Interplay Of Culture Research Articles

Do bilinguals have an emotional advantage? An exploratory study on the interplay of language, culture and emotion

ABSTRACT Developing emotional competence during childhood is critical because it is a significant resource for building psychological well-being, social relationships and even school achievement. Language plays an important role in fostering emotional competence among monolingual children but for bilingual children, the relationship between culture, language and emotions is significantly more complex. Although bilinguals may have more emotion concepts due to their engagement in multiple languages and cultures, this potential may only materialise under specific conditions. In this study, we investigate whether ethnic minoritised bilingual children’s emotional competence (i) differs from that of majority monolingual children based on their language proficiency profile and (ii) is shaped by their exposure to the majority culture, independent of their language competencies. Using a sample of primary school children (aged 10–12; N = 924) living in Belgium, the results of our quantitative analyses suggest that being fluently bilingual is beneficial to fostering emotional competence for minoritized children. However, Belgian socialisation efforts, exposure to Dutch media and demographic proxies of the degree of cultural exposure were not significantly related to emotional competence. Our results contradict contemporary deficit views surrounding bilingualism and suggest important policy implications for educational professionals.

Investigating the Complexity of Cultural Identities in Globalizing Societies

Cultural identity has become increasingly important and complex within many contemporary globalized societies. Consequently, methodological development is needed to expand our conceptualization and measurement of (a) the formation and experiences of multiple nested cultural identities and (b) how such identities relate to psychosocial functioning. In the preregistered and experimental quantitative phase (Study 1), Danish participants ( n = 308) were divided into three subsamples completely at random and exposed to various priming regarding global events (i.e., COVID-19, war in Ukraine, or a control prompt not related to current events). Danish, European, and global cultural identities were all highly endorsed across our sample, and global identity was enhanced by priming related to the war in Ukraine as compared with the other two priming conditions. Danish cultural identity was positively associated with well-being (self-esteem and life satisfaction) both directly and indirectly through self-concept clarity, whereas European identity was negatively associated with self-concept clarity, and global identity was positively associated with self-esteem. In the qualitative phase (Study 2), with a selected subsample of the Study 1 sample ( n = 5), we conducted in-depth semistructured interviews to explore the experience of sociohistorically embedded cultural identities (i.e., shaped by a complex interplay of culture, language, and social practices) within the globalized context of Denmark. Results highlight ideographic understandings of cultural identities and how these identities are politically embedded and shaped through intercultural experiences and events. These results are discussed in terms of how multi-method approaches can enhance our understanding of contemporary complex cultural identities.

The Garden and Its Walls

This essay examines the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver through a sociocultural lens. Positioned in Chinatown within Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES), the garden is the first authentic Ming Dynasty-style scholar’s garden outside of China. Operating as both a public park managed by the Vancouver Park Board, as well as a paid garden managed by a nonprofit organization, the garden symbolizes an intersection of Canadian and Chinese cultures, offering a distinctive lens for analyzing cultural interplay. The concepts of the «contact zone» as well as assemblage theory are central to understanding the garden’s role in facilitating cross-cultural dialogues. Influenced by scholars like James Clifford and Mary Louise Pratt, the garden serves as a physical and conceptual space where cultures converge, fostering interpersonal dialogue among visitors of varied backgrounds. Philipp Schorch’s expansion of the contact zone to museum spaces offers a framework for analyzing the garden as representing Chinese culture in Vancouver as well as tying the garden to its locality. The analysis of the garden extends beyond its own confines and over its walls, exposing and exploring the complex relationship the garden has to its surrounding space, the DTES, and Chinatown.

New Perspectives on the Interplay of Networks and Culture

New Perspectives on the Interplay of Networks and Culture

The Kavalappara swaroopam: Interplay of power, culture, and colonialism in Kerala’s history

The Kavalappara swaroopam: Interplay of power, culture, and colonialism in Kerala’s history

The interplay of music, movement, and culture on rhythm processing

The interplay of music, movement, and culture on rhythm processing

The Interplay of Transactional Leadership, Adaptive Culture, Work Motivation and Performance of Employees

The Interplay of Transactional Leadership, Adaptive Culture, Work Motivation and Performance of Employees

Engagement and Satisfaction in the Workplace: A Millennial and Gen Z Perspective from APEC Schools Educators

This research explores the engagement and job satisfaction levels of millennial and Generation Z educators within the NTC-APEC Schools, focusing on the specific factors influencing these metrics. In the face of growing burnout among educators, which impacts both their wellbeing and educational outcomes, this study seeks to uncover the relational dynamics between work engagement, job satisfaction, and prevalent work environment factors. Using a comprehensive survey distributed among 75 educators, the research analyzes the complex interplay of personal values, workplace culture, and structural empowerment on employee satisfaction and engagement. Results suggest a significant prevalence of burnout, emphasizing an urgent need for organizational strategies that address the unique work preferences and stressors associated with younger generational cohorts. The study aims to inform policy-making and strategic HR planning within educational institutions to foster environments that enhance satisfaction and reduce turnover, thereby improving educational outcomes and workplace morale.

Englishes in China: Evolution and Recognition in World Englishes

This study offers an in-depth examination of the development of “China English” (CE) within the framework of World Englishes (WE). Tracing the historical trajectory of English in China, from its origins in Chinese Pidgin English to the contemporary manifestations of CE, the paper conducts a comprehensive analysis of its various stages. Situating CE within the broader context of WE, the study engages in debates regarding its recognition as a distinct variety of English. Moreover, it investigates the process of nativization of CE, highlighting its phonological features, lexicon enriched with cultural nuances and discourse patterns shaped by sociocultural dynamics. Despite ongoing debates surrounding the legitimacy of CE, the paper argues that its evolution conforms to established parameters of nativization, thereby establishing it as a legitimate variant within the global landscape of English. Beyond linguistic examination, the study emphasizes the significant role of CE in facilitating international English communication amidst China's expanding global influence. By delving into the intricate interplay of language, culture, and identity in our interconnected world, this research provides valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of global communication.

Феномен гендерного беспокойства и его роль в процессе становления гендерной идентичности

Nowadays, society is undergoing a shift in its perception of individuals within a changing world. Accelerating globalization, the transformation of social institutions and the increasing importance of non-traditional values in Western society are becoming not only a matter of personal perception, but also a topic of public discourse. In these conditions, the formation of gender identity is not merely a biological process but also significantly influenced by societal understanding, as the definition of gender roles in society undergoes shifts. The phenomenon of gender dysphoria emerges, characterized by a contradiction between personal perception of gender identity and societal perceptions. The study is devoted to identifying the role of this phenomenon in modern discourse, considering an analysis of its interpretation. The author concludes that the phenomenon of gender dysphoria in the formation of gender identity is associated with understanding gender as a sociocultural category. By recognizing gender as a complex interplay of biology, culture, and personal identity, society can move towards more inclusive and understanding frameworks for gender expression.

Exploring EU Culture Policy towards Eastern Partnership Countries

This article delves into the intricate interplay of culture, soft power, and international relations, with a particular focus on the European Union's (EU) cultural diplomacy efforts within Eastern Partnership countries. It illuminates how culture serves as a potent force in shaping societal development and influencing international perceptions and relationships, drawing on Joseph Nye's conceptualization of soft power. Through a comprehensive historical analysis and examination of case studies, the research unveils the nuanced role of cultural diplomacy within the broader framework of soft power and public diplomacy. Specifically, it scrutinizes the EU's cultural diplomacy initiatives in Eastern Partnership countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine - highlighting their significance in diplomatic relations and regional cooperation, particularly within the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and Eastern Partnership context. The study advocates for strategic enhancements in funding mechanisms, support for local institutions, and alignment with EU values to bolster the effectiveness of cultural diplomacy initiatives. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of an adaptive and inclusive approach to cultural policy, underscoring the need for continuous collaboration to foster resilient and mutually beneficial EU-Eastern Partnership relationships.

The pilgrimage (hajj) of Central Asian Muslims before joining to the Russian Empire

This study examines the pilgrimage practices of Central Asian Muslims to Mecca before the region became part of the Russian Empire and shows that despite the importance of the Hajj in Islam, participation from this area was limited. The analysis outlines the various barriers to making the pilgrimage, such as the strict Sharia requirements that many could not meet, the financial and logistical challenges involved, and the fear of the dangers associated with the journey. In addition, social and family obligations prevented a significant number of Muslims from making the Hajj, leading to a preference for local pilgrimage sites in Central Asia as an alternative. The research also examines the socio-political implications of the hajj for Central Asian Muslims, including the different routes taken to reach Mecca and the role of socio-economic status in facilitating or hindering the pilgrimage. Through this examination, the article sheds light on the complex interplay of religion, culture and politics in the practice of hajj among Central Asian Muslims prior to Russian annexation.

Unlocking Employee Performance in the Vietnamese Banking Sector: The Interplay of Transformational Leadership, Organizational Culture, and Organizational Commitment

Unlocking Employee Performance in the Vietnamese Banking Sector: The Interplay of Transformational Leadership, Organizational Culture, and Organizational Commitment

The interplay of culture, religion and luxury consumption: a cross-national investigation

PurposeThis study aims to examine differences in the perceived value of luxury as drivers of luxury purchase intentions between individualist and collectivist cultures (at a country level) and consumers of Muslim versus Christian religious backgrounds. Moreover, this study investigates how consumers’ acculturation to the global consumer culture (AGCC) impacts their perceived luxury values.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted two online survey studies. The first study compares Muslim consumers in Kuwait versus Muslims consumers in the UK. The second study compares the UK Muslim sample to a UK Christian sample. The authors collected data from 600 and 601 respondents, respectively. Partial least square structural equation modeling was used to test this study’s research hypotheses.FindingsThe perceived personal values of luxury primarily drive consumers’ luxury purchase intentions. The hedonic value of luxury impacts luxury purchase intentions significantly more for Muslims in the UK than in Kuwait. No significant differences were observed between religions. Consumers’ AGCC exerts a positive impact on all included perceived luxury values and more strongly impacts perceived uniqueness for Muslims than for Christians.Originality/valueThe paper builds on an integrative luxury values framework to examine the impact of luxury values on consumers’ purchasing intentions by studying the moderating effect of culture and religion on these relationships. The study is partly set in Kuwait, an understudied country, and investigates a Muslim minority in the UK.

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Examining and mitigating racism in nursing using the socio-ecological model.

Racism in nursing is multifaceted, ranging from internalized racism and interpersonal racism to institutional and systemic (or structural) elements that perpetuate inequities in the nursing profession. Employing the socio-ecological model, this study dissects the underlying challenges across various levels and proposes targeted mitigation strategies to foster an inclusive and equitable environment for nursing education. It advances clear, context-specific mitigation strategies to cultivate inclusivity and equity within nursing education. Effectively addressing racism within this context necessitates a tailored, multistakeholder approach, impacting nursing students, faculty, administration, professional organizations, and licensing and accrediting bodies. This all-encompassing strategy recognizes that the interplay of interpersonal dynamics, community culture, institutional policies, and broader societal structures intricately shapes individual experiences. Nurses, nurse leaders, educators, organizations, and policymakers can work together to create a more equitable and inclusive nursing profession by targeting each of these levels. This transformational process can yield positive outcomes across various environments where nurses learn, work, and serve people and enable the demographic composition of nurses to better match the populations served.

Literary and Cultural Enrichment in Soviet Armenia: Exploring Russian-Mediated Translation Traditions in the Soviet Era

This paper seeks to underline the pivotal role the Russian language played in nurturing a rich educational and cultural atmosphere in Soviet Armenia. In fact, Russian greatly contributed to the shaping of the educational environment exerting immense influence on the academic progress and intellectual growth. It aims to provide insight into the translation traditions prevalent in the Soviet era where Russian assumed the crucial role of a cultural facilitator. In fact, it served as an intermediary language for not only Armenia, but also other Soviet republics making the large body of foreign literature accessible for Soviet readers. Yet, following the abolition of the Soviet regime, translation practices and methodologies experienced a sudden transformation guaranteeing the rapid transition from translations mediated by Russian to direct translation approaches. We believe this study will help shed light on the interplay of language and culture in the context of Armenian’s historic journey from the Soviet era to the present day.

Quantifying Workplace Dynamics: A Mathematical Model Examining the Interplay of Work Culture, Employee Engagement and Job Satisfaction

Quantifying Workplace Dynamics: A Mathematical Model Examining the Interplay of Work Culture, Employee Engagement and Job Satisfaction

Inequality beneath the surface: a Belgian case study on structural discrimination in the workplace and the role of organizational structure, culture and policies

PurposeThe context of a long-standing research tradition, discrimination has emerged as a critical factor contributing to inequalities within the labor market. While existing studies have primarily focused on overt discrimination during the recruitment and selection process, influenced by biases, attitudes, or stereotypes, there remains a significant knowledge gap regarding discrimination within the workplace and its underlying structural dimensions. This article aims to address this gap by examining the impact of organizational culture, structure and policies on workplace discrimination, with a particular emphasis on women and ethnic minorities.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing a case study strategy centered around a Belgian branch of a multinational professional service agency, data was gathered through ten semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted with employees representing various organizational levels.FindingsThe findings reveal that organizational culture, structure and policies may pose inherent risks in perpetuating discrimination throughout individuals' professional trajectories. Furthermore, it becomes apparent that, albeit often unconscious, these elements exhibit biases against women and ethnic minorities.Social implicationsGiven the unintentional nature of structural discrimination, it is crucial to foster increased awareness and understanding of these dynamics.Originality/valueThe originality of this research article lies in its focus on addressing a critical knowledge gap in the existing research tradition on discrimination in the labor market. While previous studies have primarily concentrated on overt discrimination during recruitment and selection, this article delves into the often overlooked area of discrimination within the workplace itself. It explores the intricate interplay of organizational culture, structure and policies in perpetuating discrimination, particularly against women and ethnic minorities. By utilizing a case study approach within a multinational professional service agency in Belgium, the research uncovers hidden biases and unconscious elements contributing to structural discrimination. This emphasis on understanding unintentional discrimination adds a novel dimension to the discourse on workplace inequalities.

The interplay of affirmative action and entrepreneurial culture: Understanding institutional privilege and exclusion in Malaysia

The aim of this article is to examine how enterprise policies aimed at supporting ethnic groups influence entrepreneurial activity. Drawing on qualitative interviews with entrepreneurs and policymakers in the emerging economy of Malaysia, we show that policy intended to close interethnic gaps in entrepreneurial activity instead serves to increase differences. Parallel institutional environments are formed through socially negotiated accomplishments and are influenced by institutional antecedents including affirmative action policy. These conditions created advantages (institutional privilege) for the targeted population but disadvantages (institutional exclusion) for those who are not targeted in the preferential policies. Tensions between privilege and exclusion impact on entrepreneurial activity, increasing inequalities of different parties. The article provides a number of theoretical contributions and practical implications for policy.