Original Culture Research Articles

‘Chifley spells security’: Tracing the Origins of Contemporary Australian Security Discourse

Strong claims have been made about the significance of the concept of security in modern governance. The study of security has developed from its post-1945 focus on the state’s role in securing the population from external threat to include broader and critical perspectives, which seek to embed the concept of security in its cultural and historical contexts. This article traces the origins of contemporary security culture in Australia to the first half of the twentieth century. It examines the concept of security from debates about the provision of national insurance and the amelioration of the suffering of the Great Depression to the Curtin and Chifley Labor governments’ postwar reconstruction program in the 1940s. The article argues that the origins of national security culture in the present lie in mid-twentieth-century debates about the role of the state in securing the population from economic deprivation, unemployment and ill health.

The Cultural Origins of Populism

The Cultural Origins of Populism

Houcine Slaoui’s Song ‘Lmarikane’ or ‘The Handsome Blue-eyed Ones’: A Postcolonial Perspective

The present paper is a retrospective journey/ ‘voyage back’ in Moroccan popular art, an invitation to cast a new perspective on its lyrical heritage, to uncover hitherto overlooked dimensions, and ultimately to rethink in novel and original ways Moroccan popular culture. Read through the prism of Postcolonial theory with its arsenal of conceptual tools, Houcine Slaoui’s Lmarikane or ‘The Handsome Blue eyed Ones’ is invested with unsuspected revolutionary potentials in so far as it erects itself as a genuine anthropological document unravelling the deeply ambivalent condition of subalternity. While being politically and historically grounded, the complexity of the song/ text lies in forcing the spotlight on the epistemic violence committed by Western imperial powers, namely the American presence in Morocco ensuing Operation Torch in 1942, and ultimately exploring how identity is constructed through a complex engagement with otherness.

Acculturation Strategies and Their Impact on Psychological Health

The dramatic rise in migration during this decade has sparked many questions regarding migrant’s choices and how these choices determined or altered their lives. This study explores the impact of various acculturation strategies—assimilation, separation, integration, and marginalization—on the mental well-being of migrants. Our research strategy involves employing a literature review to synthesize quantitative data from psychological assessments and qualitative insights from migrant interviews. Findings indicate that marginalization, characterized by a lack of engagement with both the host and origin cultures, correlates with the poorest mental health outcomes, including heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Conversely, integration, where migrants maintain their cultural heritage while also participating in the host culture, is associated with the most favorable psychological health, reflecting lower stress levels and higher life satisfaction. While some migrants report a sense of security and identity preservation, others experience isolation and limited social support, leading to mixed mental health outcomes. Ultimately, this research sheds light on how migrants’ approach to cultural ties can be pivotal in their lives by directly impacting their psychological health. We aim for this paper to be a didactic source of information for policy makers, migrants and even citizens to use in order to create societies that promote collectivity and cultural diversity. Keywords: Acculturation, psychological health, mental health, migration

Unveiling the genetic landscape of infectious laryngotracheitis virus in Switzerland: Evidence for vaccine-like and wild-type strains

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a respiratory disease affecting chickens worldwide. Unlike many countries, Switzerland does not vaccinate against ILT. This study analysed ILT samples from 21 natural outbreaks in Switzerland using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and multiple gene sequencing. Chicken embryo origin (CEO) and tissue culture origin (TCO) vaccine strains were included as references. Both vaccine strains were distinguishable, and 14 out of 21 samples resembled the CEO vaccine. Additionally, four distinct non-vaccine-like groups were identified. Sequencing of three genes from selected Swiss samples and those from neighbouring countries revealed four phylogenetic clades. Notably, four Swiss field strains formed two unique clades, not closely related to vaccine strains or ILTV from neighbouring countries. Overall, RFLP results were supported by sequencing data. This study demonstrates the presence of both vaccine-like and wild-type ILT viruses in Switzerland, where vaccination is de facto prohibited.

Political interpretation of social processeschanged reality: political-values aspect

The article analyzes transformational political, ideological and sociocultural processes occurring in a constantly changing reality. The basic values of democracy, emerging contradictions and conflicts, relations between the state and the church, etc., which largely determine future social processes, are studied. It talks, in particular, about human rights as a new type of political and legal culture and ideology, which is aimed at «preserving the people» (more precisely, their identity and cultural originality), as well as what violations they are subject to, and how they can be resolved pending difficulties. Issues of state-confessional relations, which involve a comparative solution to the problem of realizing the interests of society and each of its layers, have become the subject of the political science of religion described in the article, which considers this socio-cultural phenomenon as one of the main environments for political socialization, i.e. formation of political attitudes and values of individuals and groups; and also to create a democratic climate, social work, global diasporas. Religious organizations are considered by this applied subdiscipline as elements of the institutional subsystem of society (along with the party system and the media), especially due to their ability to influence the government and politicians. Based on recent political science and sociological research, it shows the interrelation and interdependence of social processes with political and, especially, geopolitical realities, rich in various significant political events — a terrorist attack, the Northern Military District, the election of the President of the Russian Federation, his subsequent inauguration on May 7, the Victory Parade and related him the procession of the Immortal Regiment and many others. An interpretation of these events is given from a political science point of view.

Measuring EFL Students’ Intercultural Competence and Language Skill after Having an International Living

The study aims to measure EFL students’ intercultural competence and English language skills both qualitatively and quantitatively after participating in an international living program, where English served as the primary means of communication. This research utilized surveys, interviews, and self-reflections to assess the sojourners' intercultural competence and English language proficiency. To provide a comparative perspective, data were also collected from a control group of students who did not participate in international living. The findings reveal that the international living experience had a significant impact on students' intercultural competence and English language skills compared to their non-participating peers. Knowledge and awareness showed the most improvement, followed by skills and attitudes. Additionally, students exhibited notable advancements in their English language proficiency. Qualitative data from interviews indicated that the international experience facilitated self-discovery, empathy, and cultural awareness, enriching their understanding of their original culture’s complexities and contributing to their English language development. Quantitative analysis from questionnaires highlighted participants in the international program had higher levels of cultural competence and language skills compared to the control group. The informants demonstrated a better attitude toward cultural differences and showed marked progress in their English communication abilities compared to the control group. They overcame initial challenges by actively engaging with various cultural practices, interacting with locals, and embracing different viewpoints, which also fostered their language learning. The study underscores the transformative impact of international living on students’ intercultural competence and English language skills, highlighting a journey of self-discovery, empathy, and enhanced communication abilities.

«Европеизм» между политикой и культурой: исторические смыслы и современные трансформации (материалы «круглого стола»)

The journal “Voprosy Filosofii” has repeatedly addressed various aspects of the philosophy of culture. In particular, issues of the interaction between Russia, the West, and the East, the unity of the world and the diversity of cultures, multicultur­alism and the dialogue of cultures, the role of the philosopher in culture, and the prospects for the development of Russian culture have been discussed. Special im­portance has been given to the understanding of cultural studies as a scientific and ed­ucational discipline. In April 2024, we once again turned to the philosophy of culture in the context of the problem of “Europeanism” and discussed the historical meanings and contemporary transformations of this cultural-historical phenomenon. The follow­ing questions were proposed for discussion. What constitutes the “essence” of Euro­pean culture? Does “Europeanism” have an obligatory historical and geographical at­tachment? Why does the methodological concept of “presentism-antiquarianism” gain crucial importance today, particularly for research in the field of the philosophy of cul­ture? Is antiquity the origin only of European culture, or is it the origin of the Great Culture? Is “Europeanization of the Earth” possible today? (Spengler, Husserl, Hei­degger). Who are the true heirs of antiquity today? Are there differences between Greek and Roman cultures? Which type has Europe inherited today, and to what ex­tent? Has the perception of “Europeanism” changed in Russian and world philosophy of the 19th–21st centuries? The role of Hegel in the mythologization of “Europe.” Is “Europeanism” a political myth of the 21st century? How do you evaluate the at­tempts at philosophical comparisons of the crisis of European culture in the 1920s and the 2020s? Does “Europeanism” exhaust European culture? And what philosophical or cultural problem do we want to see behind this? The crucial topic of discussion was the interpretation of Europeanism as a symbolic construct, connected with the assessment of the prospects for the development of the cultural future of Russia, Europe, and Humanity

칼 사우어(Carl O. Sauer)의 문화·역사지리학에 투영된 환경관

Despite Sauer set out his coursework in 1909 in the midst of Davisian physiography and environmentalism, Salisbury at Chicago assisted him to avoid the causative man-nature relation by laying emphasis on field observations. Having witnessed the widespread soil exhaustion in Illinois and Missouri, Sauer now at Ann Arbor had to redress economic and ecological problems from the deforestration of white pines on the Great Lakes. Advising on the issues of land utilization and soil erosion for the New Deal Government, Sauer in Berlekey shaped up the landscape morphology in which culture was conceived as an agent, natural landscape a medium and cultural landscape an outcome. The intellectual encounter with Boasian anthropology resulted in cultural and historical geography or culture history of seeking out the origin, diffusion and transformation of culture and cultural landscape, bearing the brunt of environmentalism. To be noted is that Sauer resurrected Marsh’s Man and Nature by organizing the 1955 international symposium on ‘Man’s Role in Changing the Face of the Earth’. Sauer’s environmental ethics urges us to do our moral and ecological duties for the coming generation.

Exploring the Identity of Chinese Cultural Relics on British Museum Websites Through Multimodal Discourse Analysis: A Case Study of the Official Website

The aim of this study is to explore the re-construction of Chinese cultural identity in the British Museum's official website and analyze how its exhibition strategies influence the audience's perception and understanding of Chinese artifacts. By employing a multimodal discourse analysis method that combines textual and visual analysis, the study examines how the British Museum's official website presents the identity of Chinese artifacts from cultural, contextual, and formal perspectives. Additionally, utilizing the identity theory from a constructivist perspective, the study analyzes how identity is dynamically constructed, negotiated, and communicated through discourse. The research findings indicate that the identity of Chinese artifacts displayed on the British Museum's official website is relatively weak, suggesting room for more improvements. It is recommended to establish cooperative relationships with museums in the countries of origin of the artifacts to maintain the connection between artifacts and their original cultures, thereby promoting the inheritance of cultural heritage.

Identities of Farming Culture in Jiangnan: The Creation of Animation to Inherit Folk Customs of Polder Rice Farming in Water Towns

Background and Aim: Jiangnan farming culture, a custom culture formed by Jiangnan people in their long history of agricultural production and life, highlights the features and connotations of the region. Recent years have witnessed a shift from a traditional agricultural society to a modernized and urbanized one, which is influencing the traditional agricultural cultural system deeply. In the context of increasingly globalized and intelligentized economic development, factors such as differences in survival and consciousness caused by the special geographical environment in Jiangnan (southern Yangtze River) have accelerated the modernization of farming civilization in the region. Confronting such a crisis, this study adopts an interdisciplinary research thinking pattern to protect, inherit, and spread Jiangnan farming culture in animation works by establishing a connection between the culture and animation art as well as combining theories such as semiotics, design, and communication. Materials and Methods: Data was collected through literature research, field investigation, and expert interviews to analyze the value, connotation, and characteristics of Jiangnan farming culture, as well as extract its symbolic and animation elements. Results: The research found that Jiangnan farming culture as a typical polder rice farming culture in China is featured by its unique Jiangnan water town characteristics, which serve as a foundation for creating animation works in this article with polder rice farming as the theme to inherit and spread Jiangnan farming culture. Conclusion: 1. As an independent art category, the animation plays a key role in building a farming cultural space and shaping the image of farming culture in cross-cultural communication. 2. Through the narrative expression of animation art, farming ideas are spread and passed on through animation lenses, allowing people to further understand the origin of Jiangnan farming culture. 3. Animation brings unlimited creative space to Jiangnan farming culture, which can promote its future innovation and sustainable development.

Revitalization of Fisheries Production Factors Supporting the Income of Traditional Fishermen in Tanjung Medang Village, Bengkalis

Coastal fisheries in Tanjung Medang Village, North Rupat District, Bengkalis Regency play an important role in shaping the economic characteristics and culture of its community. Physically, the North Rupat District is predominantly divided into residential areas along the inter-village roads and coastal areas that serve as the primary source of livelihood for most of its population. Now, North Rupat District has become a destination for both residents and visitors, impacting the existence of increasingly complex local economic resources and wisdom along the coastal areas of North Rupat District. Revitalization of coastal fisheries production factors is needed to improve economic life. Therefore, what model of economic development policy is needed to access traditional local economic resources to reduce local poverty? What kind of revitalization is required for traditional fishermen to utilize maritime economic resources fairly for the local population? The economic development policy for alternative marine economic resources involves integrating and collaborating the rights and obligations of state actors, private actors, and the public in maritime politics and economics. The revitalization of coastal fisheries production factors includes organizing the ecological integration of areas as traditional fishing grounds, tourism economic areas, and the originality of traditional culture across various disciplines, as well as fostering cultural integration among stakeholders and intergenerational concern among the Tanjung Medang community.

Acculturating to multiculturalism: a new dimension of dietary acculturation among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander women in the San Francisco Bay Area, USA

BackgroundDietary acculturation is the process by which diet and dietary practises from the environment of origin are retained or changed and/or those prevalent in a new environment are adopted. Despite rapid population growth the U.S., knowledge gaps exist on characterising dietary acculturation among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities (AANHPI). This study characterise dietary patterns in a sample representative of AANHPI on key demographic characteristics.MethodsData were from a 2013–2014 population-based case-control study in the San Francisco Bay Area, U.S. Survey items were adapted from dietary acculturation scales developed for AANHPI populations. Validated measures assessed social capital, social standing, discrimination and immigration experiences. A principal components factor analysis was conducted to characterise dietary patterns of acculturation.ResultsThree dietary patterns were identified: “Asian,” “Western,” and a distinct “Multicultural” factor. Respondents reporting a high-Asian diet tended to also report smaller social networks, higher levels of stress, and, among those born outside of the U.S., an educational standing that was better before immigration. Respondents reporting a high-Western diet tended to also report the highest level of discrimination. Those reporting a high-Multicultural diet tended to report higher neighbourhood collective efficacy.ConclusionsThe finding of a distinct “Multicultural” factor beyond the typical “Asian” and “Western” factors may reflect the multidirectional relationships between culture, diet, and dietary behavior, in which origin and destination cultures interact in complex ways and where foods from multiple ethnicities intermix.

Development and characterization of primary cell culture from the spinal cord of Asian seabass, Lates calcarifer.

Asian seabass, Lates calcarifer, is one of the most important fish species in aquaculture. An attempt was made to develop a primary cell culture from the spinal cord of Lates calcarifer by the enzymatic and mechanical dissociation method. The primary cell culture was sub-cultured for 20 times in Leibovitz's L-15 medium with 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 0.5nM of human neurotrophin-3 at 28°C. The primary cell culture was cryopreserved at different passage levels and recovery of cells after long-term storage was estimated about 75-85%. The authenticity of origin of primary cell culture from L. calcarifer was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction assay using species-specific mitochondrial 12S rRNA primer. The primary cell culture was designated as seabass spinal cord cells (SBSC). The cells morphologically resembled the neurons due to their neural-like prolongations and star-like structure. Immunophenotypic analysis of the SBSC revealed that they are of neuronal origin. The SBSC were found to be highly susceptible to striped jack nervous necrosis virus (SJNNV) and infection in the cells was confirmed by RT-PCR. In conclusion, this is the first innovative euryhaline fish neuronal primary cell culture of L. calcarifer now available for neurophysiological and neurotoxicological studies.

Akulturasi Budaya Masyarakat Etnis India-Minang di Kampung Pondok Kota Padang

This study discusses pluralism in the scope of cultural diversity in the Pondok village of Padang city. This study aims, first, to explain the efforts of the Indian ethnic community to be accepted in the environment, and second, to describe the Geniun culture of the Indian ethnic group that is accepted by the local culture. This study uses a qualitative descriptive research method that focuses on the data that is described until it becomes complete data in completing this study. The results of this study found that the original culture brought from India can be well accepted by the local community, this can be seen from the involvement of people outside the Indian ethnic group in the celebration procession called the Serak Gulo event.

The impact of cultural settings on sustainability narratives: an explorative study with the Indian diaspora

Achieving sustainable futures is complicated by the diverse understandings and prioritisations of sustainability issues and practices. A reason for the lack of common ground is the fact that sustainability is a global project which is primarily driven by the North, rather than one that consistently integrates local and cultural diversity. Research has shown that sustainability expectancies of Southern civic society are lacking in the considerations of crucial sustainability frameworks. This investigation focuses on the expectancies of a community with Southern cultural origins and identities—the Indian diaspora in Australia. The unique bicultural positioning of diasporas and their growing influence on the cultural scaffolds of societies, make their assessment of sustainability distinctly relevant and insightful. The objective of this qualitative inquiry was to explore the Australian Indian diaspora’s understanding of sustainability, their prioritisation of diverse sustainability concerns, and the cultural underpinnings of these perceptions and preferences. Seven focus groups including components of the Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique and personal storytelling, were conducted in Sydney, Australia from September to October 2022. This study demonstrates that two distinct sustainability narratives direct the meaning of sustainability—one has a global application and environmental focus, the other a localised Southern application and social focus. Cultural context is critical in directing the adoption of either narrative by mobilising relevant cultural social identities and promoting their resonance. Education emerges as a strategy to reframe the sustainability narrative and create a more balanced sustainability discourse.

“Call Me Judy”: Cross-Cultural Interaction in Asian-American Environment

This study scrutinizes the cross-cultural interactions in the 2019 Asian-American movie Always Be My Maybe. A notable linguistic feature that diverges across cultures is the honorific system, which varies significantly between Asian and Western contexts. This research analyzes the honorifics employed in the movie using a qualitative approach, grounded in Brown and Levinson’s politeness theory. The findings reveal that, despite the Asian-American setting, the Korean main characters often use the Korean honorific system to address elders, highlighting cultural retention. Additionally, the study underscores that acculturation occurs naturally for individuals living in different cultural environments over time. However, it emphasizes that individuals do not entirely abandon their original culture nor fully adopt the new one. This dynamic is illustrated through the characters’ interactions, where they navigate between Korean and Western addressing systems based on context and relationships. The use of honorifics and politeness strategies plays a crucial role in avoiding misunderstandings and maintaining harmony. Another finding from this study, which is related to the first, shows that acculturation is inevitably encountered by someone who has been living in a different culture for a period of time. This study serves as a case analysis representing the interplay of honorific systems from two cultures, providing insights into sociopragmatic behaviors in cross-cultural settings.

Development of Fun Flipbook Activity Media in Improving Numeracy Skills of Grade IV in Elementary Schools

The purpose of this study is to integrate the values ​​of the ngunggahne beras ritual into the learning process in elementary schools. So that it can determine how deeply students understand the ngunggahne beras ritual in their area. The method used in this study is qualitative by using research instruments in the form of pretest questions and LKPD (Student Worksheets) that have been adjusted to the needs, namely questions related to the ngunggahne beras ritual. The LKPD used had previously been approved for its suitability for use in terms of appearance and questions in the FGD (Forum Group Discussion). The data collection technique was by providing pretest questions at the beginning of learning and questions in the LKPD during the learning process. The data analysis technique was by analyzing the answers to each question on the pretest and questions in the LKPD. Based on the analysis that has been carried out, it is known that there is a difference in knowledge of the values ​​of ngunggahne beras before and after it is explained. It is hoped that after understanding the values ​​of the ngunggahne beras ritual, the next generation can preserve the original culture in their area.

An Examination of the Role of Parenting Techniques on the Academic Performance of Nigerian Students

This study examined the impact of different parenting styles on the academic achievement of Nigerian students, filling a notable void in current research that primarily concentrates on Western settings. Data was obtained from secondary school students across various Nigerian states, representing diverse cultural, economic, and geographical origins, using a cross-sectional survey design. The results indicated that authoritative parenting, which is characterized by both warmth and structure, is highly correlated with improved academic achievements. Conversely, authoritarian and permissive parenting styles have fewer positive effects, whereas negligent parenting is more harmful. Furthermore, the study emphasized the crucial significance of parental participation in education, demonstrating that active involvement in school activities and assistance with homework is positively associated with student achievement. The research highlights the significance of socioeconomic determinants, emphasizing that greater levels of parental education and better economic position have a substantial impact on enhancing academic attainment. These observations highlight the necessity of implementing culturally customized parental education programs and policies in Nigeria to improve academic achievement. The paper recommends conducting additional longitudinal research to investigate these dynamics, with the goal of developing evidence-based measures to enhance education in Nigeria. Keywords: Parenting, Technique, Academic Performance, School, Students.

Proverbs Translation Techniques from English into Arabic among Jordanian University Students

Proverbs are essential component of everyday language, and they offer a fascinating insight into cultures. They are short sayings of public wisdom with cultural origin and figurative meanings, known by native speakers and used in specific situations. The reason behind the importance of translating proverbs precisely is that they are an effective and powerful instrument for the transmission of culture, social morality, manners, traditional wisdoms, historical incidents, and thoughts of people from one generation to another. The main difficulty in translating proverbs lies in their metaphorical nature, as they are culture-bound expressions and carry an implicit meaning that goes beyond the literal meaning. This study aims to investigate the translation techniques used by the students of translation at Jordanians universities in translating English proverbs into Arabic. The study is qualitative by nature, but a quantitative analysis was carried out to calculate the frequencies of the employed techniques. In this case study, forty students were engaged as participants using a purposive sampling method. They were given a translation test to recognize the employed techniques in translating 10 proverbs. The analysis revealed that the used techniques in order were using a proverb of similar meaning but different form, using a proverb of similar meaning and form, and translation by paraphrase came in the last position. The study is significant in raising the students’ awareness of the best techniques in translating proverbs for future translation works. The study has implications on translators to give emphasis on the language and cultural perspectives in translating culture-bound expressions to achieve successful communication between cultures.