Cultural Knowledge Research Articles

Empowering African‐American museums: The vital role of black museum anthropologists in grantmaking

AbstractMany African American museums face financial constraints and need resources to preserve their collections, create exhibits, and offer educational programs. Grant funding is crucial for the sustainability of these museums. Black anthropologists are essential in grant writing because they provide their extensive knowledge of African American history and culture to help museums develop compelling narratives that resonate with grant funders. Additionally, Black anthropologists are needed as reviewers of grant proposals. By leveraging their unique insights from professional training and personal experiences, Black anthropologists can champion the cause of these museums in the grant‐making process. Their expertise allows them to assess proposals from a culturally sensitive perspective, considering the unique needs, goals, and challenges African American museums face. This essay highlights the significant contributions of Black anthropologists who have advocated for and strengthened grant applications from African American museums, ensuring that they align with the mission and vision of the grant‐making institutions. By helping African American museums secure grant support, Black anthropologists also convey the significance and value of other African American museums.

Cultural conceptualisations in Nigerian Pidgin English proverbs

AbstractThis article explores Nigerian Pidgin English proverbs as a source of cultural conceptualisations that reflect traditional wisdom as well as the modern urban setting of West Africa. A total of 173 proverbs sourced from the BBC News Pidgin's Instagram service were analysed for recurrent lexical keywords and themes (e.g. those relating to food, eating and drinking, and animals) that can be interpreted as source domain lexical material that points to the knowledge of nature, common animals, objects and social situations. The findings suggest that Nigerian Pidgin English proverbs contain a rich inventory of variety‐ and culture‐specific lexis that encodes cultural knowledge and practice, for example knowledge of the local flora and fauna, food items, but also objects of material culture such as clothing, as well as references to social culture.

Indigenous voices: Using cultural knowledge for tourism

This research reports on Indigenous cultural knowledge holders' opportunities and challenges in using their cultural knowledge to develop authentic tourism experiences. The research investigated issues related to sourcing, storing, managing, and authorising local cultural knowledge to create authentic tourism experiences. The key finding is that while Aboriginal parties are interested in using cultural knowledge to develop tourism products, pathways need to be designed to facilitate the related development. The research utilised the Indigenous research yarning method and found this approach to be particularly useful with potential for broader use in qualitative research. The findings can be applied more broadly across the Australian national tourism landscape. The findings advance knowledge management theory through the lens of Indigenous tourism.

Greater Attention to Wild Foods and Cultural Knowledge Supports Increased Nutrition Outcomes Associated with Agroecology

Agroecology frameworks do not explicitly include nutrition, but nutrition is an outcome of many principles of agroecology, with growing evidence that agroecological interventions improve diet quality and nutrition. In this paper, we argue that more explicit attention to the importance of wild foods from diverse agroecological landscapes will further enhance the nutrition outcomes associated with agroecology. In rural landscapes around the world, wild foods provide nutrient-dense and culturally important foods that make significant contributions to the diet in some contexts and are culturally important and highly valued delicacies in others. Agroecological principles, science, and practice already support the maintenance of wild foods in food systems by highlighting ecological principles. These include low or no use of pesticides, landscape diversity, and maintenance of biodiversity, alongside social principles such as traditional knowledge and cultural practices. The focus in agroecology on working with traditional knowledge and cultural practices supports the preservation of traditional knowledge required to responsibly harvest and prepare wild foods. Centering landscape diversity and nutrition as outcomes of agroecology supports the continued use of wild foods and cultural knowledge, especially in rural communities around the globe. More explicit attention to wild foods in agroecological systems will further contribute to associated nutrition outcomes, while simultaneously promoting the maintenance of landscape diversity, biodiversity, preservation of cultural knowledge, and other ecological sound and socially just agricultural practices.

A Study on Myths and History of Indrathan, Dahachowk

Indradaha has its own cultural importance. There is a myth that "Indra", King of heaven during Satya Yuga came here and took bath. On every Bhadra Shukla Purnima Day, a day after Indra Jatra celebration in Basantapur, thousands of people visit this place for taking bath in this pond. Archaeology, the scientific study of the material remains of past human life and activities. Archaeological investigations are a principal source of knowledge of prehistoric, ancient, and extinct culture. In the Satyayuga, it is believed that King Indra of the heavens came and tied an elephant in a gold necklace and bathed in Indradaha. On the occasion of Indradaha bathing fair on the hill, it is considered to be a wonderful feature to fill Indradaha completely. This place has its own value including different myths and settled pattern of local people from the ancient era. To explore more about the Indrathan, the most famous deities were stablished i.e. Indra, Indrayani, Basuki, and other idols next to the Indra place are privileged to worship Ganesha, Surya, Durga, Bhairav, Garuda, and Saligram etc. another important aspect of explore this place is mythological significance is found in the Nepal Mahatma of chapter 185 under the snowy section of the skanda purana Most of the local people says about indrathan is related with indrajatra which is held in Kathmandu valley and another myth about kalu panday.

STUDENTS’ STRATEGIES AND ERRORS IN JOURNALISTIC TEXT TRANSLATION

Journalistic text plays an important role in information transfer such as the latest events, issues, or problems from parts of the world. With the rapid development of digital platforms, journalistic can be accessed easily through the internet, which arouses the need for translation as a means to bridge understanding between languages. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate students’ strategies and errors in journalistic text translation. By referring to translation strategies adapted from Newmark (1988), Hoed (2006), Baker (2011), the target text was analyzed based on several strategies including transference, calque, naturalization, accepted translation, paraphrase, modulation, transposition, cultural equivalence, addition, omission, and explication. Based on the translation quality assessment model adapted from Nababan et al. (2012), the translations made by the students have decent quality for accuracy and a medium level of competence in producing acceptable translations. However, the translation products have a high degree of readability which means they are easy to understand. Based on the classification proposed by Sukur et al. (2020), the finding shows that the errors made by the students in translating journalistic texts include a lack of cultural background knowledge, situation concordance, use of unsuitable words to the context, and failure to understand speech act. With some suggestions to overcome those challenges, this study is expected to provide pedagogical insight for translation courses regarding the practice of journalistic translation.

Rethinking peer interaction in language classrooms: students and L1 peers as mediators and experts in higher education

ABSTRACT In today’s multilingual and multicultural societies, different languages and cultural orientations converge for complex purposes. This study examines how Spanish language students and their native peers (L1 peer = L1P) experiment with dynamic and culturally embedded language uses in higher education. The data included conversation recordings between students (N = 17) and L1Ps (N = 2). A qualitative conversation analysis of the student-L1P interaction revealed multiple and shifting learner-expert positions that led to reciprocal intercultural mediation. Both students and L1Ps mediated diverse linguistic and cultural knowledge to each other by relying on a rich array of multimodal mediational means. However, the L1Ps’ role as peers on the students’ level was crucial in fostering communication in the target language beyond native and non-native speaker positions.

Unraveling the Nexus Between Organizational Culture and Teachers’ Organizational Commitment in Private Tertiary Institutions

In this quantitative study, a descriptive-correlational research design was employed to assess the levels of organizational culture and organizational commitment among 100 teachers in private tertiary institutions in Tagum City, Philippines. The study aimed to determine if a significant relationship existed between these variables. Data collection involved the utilization of two survey questionnaires, with analysis conducted through frequency counts, percentages, means, and Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Findings indicated a high level of both organizational culture and organizational commitment, with a positively moderate relationship between them. The relationship between respondents' organizational culture knowledge and organizational commitment was particularly significant. These results underscored the importance of organizational culture in shaping teacher commitment in educational settings.

The dynamics of language shifts in migrant communities: Implications for social integration and cultural preservation

This study examines language shifts within migrant communities, focusing on the social and cultural implications of adopting a new dominant language while maintaining heritage languages. It explores the impact of these dynamics on community cohesion, identity, and intergenerational communication. The paper also discusses the role of educational and social policies in supporting multilingualism and cultural diversity as assets in the integration process. This paper delves into the multifaceted dynamics of language shifts within migrant populations and examines their profound implications for social integration and cultural preservation. Migrant communities undergo a complex linguistic adaptation process influenced by various factors, including historical contexts, socio-economic conditions, and government policies. The phenomenon of language shift, wherein migrants gradually adopt the dominant language of the host country while potentially losing proficiency in their native language, represents a fundamental aspect of this adaptation process. This paper explores the nuanced interplay between linguistic assimilation and cultural retention among migrants, highlighting the intricate mechanisms through which language shapes their sense of belonging and cultural identity. Language is a gateway to social integration, facilitating interactions with the host society and enhancing access to employment, education, and public services. However, the pursuit of linguistic assimilation often entails challenges such as discrimination, linguistic barriers, and feelings of alienation, posing significant obstacles to migrants' integration efforts. Moreover, the erosion of native languages within migrant communities can engender a sense of loss and disconnection from cultural heritage, raising concerns about preserving linguistic diversity and intergenerational transmission of cultural knowledge. This paper examines the role of language policies and educational initiatives in shaping language dynamics within migrant communities. Government interventions, ranging from language proficiency requirements for citizenship to bilingual education programs, profoundly influence migrants' linguistic trajectories and cultural adaptation experiences. Keywords: Language, Communities, Social Integration, Cultural Preservation, Policies, Multiculturalism.

Indigenous peoples’ health: Culturally grounded evidence from the Baka, Southeastern Cameroon

Indigenous Peoples are exposed to the impacts of the climatic, ecological and socioeconomic changes, yet there is a need for a better understanding of their health and higher involvement of Indigenous Peoples in health promotion design and implementation. Our study brings empirical data on the healthcare system of the Baka, forager-horticulturalists from Cameroon. Using a mixed methods approach, we explored the health issues they encounter, the emic determinants of health and healthcare system, and the different threats towards their healthcare system. We conducted focus group discussions, interviews with experts, and self-reported health recalls with 302 individuals living in two settlements from southeastern Cameroon during two fieldwork periods between June and November 2022. Our insights highlight the prevalence of respiratory and children's digestive issues, and the occurrence of illnesses implying a combination of symptoms that would deserve further Western biomedical attention. The Baka's healthcare relies on medicinal plants, knowledge experts, and on the social cohesion of the community, all largely affected by the local social-ecological impacts of global change. Exposure to the market and health facilities does not seem to relate to Baka's health state and practices but might affect their perception of health. Deforestation, poor water quality, and alcohol (ab)use were reported and observed threats to the Baka's health and healthcare system. Our work supplies empirical evidence for a better understanding of Baka's health and healthcare system, helpful in designing health prevention and policies adapted to their reality and culture. Further research and interventions on health should consider the current threats to Baka's local ecosystems and cultural knowledge. These insights contribute to a higher recognition of the Baka's, and most broadly, the Indigenous Peoples' emic perspective on health, and on culturally grounded indicators of the resilience of their healthcare system to current and future challenges.

Healthcare social network research and the ECHO model™: Exploring a community of practice to support cultural brokers and transfer cultural knowledge

BackgroundProject ECHO® networks at Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service (CHQHHS) are communities of practice designed to mitigate services and systems fragmentation by building collaborative partnerships addressing priority child and youth health needs. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience the negative impacts of fragmentation in addition to historical challenges of absent or culturally inappropriate health services. Access to culturally safe and responsive services can be improved by engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and similar roles in an online community of practice, supporting the integration of cultural and clinical knowledge and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers in decisions affecting their health.Analysing professional support networks and knowledge sharing patterns helps identify enablers and barriers to partnerships. Using social network research, the multilevel network inclusive of ECHO network members and their colleagues was studied to identify interdisciplinary and cross-sector advice exchange patterns, explore the position of cultural brokers and identify common relational tendencies.MethodsSocial network theories and methods informed the collection of network data and analysis of advice-seeking relationships among ECHO network members and their nominees. Registered members from two ECHO networks were invited to complete the Qualtrics survey. Networks analysed comprised 398 professionals from mainstream health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisation, education, disability and child safety service settings.ResultsBrokers were well represented, both those who hold knowledge brokerage positions as well as cultural brokers who incorporate clinical and cultural knowledge enabling holistic care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients (38 individuals, 17% of network). Professionals who occupy brokerage positions outside the ECHO network tend to be more connected with co-members within the network.ConclusionsThis study is the first application of contemporary social network theories and methods to investigate an ECHO network. The findings highlight the connectivity afforded by brokers, enabling the coordination and collaboration necessary for effective care integration. Inclusion of cultural brokers in an ECHO network provides sustained peer group support while also cultivating relationships that facilitate the integration of cultural and clinical knowledge.

COGNITIVE AND PRAGMATIC FEATURES OF ENGLISH AND UZBEK PAREMIAS

This article explores the cognitive and pragmatic features of paremias in English and Uzbek languages. Paremias are expressions containing wisdom and cultural knowledge that are often used to convey important societal values and norms. By analyzing the cognitive and pragmatic aspects of these expressions in both languages, we aim to uncover the similarities and differences in how wisdom and cultural knowledge are encoded and transmitted through paremias. This comparative study sheds light on the role of paremias in shaping individual cognition and guiding interpersonal communication in two distinct linguistic and cultural contexts.

A Study on the Construction of Cultural Identity of Chinese Students Studying Abroad under the "Belt and Road" Initiative

The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, a centennial plan, are significantly displaying Chinese civilization worldwide. The dissemination of civilization is merely a process, while the recognition of civilization enables the world to breathe in unison with China, share a common destiny, and connect hearts and minds. The alignment of people's hearts and minds is achieved through righteousness and justice. In this context, how to promote China and gain global recognition is one of the core tasks of China's diplomacy, united front work, and the long-term implementation of the Belt and Road strategy. International students coming to China for study are an important force in spreading Chinese civilization, values, and the Chinese model to the outside world. While imparting scientific and cultural knowledge, schools need to conduct implicit cultural education to establish correct values and worldviews. It is essential to cultivate international students' recognition of Chinese culture, Chinese territory, and the path of development with Chinese characteristics. The aim is to ignite a spark that can start a prairie fire, laying a foundation for building a friendship of "long-term coexistence, mutual supervision, mutual trust, and shared honor and disgrace" between China and the world in the future.

Review of Pharmacotherapeutic Targets in Alzheimer's Disease and Its Management Using Traditional Medicinal Plants.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and impaired daily functioning. While there is currently no cure for AD, several pharmacotherapeutic targets and management strategies have been explored. Additionally, traditional medicinal plants have gained attention for their potential role in AD management. Pharmacotherapeutic targets in AD include amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and cholinergic dysfunction. Traditional medicinal plants, such as Ginkgo biloba, Huperzia serrata, Curcuma longa (turmeric), and Panax ginseng, have demonstrated the ability to modulate these targets through their bioactive compounds. Ginkgo biloba, for instance, contains flavonoids and terpenoids that exhibit neuroprotective effects by reducing Aβ deposition and enhancing cerebral blood flow. Huperzia serrata, a natural source of huperzine A, has acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting properties, thus improving cholinergic function. Curcuma longa, enriched with curcumin, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, potentially mitigating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Panax ginseng's ginsenosides have shown neuroprotective and anti-amyloidogenic properties. The investigation of traditional medicinal plants as a complementary approach to AD management offers several advantages, including a lower risk of adverse effects and potential multi-target interactions. Furthermore, the cultural knowledge and utilization of these plants provide a rich source of information for the development of new therapies. However, further research is necessary to elucidate the precise mechanisms of action, standardize preparations, and assess the safety and efficacy of these natural remedies. Integrating traditional medicinal-plant-based therapies with modern pharmacotherapies may hold the key to a more comprehensive and effective approach to AD treatment. This review aims to explore the pharmacotherapeutic targets in AD and assess the potential of traditional medicinal plants in its management.

Dismantling racism through partnership with resettled refugee communities.

The enormous and ever-increasing problem of forced displacement warrants the attention of psychological science to play a role in leading efforts to address the needs of refugee communities. As a nation of immigrants, the United States has a long and complicated history of refugee admissions, including both generous and racist policies and sentiments. Examining the past can increase our capacity to transform the future. Taking conscious action to dismantle racism is of central importance to begin to make reparations and find pathways toward healing. Recognizing the instrumental role of systemic forces, three guideposts to support an antiracist foundation for research and practice in psychology are drawn from existing frameworks and applied to the case of refugees. These include (a) remembrance as an act of historical and sociopolitical analysis, (b) truth-telling to engage in critical self-reflection within the field of psychology, and (c) accompaniment alongside refugee communities to develop partnerships that reinforce their strengths and agency and directly benefit them. These guideposts underscore the importance of upholding community priorities and empowering refugee communities to reclaim their own cultural knowledge and strengths and to create effective and sustainable programs, with the potential for significant public health impact. As such, psychologists can play a critical role in transforming social systems over time and actively working to dismantle racism. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Cultural adaptation in the era of climate change: An ethnographic study on the resilience of indigenous people at Chittagong Hill Tracts area in Bangladesh

Climate change has gained global recognition as one of the most urgent challenges in recent decades. Many indigenous people attempt to overcome great challenges in their lives by adhering to their cultural customs and traditional knowledge. This is especially true for those who live in isolated, hilly places and are dependent on natural resources. The aim of the paper is to critically investigate the cultural facets of indigenous people's adaptation to and resilience to climate change in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), namely in the Rangamati Sadar sub-districts of the Rangamati districts, in Bangladesh. This paper also examines how cultural components in indigenous community are changing and influencing the adaptation process in adverse situations. This study used a critical ethnography technique in conjunction with participant observation, in-depth interviews (N ​= ​55), and focus group discussions (N ​= ​5, 45 participants) during a one-year period (October 2019 to October 2020). According to the study's findings, climate change-related risks have significant adverse effects on indigenous people. However, they develop their strategies to adjust to the adverse environment, like building different kinds of houses, changing cultural customs, relying less on natural resources, and adhering to their indigenous knowledge. They also strengthen their prayers and ceremonial practices, which reinforce their communal ties and allow them to become more resilient against challenges in their community. The popular belief that Indigenous people are stupid, poor, and helpless while they wait for outside help is challenged by this study. It also refutes the discourse that indigenous strategies and knowledge are not undervalued and can be an effective instrument for the adaptation process and combating hazards.

Study of the Presentation of Cultural Elements in the PEP English Textbooks for Junior Middle Schools

With the increasing impact of globalization, the cultivation of cultural awareness and cross-cultural communication skills has become more and more important in English teaching. Textbooks play a crucial role as materials and carriers for English teaching. The way in which Chinese and foreign cultural elements are distributed and presented in textbooks can significantly affect students' learning of cultural knowledge and the development of their cultural awareness. To enhance students' cultural awareness, this study analyzed the cultural elements in PEP English textbook for junior high schools. The statistical results indicate that this textbook predominantly features Chinese culture, followed by British and American cultures, with non-target language cultures being the least presented. The presentation of cultures is primary through pictures and texts. The distribution of cultural elements is not balanced, and there is less cultural knowledge in the first book of the seventh grade. To address this issue, it is suggested that textbook writers should pay attention to the presentation of non-target language cultures, innovate the forms of cultural presentation, and distribute cultural knowledge. Teachers should strive to enhance their cultural literacy, deeply explore cultural elements, innovate cultural teaching methods and enhance students' cultural confidence. The aim is to deal with the cultural knowledge in the teaching materials scientifically and further develop students' cultural awareness.

Analisis Peninggalan Keagamaan Hindu-Buddha di Kedatuan Sriwijaya: Perspektif Sosio-Kultural

This research aims to discover how the existence and development of the Hindu-Buddhist religion in Kedatuan Sriwijaya influenced society's social structure, culture and values at that time. The methods used in this research are literature study, field data collection, archaeological analysis, and interviews with historical and cultural experts. Religious life in the Srivijaya Kingdom, founded around the 7th to 14th centuries AD, was dominated by Hinduism and Buddhism. In that period, these two religions played an important role in shaping the culture, society, and politics of Sriwijaya. Socio-cultural, the start of the Cultural Integration of Hindu-Buddhist Heritage, reflects the solid cultural integration between these religions and local culture in Kedatuan Sriwijaya. Religious Harmony: this relic shows the existence of harmony between followers of these religions in Sriwijaya society. Religious Expansion: in this section, the Srivijaya chiefdom was essential in spreading Buddhism in Southeast Asia. Education Center Monks and Brahmins who visited Sriwijaya brought religious and cultural knowledge and influenced religious education. Economy and Trade started with Sriwijaya's strategy of developing the trade sector by building a substantial fleet of ships and controlling robust trading ports. Then, the artistic heritage, Hindu-Buddhist artistic and architectural heritage in Sriwijaya reflects the influence of the culture and religious beliefs that inspired it.

DEVELOPMENT OF LISTENING COMPREHENSION SKILLS OF FOREIGN COMMUNICATORS (LEVELS B1) USING AUTHENTIC VIDEO MATERIAL FROM YOUTUBE FOR VYSHYVANKA DAY

Listening comprehension is both a goal and a means in the educational activities of foreign language learners, as it builds listening skills and enhances the effectiveness of acquiring communicative competence. It also stimulates their receptive abilities. Consequently, the creation of didactic materials and audio-video content, along with exploring new methods and techniques for their use, remains a critical area in linguodidactics. These materials should be of high quality to facilitate the professional development of future professionals and assist in adapting adapting to new life circumstances. This article presents a model for organizing listening comprehension training for students in preparatory departments using authentic audio and video material available on YouTube. The selection and usage of this material are thoroughly justified. Methodological recommendations regarding the implementation of exercises that enhance the ability to understand foreign language texts are also developed and detailed.The described system of working with audio material aligns with the functional and communicative methods of teaching Ukrainian as a foreign language and facilitates reflection and the updating of the students’ background knowledge of Ukrainian culture and language skills. It is important to note that foreign students are allowed to commence their educational activities at various times according to the Admission Procedure for Foreign Citizens, necessitating a holistic approach to the learning process and adaptation for groups that have already developed basic language and speech skills. Mastering listening comprehension is notably challenging in learning a foreign language, requiring deliberate, consistent effort and the meticulous selection of materials. Effective results in Ukrainian language acquisition can only be achieved through regular listening practice in the classroom. This article employs methods such as analyzing scientific literature, justifying the choice of educational materials, generalizing and systematization.

The development of metaphorical competence in the process of teaching Russian to natural bilinguals.

Metaphor, being one of the main means of verbal imagery, is based on the conceptual system of language and is a way of reality structuring for members of a certain ethnic culture. In this connection the process of decoding Russian metaphors by the bilinguals living outside of the Russian Federation, for whom Russian is not the dominant language, presents certain difficulties, connected with insufficient knowledge of the Russian conceptual system and inability to recognize associative components, expressed in the form of figurative metaphorical connotations. Our work is aimed at substantiating the necessity of forming metaphorical competence, understood as the ability to realize the potential of metaphor in the process of communication, comprehension of reality and extraction of background cultural knowledge. The aim of this study is to develop an algorithm for the consistent development of metaphorical competence in bilinguals in the process of teaching Russian. The realization of the research took place in two main stages. At the theoretical stage, the cases of linguistic and author’s metaphors of K. Bulychev’s fantasy story «Fairy Tale Preserve» were analyzed. At the second, experimental stage, the work with the materials was carried out with the participation of 34 Russian-Greek bilinguals aged 11–12 years old. The results of the study showed that most metaphors in Russian-language artistic discourse cannot be correctly interpreted by bilinguals without the background knowledge of the national culture. Besides, bilinguals’ ability to create metaphors in a written text directly depends on systematic work in Russian language classes aimed at forming metaphorical competence in bilingual pupils