Cultural Meanings Research Articles

INDIGENISED LINGUISTIC CODES AND NIGERIANISM IN SELECTED HIP-HOP SONGS OF ADEKUNLE GOLD AND FOLARIN FALANA

The Nigerian hip-hop music industry as a site for popular cultural practices has always played the role of propagating indigenised linguistic codes and structures that project social meaning and entrench language creativity in popular culture. Within the realities of varieties of English, this study examines some features of Nigerianism in selected songs by Adekunle Gold and Folarin Falana (Falz). Selected albums and tracks of these two prominent Nigerian hip-hop artistes constituted the data, and were analysed with the conceptual orientations of William Labov’s variation theory. This framework was preferred because it deals with linguistic differentiations and the description of variations in the speech of members of a social class and in the speech of members of a speech community. Findings show that bilingual pragmatic markers, coinages, semantic contrast, loan words, lexical reduplication, local symbolisms and slangs are some of the linguistic codes and communicative practices that are deployed in these hip-hop songs for local colouration and conveyance of social meaning, especially among the youth population. The study concludes that the interjection of bilingual communicative features into English language usage results in Nigerianism, and hip-hop artists deliberately use these indigenised linguistic codes to create, recreate, and reflect social experiences

Deconstructing the map of the paradigm struggle: tracing a nationwide debate on “I do not get it” in Art Magazine (Meishu)

Understanding the contemporaneity of non-Western art has gained significant attention from scholars across various academic disciplines and different countries. With respect to the notion of “contemporaneity” of contemporary Chinese art, the related theoretical struggles suggest a complex paradigm map that consists of the geographically distinct sociocultural, economic, ideological, political, historical, ethnic and gender characteristics of the PRC. Thus, if discourse is a “gene pool” for interpreting research outcomes, from which scholars can extract a specific range of knowledge, draw on statements and establish their theoretical frameworks, the shaping of discourse and the ensuing theoretical paradigm struggle are more likely to influence one’s scholarly judgements, particularly in his or her exploratory research. This study acknowledges Pierre Bourdieu’s understanding of discourse as an essential tool for exploring the invisible forces within a field, as well as his focus on the reproduction of power within the realms of cultural production and consumption from a cultural sociological viewpoint. On this basis, this study traces a large-scale academic debate sparked by a reader’s letter to Art Magazine (Meishu) when China underwent a series of significant cultural and social transformations in the early 1980s. Through thematic analysis, this article illustrates how the symbolic value and cultural meaning of the “internationalized” art discourse have changed among specific groups of artists and visitors within the Chinese sociocultural context. This article demonstrates that the debate among mainstream critical paradigms, including essentialism, postmodernism-structuralism, and deconstructionism, does not necessarily imply a consequence of a zero-sum game or a struggle for discursive hegemony. While each paradigm has paradoxical issues for understanding the “contemporaneity” of contemporary Chinese art, they may still be able to coexist.

Goguryeo Tomb Murals in Ji’an: Visual Representation and Educational Practice

This study focuses on the visual symbolic features of the Goguryeo tomb murals in Ji’an and their application value in modern art education. It aims to explore innovative pathways for cultural symbols in educational transformation. Created between the 4th and 7th centuries, the Ji’an Goguryeo murals showcase the religious beliefs, social structure, and aesthetic ideals of the ancient Goguryeo Kingdom, forming an essential part of East Asian historical and cultural heritage. Although extensive research has been conducted on the historical and artistic value of these murals, their role in the educational transmission and transformation of heritage symbols remains underexplored. Using semiotic analysis, this study examines these mural symbols’ forms, functions, and cultural meanings, analyzing their digital re-creation within modern educational contexts. It further evaluates how these re-created symbols enhance students’ cross-cultural understanding, artistic expression, and creative capacities. The results demonstrate that digital creation endows traditional symbols with new interactivity and expressiveness within education, reinforcing students’ cultural identity and offering fresh insights for art and design education. This study provides theoretical and practical support for the application and innovation of traditional cultural symbols in digital education, expanding the scope of cultural heritage within contemporary education.

State and culture in sustainability transformations: structural power, democracy, and the promise of a Marcusian cultural politics of critical meaning-making

The concept of sustainability transformation highlights the need not merely for new environmental policies but for transformational change of societal systems in response to the ecological crisis, including a profound shift in values, ideas, and cultural meanings. Yet, according to historical-institutionalist state theory, the imperatives of the liberal-capitalist democratic welfare state give rise to a “glass ceiling” of transformation that limits prospects for such systemic change beyond quality-of-life improvements that remain consistent with liberal capitalism. Exploring the potential of cultural meaning-making to break this glass ceiling, I draw on various strands of critical theory to identify the operation of ideological power at the level of both the state and the cultural realm as what creates the glass ceiling of transformation. This makes the cultural realm at once a possible emancipatory force and a site of domination of its own. I suggest that the critical thought of Herbert Marcuse offers an account of a critical-democratic culture that promises to arise precisely out of this ambiguity and that must be understood as a crucial foundation for sustainability transformation.

Multiliteracy Play: Designs and Desires in the Second Language Classroom (Book Review)

Notable paradigmatic shifts in second language education have taken place over the course of the last several decades. During the mid-1990s, the ‘social turn’ was marked by moves away from the understanding of second language acquisition as a purely cognitive process toward a more holistic understanding of a language learner’s agency and situatedness within dynamic sociolinguistic contexts (Ellis, 2021). Over the last 10 years, the ‘multilingual turn’ has built upon the social turn to include critical and post-structural perspectives that address sociocultural and sociolinguistic power dynamics. These perspectives value learners’ fluid multilingual competencies, such as translanguaging, in an increasingly globalized world (Ellis, 2021). Presently, this shift continues to drive increased interest in linguistic plurality, multimodal learning and expression, and what is known as multiliteracies (Zapata et al., 2023). Multiliteracies refers to a theoretical and practical approach to literacy pedagogy developed by the New London Group (1996) which calls for educators to acknowledge the ever-increasing cultural and linguistic diversity of modern globalized societies as well as the increasingly diverse forms of texts, information, and technologies that circulate throughout them. In doing so, educators can better engage the contextual discourses, or “lifeworlds,” of learners, providing opportunities for the process of agentive (re)design, or meaning-making. In Multiliteracy Play: Designs and Desires in the Second Language Classroom, Chantelle Warner builds upon the New London Group’s framework by providing a vision for further realizing the current paradigmatic shift in second language teaching. The author’s core argument is that multiliteracy play, described as creative (and sometimes subversive) “tinkering” with linguistic, cultural, and semiotic meaning, further emphasizes and explores facets of the second language learning process that remain neglected: affect, aesthetic, design, and desire. [First Paragraph]

Lekiskon dalam Upacara Pernikahan Adat Sunda Huap Lingkung dan Sawer Panganten di Kabupaten Pandeglang: Kajian Etnolinguistik

This study discusses the lexicon in Sundanese traditional wedding ceremonies in Kabupaten Pandeglang. This research aims to describe the lexicon and cultural meaning in traditional Sundanese wedding ceremonies Huap Lingkung and Sawer Panganten in Kabupaten Pandeglang. This research is expected to be a source of knowledge related to the lexicon of Sundanese traditional marriage so that these customs can continue to be preserved. The research method is a qualitative method with an ethnolinguistic approach. Data was collected through participant observation and in-depth interviews. The source of data in this research is a transcription of the recording of the researcher’s interviews with informants related to the lexicon and cultural meaning of traditional Sundanese wedding ceremonies. Based on the results of participant observation and in-depth interviews, the findings in this research included 24 data. The results of the research were 23 data found which were broken down into 12 lexcion data in the Sundanese traditional wedding ceremony Huap Lingkung which consisted of (1) monomorphemic words totaling 4 data; (2) polymorphemic words totaling 1 data; (3) verbal phrases totaling 4 data; and (4) nominal phrases totaling 3 data and 11 lexicon data in the Sundanese traditional wedding ceremony Sawer Panganten which consisted of (1) monomorphemic words totaling 5 data; (2) polymorphemic words totaling 1 data; (3) verbal phrases totaling 1 data and (4) nominal phrases totaling 4 data. Keywords: ethnolinguistic. lexicon, cultural meaning, Sundanese society

Makna dan Persepsi Masyarakat Aceh terhadap Pengobatan Tradisional ‘Rajah Teukijot’

This research aims to explore the meaning and perception of the people of Cot Lagan Village towards Traditional Medicine 'Rajah Teukijot' and see its relationship with modern medical treatment. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with reader response approach. Data were obtained through interviews with local shamans, questionnaires distributed to the local community, and content analysis of the 'Rajah Teukijot' mantra text. The results show that most of the people of Cot Lagan Village are familiar with the Traditional Medicine 'Rajah Teukijot' and many have tried it with positive changes in their health. Although there are differing views on its effectiveness compared to modern medical treatment, this traditional medicine is considered to have an important spiritual dimension in its understanding and practice. The community also highlights the importance of preserving this cultural practice as part of Aceh's cultural heritage. In conclusion, Traditional Medicine 'Rajah Teukijot' has a deep meaning in Acehnese culture and is considered an important means of treatment. Community perceptions reflect a diversity of views on medicine, spirituality and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Keywords: Traditional Medicine, Rajah Teukijot, Aceh

Meaning in life from a cultural perspective: the role of cultural identity, perceived social support, and resilience among Chinese college students

For college students facing psychological “weaning”, the lack of a sense of meaning in life can lead to a series of psychological and behavioral problems, such as anxiety, depression, and even increased risk of aggressive behavior or suicide. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the influencing factors related to college students’ sense of meaning in life, especially from the more macroscopic perspective of culture. In this study, 974 college students (Mean age = 19.96, SD = 1.80) from China were selected as respondents, and structural equation modeling and network analysis were used to explore the deep-rooted mechanisms between cultural identity and meaning in life, as well as the role that perceived social support and resilience play in this pathway. The results indicate that cultural identity has a significant positive effect on college students’ meaning in life, while perceived social support and resilience play a chain mediating role in both. In addition, the network analysis was employed to further identify the core items of each variable in the model. This study aims to explore the mechanism between cultural identity and college students’ meaning in life from a novel perspective, providing more insights for college students to seek and obtain a sense of meaning in life.

Through the looking glass: Feminism and reactionary politics in the digital hall of mirrors

In recent years, the ‘mirror’ has emerged as a key metaphor for theorizing contemporary digital culture, with its disorienting communicative architectures and bewildering social and political effects. This short piece considers what the dynamic of ‘mirroring’ in digital culture means for the relationship between gender politics and an increasingly authoritarian right. In the digital hall of mirrors, feminist ideas and practices are mimicked, co-opted and warped into perplexing new formations. This happens through manosphere figures and ‘manfluencers’ who mirror feminist practices and discourses, weaponizing them for anti-feminist ends. But we also see uncanny doubles of feminism in the visibility of ‘tradwives’, ‘dark feminine’ dating influencers and self-proclaimed ‘reactionary feminists’. We argue that the tendency is toward a nihilistic anti-politics – or what we call a ‘vampire anti-feminism’ – whose goal is to suck out feminism’s life force, and to kill the possibility of collective political resistance. We argue that grasping the dynamics of ‘mirroring’ in digital culture is crucial for analyzing contemporary gender politics as it plays out in an increasingly reactionary terrain.

Body narratives in the film Marry My Dead Body: Symbols, Power, History

This paper presents a detailed analysis of the body narrative in the Taiwanese comedy film Marry My Dead Body, exploring how bodily representations serve as a vehicle for examining Taiwan's complex social and cultural contexts. Utilizing Foucault's theory of discourse and power, this study investigates the narrative strategies and power dynamics embedded in the film's portrayal of bodies. The contrasting depictions of human, ghostly, and gendered bodies dissolve conventional fears surrounding ghosts and death, while simultaneously addressing the contentious issue of same-sex marriage. Through the characters Mao Mao and Ming Han, the film reflects Taiwan's intricate social fabric, where traditional and modern gender roles intersect. Mao Mao’s body symbolizes Taiwan's evolving gender culture, while Ming Han's body embodies traditional Chinese gender symbols, making bodily representation a multifaceted carrier of cultural, social, and historical meanings. This analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of gender culture in Taiwan, challenging the conventional view of LGBTQ+ representation in contemporary Taiwanese cinema.

Application of Traditional Painted Decoration and Modern Technology in Ceramic Art Design

Introduction: Traditional painted decoration, with its rich cultural heritage and artistic style, plays a vital role in ceramic art design. As a medium for cultural expression, ceramics offer a platform for reinterpreting traditional motifs using modern technologies. Digital design, 3D printing, and AR/VR provide new creative tools, transforming traditional decorations in design techniques, presentation, and user engagement. Objectives: This study explores the integration of digital design, 3D printing, and AR/VR into ceramic art to enhance the visual appeal, precision, and cultural significance of traditional motifs. It also examines how technological innovation supports the internationalization and cultural exchange of ceramic design. Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines literature review, expert interviews, case analysis, experiments, and quantitative research. It critically examines existing studies, gathers insights from practitioners, analyzes artworks, and evaluates market trends to understand how modern technologies influence ceramic craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Results: Through the digital reconstruction and dynamic reinterpretation of traditional decorative motifs, ceramic art can present more diverse visual effects and cultural meanings. The precision and flexibility provided by modern production technologies allow for the realization of intricate patterns and complex forms that were previously difficult to achieve. Furthermore, the integration of technology and art fosters cross-cultural exchanges, enriching ceramic design with an international perspective and facilitating the creation of works that balance both traditional and innovative elements. Conclusions: Digital tools enable intricate patterns and diverse visual effects, revitalizing traditional motifs. Advanced production techniques enhance design precision and flexibility. Moreover, integrating technology and art fosters cross-cultural exchanges, enriching ceramic design with both traditional and contemporary elements.

Techniques Used in Translation of Proverbs in Siku Njema by Ken Walibora

Proverbs play a very important role in any cultural society such as to inform, caution, and inspire people in their daily lives, among others. Generation after generation, proverbs have endured, offering insights and direction that people still find meaningful to date. This research, is concentrating on the numerous approaches, which were employed by the translators Dorothy Kweyu and Fortunatus F. Kawegere to translate Siku Njema by Ken Walibora. This research highlights several approaches used in the translation process, including direct translation, equivalence, and omission, utilizing diverse methodologies such as the descriptive method which is utilized to explain each proverb, translating them from their original language to the target language while maintaining their contextual meaning. By taking this approach, the proverb's core meaning is maintained, enabling readers to completely understand its significance. The analytical method is also used, which allows for a greater comprehension of the complexity and cultural significance of each proverb. To capture details that could otherwise be lost in translation, this analysis is crucial. The comparative technique enhances the research even more and offers insights into how various cultures understand related issues by contrasting proverbs in their original form with their translated counterparts. Last but not least, the proverbs in "Siku Njema" are methodically chosen and examined using corpus analysis. In addition to aiding in the identification of important phrases, this approach makes it easier to comprehend how they are used throughout the text. The research intends to clarify the difficulties in communicating cultural meanings through language by looking at these different translation techniques, which will ultimately improve our understanding of the source material and its translation. This thorough examination highlights the proverbs' timeless value in fostering cross-cultural understanding and improving communication

Exploring the role of project-based learning in higher education to promote indigenous knowledge through sculpture students’ engagement with Ghanaian Adinkra symbols

This study explores the integration of Project-Based Learning (PBL) within the higher education context, focusing on sculpture learners’ projects based on Ghanaian Adinkra symbols and their engagement with Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). The primary aim of this research is to examine how PBL enhances sculpture learners' understanding and appreciation of Adinkra symbols while also assessing the broader impact of PBL on their interaction with indigenous knowledge systems. Sculpture learners participating in this study were tasked with developing projects that incorporated Adinkra symbols, thereby connecting their creative practice with the rich cultural narratives embodied in these symbols. Through this process, learners were not only encouraged to produce art but also to interpret, analyse, and engage with the cultural meanings and historical significance of the Adinkra symbols. A qualitative research methodology was employed, using semi-structured interviews, participant observations, and project evaluations to gather data. Findings from the study suggest that PBL significantly enhances learners' appreciation for and understanding of indigenous knowledge systems by providing them with the tools to interpret cultural artefacts within their historical and social contexts. To collaborate with indigenous communities, art educational institutions should build partnerships with local indigenous communities, cultural experts, and artisans to co-create projects and learning experiences for learners.

Mapping nature burial in the Netherlands (2003–2023)

ABSTRACT Natural burial has become a popular burial practice in the 21st century. Initially developed in the UK, this practice has since spread to various countries. Despite its growing adoption, comprehensive academic studies exploring the country-specific governance, cultural meanings, and developmental trajectories of natural burial remain scarce. Specifically for the Netherlands, there is a notable absence of systematic research detailing the development and current state of natural burial, or ‘nature burial’, as it is understood and practiced within this context. This paper addresses these gaps by presenting the first comprehensive overview of nature burial in the Netherlands. Through a systematic mapping of the existing nature burial sites, this study examines the concept and landscape of nature burial as it has emerged in the Dutch context between 2003 and 2023. It provides insights into the increasing demand for nature burial; the geographical distribution of sites; and the formal characteristics, rules, and regulations of different types of nature-oriented burial sites. By doing so, this research offers insights into an emerging funerary innovation and provides directions for future international comparisons in the study of natural burial.

The Iconography of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: The Symbolic Means in Visual and Design Culture

The Iconography of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: The Symbolic Means in Visual and Design Culture

Risk management strategies adopted by small-scale arable-crop farmers in Khana Local Government Area Of Rivers State, Nigeria

The study investigated risk management strategies adopted by small-scale arable crop farmers in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Crop farmers grapple with clusters of factors on climate change, environment, pests and diseases consequent upon poor yield, post-harvest loses and food insecurity. Adequate risk management strategies are required to forestall the above problems among small-scale crop farmers in the study area. Two-stage random sampling procedure was used to select 17 communities out of 28 communities that constitute the local government area and 6 arable crop farmers from each of the selected communities to give a total of 102 sample size for the study. Structured questionnaire validated by the researchers was used for data collection. The data collected were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistical tools namely, frequency, percentage and mean. Result on sources of risks encountered by the arable crop farmers showed that storage losses (Mean = 3.74), poor farm maintenance (Mean = 3.59), changes in price of farm inputs (Mean = 3.53) are the highest among others. It was found that maintaining health and safety culture (Mean = 3.69), monitoring market prices (Mean = 3.27), direct sales of farm produce without storage (Mean = 3.22) ranked the highest among the other risk management strategies adopted by small-scale arable crop farmers covered in the study. It was concluded that though small-scale arable crop farmers in the study area faced farm risks arising from several factors, they adopted some risk management strategies to mitigate the risks. It was recommended that the Ministry of Agriculture and relevant Research Institutes should invest in storage facilities as a solution to storage losses and storage pest for farm produce in the study area.

The Stylistic Function of Prepositions in the Original Text of Jamila and Their Adaptation in Translations

Examines the stylistic role of prepositions in Chingiz Aitmatov's novella Jamila and how they are adapted in translations into Kyrgyz and English. The study analyzes the linguistic and cultural nuances conveyed through prepositions in the original Russian text, exploring how these elements are preserved or transformed in translation. Special attention is given to the semantic, syntactic, and stylistic shifts that occur during the translation process. The research highlights the challenges translators face when conveying subtle emotional and cultural meanings tied to prepositions, offering insights into cross-linguistic equivalence and adaptation.

ETYMOLOGY OF THE NAMES OF WELLS IN THE MANGYSTAU REGION

The article examines the linguistic and cultural meanings of the names of wells in the Mangystau region. Historical and etymological analysis of the names of the wells revealed the influence of the traditions of local residents and people who inhabited or traveled through these arid landscapes. Historical research has been conducted in the article. It was determined that the well is important for life in the harsh desert climate, and the role of the nomadic local population in the naming of wells. The article studied the languages of origin and dialects of the names of wells and traced how various linguistic elements were included in these toponyms. The cultural significance of the well's name has been studied. The article proved that it is possible to contribute to the preservation of the cultural and linguistic heritage of Mangystau by offering an etymological study to understand how geographical names serve as evidence of human interaction with the landscape. Methods were used that proved effective for studying the etymology of the names of wells in Mangystau: linguistic analysis, historical research, geographical analysis, comparative analysis. Using these complex methods, the article found that well toponymy occupies an important place as the linguistic and geographical heritage of Mangystau. The article provides an etymological analysis of 20 names of wells in the Mangystau region. The names of wells were recognized not only as toponymic, but also as linguistic and geographical units as objects reflecting the history and culture of the region. The practical significance of the article is emphasized by explaining the ethnocultural significance of the names of wells.

Decoding Ostensible Communication: A Cross-Cultural Pragmatic Study

This study looks at how people in high-context cultures use language to send messages that seem sincere but are not meant to be taken literally. It focuses on 120 real and remembered interactions to see how speakers handle these indirect and subtle forms of communication, known as "ostensible acts." The research uses both qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze the strategies people use and how they differ from those in other cultures. In high-context cultures, communication often relies on shared cultural knowledge and subtle signals, such as tone, body language, or context. These cues help people understand that certain statements, while appearing genuine, are meant to carry a hidden or playful meaning. For example, someone might offer help or make a promise that both parties know will not happen, but it is understood as polite or indirect communication. The study finds that these indirect strategies are a key part of communication in high-context settings. They help maintain relationships and avoid direct conflict. By comparing these patterns to those in low-context cultures, where messages are usually clearer and more direct, the findings provide valuable insights into how cultural norms shape communication styles and meanings.

FEELING MYSELF: THE RISE OF INTIMACY AS AUTHENTICITY IN ADDRESSING IMAGINED PODCAST LISTENERS

This study aims to theorize the parasocial relationships between podcast creators and listeners, but with a unique focus on the perspective of the creators themselves. While parasocial relationships are typically studied from the perspective of the audience, understanding the creator's viewpoint can provide valuable insights into the dynamics of these relationships and the modes of addressivity they evoke, particularly with the emergence of intimacy as a keyword in podcast studies (Swiatek, 2018; Spinelli & Dann, 2019; Euritt, 2020, 2023). Through in-depth interviews with prominent podcasters in the Israeli podcast scene, we explore: How do podcast creators imagine their listeners? How are these imagined listeners shaped by the creators’ personal dispositions, their own experiences as podcast listeners, their assumptions about podcasting as a medium, and their actual interactions with their listeners? We argue that the starting point for the postulated intimacy between podcasters and listeners is an imagined addressee whom the podcaster conceives as similar to themselves. Just as authors imagine their audience as they write novels, we assume that the creator’s imagined audience impacts the actual audience that emerges. We also argue that this addressee is brought into being through a shared understanding of intimacy as authenticity, even though only the notion of intimacy actually implies some form of relationship. In making these arguments, we propose a typology of different kinds of imagined relationships with perceived listeners, contributing to a more complex understanding of podcasting and its cultural meaning.