practice (n = 107), or both (n = 90), and separately for non-clinical forensic psychologists (n = 35). The sample was predominantly middle-aged, White, and female. Participants reported various training paths to the field, and professional settings and activities in the field. Student loan debt was common and significant in clinical Forensic psychologists. Income was generally high, with trends in higher incomes for private practice, board certification, urban areas, and certain geographic regions. Gendered income disparities were common, particularly among those later in their careers and in private practice, with relative parity only observed among early-career clinical forensic psychologists in institutions. Career satisfaction was generally high, with some important barriers noted. Overall, the limited representation of those with historically marginalized cultural identities restricted further consideration and understanding of these important factors in the field. Additional data and discussion are provided for these and other areas of demographics and lived experiences, training and related financial considerations, professional practices (including settings, activities, and clinical test use), and career considerations (including income, benefits, retirement planning, and satisfaction). Together, these data and related discussions offer important insights for prospective and current trainees entering the field, professionals seeking to navigate and advance their careers, and field leaders aiming to contribute to the ongoing development of forensic psychology.

A middle-class nation? The middle class and its moral boundaries in post-dictatorial Uruguay

AbstractIn this article, I examine the middle class as a contested category in contemporary Uruguay and the role of moral boundaries in its formation and maintenance. I contend that amidst the economic fragility experienced by the middle class, both individuals and the state grapple with the precarious position of the middle class. In this scenario, moral boundaries function as a crucial mechanism for navigating this uncertainty. Through an analysis of parliamentary debates and public statements of politicians, I redraw how, in these discourses, the middle class emerges as a moralized national and cultural identity centering around work ethic and colonial history. Central to my analysis is an examination of the historical material and symbolic struggles that have shaped the emergence and evolution of the middle class in Uruguay. Thus, I pay attention to its formative role during the early nineteenth century in the emergence and stabilization of the nation, as well as to the impact of the dictatorship (1972–1985). Finally, I show how these notions intersect with conceptions of (un)deservingness, ultimately legitimizing increasing punitivism.

Teaching -Learning Process as a Strategy to Recover and Strengthen the Shuar Culture

This study examines the impact of the teaching-learning process on the preservation of the Shuar culture in Ecuador, specifically in the Morona Santiago Support Center. The main objective is to analyze how the Bilingual Intercultural Educational Model (MOSEIB) contributes to the rescue of the Shuar cultural identity among children and young people. The methodology is quantitative and descriptive, using surveys to obtain data on the perception and experiences of teachers and students. The population includes 51 people, including 33 teachers and 18 students, who answered questions about the use of cultural resources in the classroom and the relevance of Shuar customs as myths, legends, and mother tongue. The results indicate a positive acceptance of the MOSEIB model, as both students and teachers express that teaching based on the Shuar culture reinforces their identity. A high percentage of students enjoy cultural activities and value the use of traditional language and dress. In conclusion, the Intercultural Bilingual Educational Model has a positive impact, promoting the continuity of Shuar traditions and generating a space of respect and appreciation of their culture both in the educational field and in daily life.

A Counter ‘Image of Africa’ in Two Postcolonial Narratives by Tayeb Salih and Chinua Achebe From a Comparative Perspective

This study presents two twentieth-century African narratives from a postcolonial comparative perspective. The study highlights corresponding observations in “Dead Men’s Path” by the Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe and “The Doum-tree of Wad Hamid” by the Sudanese Tayeb Salih in relation to the colonial strategy of stereotyping Africa as premodern and unprogressive and how this strategy widens the gap between generations and undermines the cultural identity of the young. The study analyzes confrontations between characters representing different generations on whether colonization aims for the betterment of natives’ lives. Finally, the study investigates how the enforced European lifestyles on the rural ‘premodern’ societies of Nigeria and Sudan by the British colonization are met with defiance and resistance. The article draws on postcolonial concepts including autonomy, resistance, and mimicry to demonstrate the conflict between generations under the enduring effects of cultural colonization.

Case report: A follow-up report of omental packing and drug therapy for canine prostate adenocarcinoma

Canine prostate is susceptible to diseases such as cysts, abscesses, and tumors. A 15-year-old male castrated Chinese rural dog underwent staged treatment. Preliminary diagnosis is based on examination results, including clinical symptoms (tenesmus, dysuria, frequent urination, and hematuria); hematology (elevated neutrophil count); X-rays (swelling of the prostate); ultrasound examination (less uniform echo in the prostate region, no echo effect in parenchyma); biopsy smear of prostate tissue (large number of neutrophils and rod-shaped bacteria). Therefore, the dog was preliminarily diagnosed with a prostate abscess. Antibiotic therapy was used for treatment. Three days later, the symptoms of hematuria and frequent urination did not improve, and the state was poor. The owner was advised to undergo surgical treatment-omental packing. Meanwhile, bacterial culture identification, drug sensitivity test and histopathological examination were performed. Pathological diagnosis was prostate adenocarcinoma. Subsequently, antibiotic therapy with enrofloxacin and antineoplastic maintenance therapy with mitoxantrone were administered. Six months later, the dogs were followed up, and the results showed no disease in the prostate tissue and no metastatic lesions. This is the report describing the use of omental packing for the treatment of prostate adenocarcinoma in dogs. In order to provide an important theoretical basis for the treatment of prostate cancer - omental packing into veterinary routine.

The Dialectic of Values and Globalisation Virtual Communities and Identity Construction

This study is part of a body of research that seeks to understand an individual's social and cultural identity through their intensive use of social media and membership of virtual communities. It explores the impact of this engagement on their religious, moral and social values. The researcher drew on a variety of specialist references to uncover this social phenomenon. It was found that virtual communities represent a parallel social life to real society, serving as an alternative space. Individuals have begun to replace their real communities with virtual ones, where they find fulfilment of their desires and achievement of their social aspirations, often neglecting their social values. This shift leads to the globalisation of their ideas and beliefs, resulting in the formation of a new identity with unclear characteristics.

Akulturasi Budaya Batak Angkola dan Batak Toba Dalam Upacara Adat Perkawinan di Desa Padang Parsadaan, Kecamatan Pangaribuan

Traditional marriage ceremonies in the Bataknese community, especially Batak Angkola and Batak Toba have very unique rules and traditions. Exogamus marriage in Batak Toba forbid marriages between the same and as well as Batak Angkola which applies a patrilineal system with the “jujur” custom involving the payment of sinamot from the man to the woman,the main reason of marriage for the society of Batak Angkola and Batak Toba are to reach prosperty (hamoraon) owning many descendants (hagabeon) and obtaining honor (hasangapon). Acculturation is the process where elements from two or more diff cultural grups interact and live together then integrate into their own culture without losing their original cultural identity. In the village Padang Parsadaan, cultural acculturation happens between the culture Batak Angkola and Batak Toba in the traditional marriage ceremonies, initially society has resistance to this acculturation, but after a long disscussion, cultural integration started to be accepted and applied. This acculturation process arms to create social harmony but still maintaining their own cultural identity. This observation uses descriptive qualitive method with analytical approach for understanding the process and impact of acculturation. The result of this observation shows that acculturation enrich the social life and societies culture and increasing the intercultural tolerance in the village Padang Parsadaan. Acculturation also helps younger generation undestand and adapt to changes, however acculturation needs effort and support together from society and traditional leaders to over obstacles and ensuring the continuation of cultural acculturation especially traditional marriage ceremonies.

On the sensations of direct-to-consumer DNA testing: realisations, resemblance and relationships

The field of genealogy has rapidly evolved with the rise of direct-to-consumer DNA testing, a digital technology with the potential to disrupt previously held understandings of family history. Recent theorisation in the sociology of personal life provides a useful lens to attune to potent sensations and affinities sparked by direct-to-consumer DNA testing. Our analysis focuses on the accounts of three donor-conceived people – Thomas, Simone and Amira – whose DNA discoveries significantly disrupted their familial, cultural and national identities. We explore three cascading flashes of insight derived from our analysis: realising and reordering the family tree – how DNA discoveries were experienced through a range of initial sensations from shock to stupidity to feeling cheated and duped; reflecting on resemblance – how DNA discoveries were felt through sensations of similarity and alterity; and re-evaluating relationships – how the sensations of DNA discoveries (re)shaped interactions with family. This article contributes to understanding donor-conceived people’s relational practices following DNA discoveries and the role of sensations in these practices. We argue that such sensations impact understandings of self and familial relationships, raising questions about social and genetic inheritance and who counts as family.

Florentín Giménez’s Folk-Style Songs: A Practical Reading of Paraguayan Cultural Identity

Abstract Florentín Giménez (1925–2021) stands as one of the most prolific Paraguayan composers. Published in six Cancioneros (‘Songbooks’), his more than 800 canciones populares (‘folkloric or folk-style songs’) testify to his productivity and distinctive approach to this particular genre. Based on the examination of his six published Cancioneros, along with an analysis of Giménez’s musical recordings and personal interviews with the composer, this article first provides biographical context and introduces these songs through a series of representative cultural themes that emphasize some of Giménez’s ideas about musical and extra-musical expressions of cultural identity and Paraguayan nationalism. Following a discussion of Giménez’s vocal compositions, the article focuses on the composer’s self-proclaimed musical advocacy, and highlights three of his most iconic and widely known songs: ‘Así canta mi patria’ (‘Thus My Country Sings’), ‘Ka’aguype’ (‘In the Forest’) in the Guaraní language, and ‘Muy cerca de ti’ (‘Very Near You’). By considering these three Paraguayan folk-style songs, I aim to demonstrate that throughout his career, Giménez’s music has become illustrative of a cultural identity informed by Paraguayan music and socially imagined ideas, including the sentiment of nationalism, which he expresses through a profound admiration for his country.

Culinary and Souvenir Center in Pematangsiantar City with Neo-Vernacular Architecture Approach

Tourists often look for authentic culinary experiences and want to bring home typical souvenirs from the places they visit. Pematangsiantar City, North Sumatra, which is a passageway city for tourists who want to visit Lake Toba, has a variety of culinary and souvenir options. The purpose of this research is to design a culinary and souvenir center in Pematangsiantar City with a neo-vernacular architectural approach. The method used in this design is a qualitative method through literature studies, field studies, and comparative studies that produce space requirements and criteria that will be used as the basis for the design. The results of this research will be the basis for designing a building complex with food stands, souvenir stands, eating and drinking areas, and public open spaces. The whole project is expected to improve the local economy, promote sustainable tourism, and strengthen the cultural identity of Pematangsiantar City.

Inheritance and Protection of Traditional Musical Intangible Cultural Heritage

Musical intangible cultural heritage refers to the transmission of intangible cultural expressions with cultural connotations and social significance through music as a carrier. It covers a rich variety of musical forms and traditional musical instruments, and embodies the creation and inheritance of music by human beings in different historical periods and regional environments. Through the inheritance of traditional music, it can promote and pass on national culture and local culture, and strengthen people's sense of cultural identity and belonging. Music has the ability to cross languages and cultures, and through music inheritance, it can promote cultural exchanges and communication between different regions and nationalities, and enhance mutual understanding and friendship. For individuals, music heritage can enhance their sense of identity, self-knowledge and self-confidence. The safeguarding of musical intangible cultural heritage is a brand new field and a mainstream discourse in the field of international cultural studies. At the same time, it should be the historical mission of every individual worker related to music.

Changes in the Perception of Childhood in the Era of Globalization

Explores the changes in the perception of childhood under the influence of globalization. It examines the transformation of traditional concepts regarding the role and significance of childhood in English-speaking, Kazakh, and Kyrgyz cultures. The study analyzes various factors shaping these changes, including the impact of media, digital technologies, and international educational standards. Special attention is given to the challenges of preserving cultural identity and values amid globalization, as well as the influence of global trends on child-rearing practices and socialization in diverse cultural contexts.

Exploring Cultural Competence in Art Education : A Literature Review on Enhancing Cultural Identity among Students in Taishan College in Shandong Province, China

This literature review explores the relationship between cultural competence in art education and the enhancement of cultural identity among students at Taishan College in Shandong Province, China. In an increasingly globalized world, understanding and integrating diverse cultural perspectives in educational curricula have become paramount. This study synthesizes existing research on cultural competence, art education methodologies, and their implications for fostering cultural identity. The review reveals that art education serves as a powerful medium for encouraging students to engage with their cultural heritage while also appreciating global artistic expressions. Key themes identified include the role of culturally responsive pedagogy, the impact of local traditions on artistic practices, and the significance of student engagement in culturally relevant projects. By highlighting best practices and potential strategies for implementing culturally competent curricula, this review aims to provide insights for educators and policymakers seeking to enhance cultural identity through art education in a Chinese context. The findings suggest that by embracing cultural competence, art education can not only enrich students' educational experiences but also promote a deeper sense of self and community identity among the youth in Shandong Province.

A tale of two languages: charting Chinese parents’ beliefs about and engagement with Chinese and English language learning

ABSTRACT This study investigates Chinese parental beliefs about and engagement with their children’s Chinese and English language learning in Yinchuan, China, utilizing the theory of planned behaviour as an analytical framework and a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data from 879 parents reveals a strong preference for Chinese language education based on its perceived utility, cultural identity, and socioeconomic returns, contrasting with an ambivalent stance towards English. Qualitative insights highlight the influences of nationalism, anti-Western sentiments, and the COVID-19 pandemic on parental attitudes. These findings underscore the dominance of top-down language policies and societal expectations in shaping parental choices, often leading to contradictions between expressed attitudes and realized engagement. Perceived behavioural control emerges as a critical factor, with parents navigating challenges such as resource limitations, policy instability, and the dynamics of child autonomy. This study offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of parental involvement and the factors shaping language learning priorities, thus contributing to the growing body of literature on language education in China. These findings can inform language education policies and practices, emphasizing the need for accessible home-based resources, cultural understanding, and open dialogue to support effective and equitable language learning outcomes for Chinese children.

National History, Resistance, and Cultural Enclosure in Iceland’s Bell

Iceland offers a combination of spectacular natural beauty and Viking history that has made it a popular destination for tourists. The island, which has a population of under 350,000, was visited by almost 700,000 tourists in 2021, according to the Icelandic Tourist Board, and tourism accounts for nearly 50 per cent of the country’s total export revenue (OECD). The island’s Viking heritage, recorded in the medieval sagas and eddas, is central to Icelandic cultural and national identity and has played an important role in attracting tourists. However, the history of the saga manuscripts as material cultural artefacts is also tied to Iceland’s history as a Danish colony. They were originally collected and stored in Copenhagen in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and only partly returned to Iceland in 1971, almost two decades after Iceland gained independence from Denmark. The history of the saga texts is the subject of Halldór Laxness’s novel Iceland’s Bell, published in three volumes from 1943 to 1946 at the height of the Icelandic independence movement. Through a discussion of the novel, this essay will show that the Icelandic sagas, both as tangible and intangible cultural artefacts, are central to Laxness’s articulation of a cultural nationalism that is resistant to Danish colonial domination. It will suggest that not only is Iceland’s Bell a novel concerned with the material history of the sagas, but that this history is intricately linked with the island’s seven centuries of colonial domination by the Kingdom of Denmark. It is thus a consciously anti-colonial novel that portrays the violence, in both cultural and material terms, of Danish rule in Iceland and aligns cultural enclosure with colonial domination.