Expression Of Cultural Identity Research Articles

Fashion as an Expression of Cultural Identity in the Digital Age

Fashion has long been a powerful medium for expressing cultural identity, reflecting various communities' values, traditions, and social dynamics. This expression has evolved dramatically in the digital age, shaped by the pervasive influence of technology and social media. This study explores how fashion serves as a conduit for cultural identity in the contemporary digital landscape. It examines the interplay between traditional fashion practices and modern digital platforms. It highlights how individuals and communities use fashion to navigate and assert their cultural identities in an increasingly globalised world. The research investigates the role of digital platforms, such as Instagram, TikTok, and fashion blogs, in disseminating and transforming cultural fashion trends. These platforms provide a space for cultural exchange and the democratisation of fashion, allowing underrepresented voices to showcase their heritage and creativity. Additionally, the study delves into the impact of virtual fashion shows, digital influencers, and online retail on cultural identity expression. It considers how these elements contribute to preserving and evolving traditional fashion practices. Furthermore, the research addresses the complexities of cultural appropriation in the digital age, where fashion trends can be rapidly adopted and commercialised, often detached from their cultural significance. By analysing case studies and engaging with fashion designers, influencers, and consumers, the study offers insights into the ethical considerations and responsibilities involved in cultural fashion representation. The findings suggest that while digital platforms can facilitate celebrating and sharing cultural identities, they pose challenges related to authenticity, appropriation, and commercialisation. This duality underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of fashion as a cultural expression in the digital era. The study concludes with recommendations for fostering a more inclusive and respectful digital fashion ecosystem that honours and preserves cultural identities while embracing innovation and diversity. Through this exploration, the research aims to contribute to the broader discourse on cultural identity, fashion, and digital media, offering valuable perspectives for academics, industry professionals, and cultural advocates.

The Role of Souvenirs in Enhancing Local Cultural Sustainability: A Systematic Literature Review

Souvenirs can facilitate the dissemination and promotion of culture, and culture gives souvenirs unique characteristics and cultural connotations. With the increasingly competitive academic environment, an in-depth understanding of the relationship between souvenirs and local culture is crucial to the theory and practice of souvenir and local culture-development research. The main purpose of this study is to review the previous literature that articulates the dynamic relationship of interdependence and development between souvenirs and local culture. Based on a systematic literature review, the data for this study came from a review of 35 documents between 2019 and 2024. The documents were then analysed individually using the ATLAS.ti 24 program. The analysis revealed five central themes: (1) sustainability and innovation; (2) authenticity and experience; (3) economic and community impact; (4) cultural identity expression; and (5) consumer behaviour and technology. These themes illuminate that souvenirs are not only cultural ambassadors, but also play a critical role in economic development, cultural preservation, and consumer engagement. The findings provide new directions for future research and actionable insights for practitioners, researchers, and designers who enhance the sustainability of local culture through souvenirs. This review contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamic interactions between souvenirs and local cultures and proposes a framework for the sustainable development of souvenirs.

Female Representation on Banknotes: A Semiotic Analysis of 2022 Indonesia Banknotes

Besides their economic value, banknotes have a symbolic value through an expression of cultural identity that forms a nation. Generally, the customary design of banknotes in most countries issued by financial authorities is the portrait of notable male leaders. This research examined the banknotes for the 2022 emission yearissued by Bank Indonesia to emphasize the frequent representation of male and female images used in the issued currency. Using the interpretivism paradigm with semiotic methods, this research found that on the surface, Indonesian banknotes in the 2022 emission year seem to show a sense of appreciation for women and femininity in Indonesia but in essence still lack a sense of justice towards women.

POETICS OF GASTRONOMIC IMAGES IN JHUMPA LAHIRI’S “THE NAMESAKE”

The purpose of the article is to analyze the specificity of gastronomic images and the Indian gastronomic code in Jhumpa Lahiri’s “The Namesake” as a personification of Asian identity in the context of transcultural paradigm. In the article the following methods are used: cultural and historical, historical and typological, functional, hermeneutic, narratological analysis, biographical, the principles of postcolonial and decolonial criticism. The author of the article notes that food serves as a conditional language for characters and as a cultural code that can successfully be interpreted by “ours” only – Indian culture representatives. Such symbolic “contact” with the cuisine of another country allows us to differentiate, to understand and to assimilate “our” in a better way. Therefore, cultural culinary differences are found in the kitchen, where the character is accustomed to spend most of her day and especially carefully prepares the dishes. An interpretation of cooking as a true art is associated with Jhumpa Lahiri`s marginalized / border characters: you need to remember how much, when, and what kind of spices are to be added to the dishes. As a true Bengali woman, the character skillfully prepares traditional “her” dishes. The heroine “fills” her inner cultural nostalgia and sadness with cooking, and thus tries to move home mentally. She realizes that all other identities in herself can be disappointed and even broken, but the chef identity will always stand, it will stand even in a new cultural environment. Food and character’s culinary activities serve as a cover to talk about something else: the psychology, and, above all, the expression of cultural identity. Having analyzed gastronomic images in Jhumpa Lahiri’s “The Namesake”, we managed to draw the following conclusions: the food image in fiction works makes it possible to interpret it as an aesthetic phenomenon, as then relative category “edible” / “inedible”. In the novel, cooking processes are presented in an instructive manner but also the gastronomic images have a specific purpose – to emphasize cultural identity, as well as to show character’s psychological portrait. It is worth noting Ashima’s calm manner in cooking, carefully considering not only the list of dishes but also the candidates for the people for whom these dishes are prepared.

Drum Rhythms and Golden Scriptures: Reasons for Mormon Conversion Within Haiti's Culture of Vodou

Drum Rhythms and Golden Scriptures: Reasons for Mormon Conversion Within Haiti's Culture of Vodou

Enhancing cultural adequacy in post-disaster temporary housing

In the aftermath of any large-scale disaster, the recovery process is often challenged by the urgency to rehabilitate the displaced communities and restore normalcy at the earliest, wherein the post-disaster ‘Temporary Housing’ (TH) programs have historically played an important role. Yet, numerous studies have highlighted the issues of cultural adequacy in TH, which remain to be a rather underexplored area of research. To bridge this gap, this study methodically reviews the existing literature on TH programs after three prominent disaster events in Asia namely, Sichuan earthquake 2008 (China), Merapi eruption 2010 (Indonesia) and Tohoku earthquake and tsunami 2011 (Japan). Referring to the key principles of cultural adequacy (housing policy, public spaces, cultural background, and co-design) underlined by the Geneva UN Charter on Sustainable Housing, the authors derive cross-case lessons from the selected disaster events and suggest feasible strategies to enhance the cultural adequacy in TH programs. Although the implementation of any TH program depends on the disaster scale and damages, the study underlines the need for establishing clear policy directions. While the uncertainty associated with post-disaster period often side-lines the socio-cultural peculiarities, having a pre-disaster strategic plan can potentially allow the expression of cultural identity, and local values in TH.

The Expression of Cultural Identities in Hong Kong’s Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement: A Semantic Network Analysis of Tweets

Building upon the theories of nested identity and optimal distinctiveness, this study examines the identity structure of Hong Kong Twitter users as reflected in their tweets and how their structure changed over time during the Anti-Extradition Movement. By employing semantic network analysis and discursive historical analysis, we found that the identity structure expressed by Hong Kong Twitter users manifested a composite mesh of a sense of victimization, democratic values, sense of autonomy, and sense of helplessness. Moreover, the way Hong Kong Twitter users distinguished themselves from others was hybrid and miscible, justified by an affirmation for morality. The identity expression changed its emphasis regarding different identity concepts as the movement evolved. Implications on how social movement impacts identity politics, and vice versa, are also discussed.

Learning together on Country: reimagining design education in Australia

ABSTRACT Euro-Western perspectives dominate visual communication design education in Australia. This paper examines how the “8 Aboriginal Ways of Learning” pedagogical framework transformed the learning and teaching of design within high school contexts in two Aboriginal communities – Ntaria in the Northern Territory and Warmun in Western Australia. Known as 8 Ways, this model facilitates a culturally safe space for knowledge sharing, encourages teachers to engage with Indigenous pedagogies within the classroom, and emphasizes relational learning. Multiple participatory methods informed our approaches, including the development of place-based design curricula to embed and evaluate 8 Ways. These case studies reveal how Indigenous pedagogical approaches to design education can create value and meaning for Indigenous young people through the enactment and expression of cultural identity, while reinforcing connection to land, family, and community. We argue that non-Indigenous educators can draw upon Indigenous pedagogies to decolonize their teaching strategies and to engage Indigenous students in meaningful culture-centered, intergenerational, and on-Country learning experiences. This research paves the way for participatory and place-based models of design education that reinforce and return the knowledge systems, land stewardship practices, and cultural values of Australia’s First Nations peoples to the classroom.

Museums in the Long Now: History in the Geological Age of Humans

Abstract History in times of crisis is practical: future action depends on historical framing. Moving beyond “human scales” to include the evolutionary and the geological, and beyond humans to include other species, demands different approaches and new “archives” like ice-cores. This paper considers history in the Long Now, and particularly how museums and big public arts institutions develop new sorts of history through practical story-telling, taking seriously the notion that “the central role of museums [is] both an expression of cultural identity and … a powerful force for human development and education.” The museum has a particular value as “slow media”, deepening news stories in times of rapid change. The new epoch of Earth, the Anthropocene, where humans have become a geological force, poses challenges for exhibitions, but also reshapes museums themselves. Crucial to managing stories, collections and objects in Anthropocene times is the capacity to change course, to remain open to new developments, using performances, events and “pop-up” exhibitions alongside traditional museum offerings. New Museology regards stories as the fundamental unit of museums. Thus, the curation of stories is central work. No longer are museums defined solely by objects: the artistic and the ephemeral are all part of story-telling.

The Matter which may be: Sectarian Dilemmas of Materiality in Bahrain

This article discusses different approaches to materiality and material expressions of cultural identity in contemporary Bahrain, a small Arab Gulf state. Various Islamic traditions have different understandings of materiality and its ontological qualities. In the contemporary Gulf this difference is often understood as a sectarian difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims, a division that has gained increasing political importance in recent years. In this article I discuss how these traditions view materiality in religion, in particular focusing on the role of material mediation for Shia Muslims, exemplified by the use and meaning of the turba prayer stone. With this as a point of departure I discuss two other forms of materiality—political graffiti and martyr images—that in the wake of the uprising in 2011 have also been imbued with sectarian meanings, but where this is less clear. I therefore argue that vernacular understandings of material culture show ambiguous identifications that challenge the clear dichotomies with which people—locally and analytically —often operate.

Toraja Glyphs: An Ethnocomputation Study of Passura Indigenous Icons

For the Toraja, an ethnic group indigenous to South Sulawesi, Indonesia, ornamental engravings known as ′passura′ form more than simple decorative elements on their local architecture—they are symbolic icons that convey spiritual messages. As a representative art form, passura are significant on two levels: to the local community, they convey visual messages from within, while to viewers from outside the community, the icons′ uniformity of arrangement strongly implies an expression of cultural identity. However, knowledge concerning passura design is passed down tacitly from generation to generation, and few outside the community actually understand the underlying meaning of the passura, leaving them able to appreciate only their aesthetic aspects. This study focuses on developing an understanding of the logic of the imagery in the passura in order to investigate the method by which meaning is embedded in them through certain design strategies.

LES MYTHES DANS L’ŒUVRE ROMANESQUE DE DUMITRU TSEPENEAG: L’EXPRESSION DE SON IDENTITÉ CULTURELLE

The paper’s aim is to follow the metamorphosis of Romanian myths, mainly the myth of Mioritza, in the novels of Dumitru Tsepeneag, a Romanian writer exiled in France after WW II. It is important to see to which extent the source culture is reflected in his writings as an expression of cultural identity through myths in their quality as transmitters of cultural significance, talking about the Romanian soul, about a simple, pastoral lifestyle. From the Romanian folklore underlining the old myths to classical literature, the pastoral myth suffered modifications, mainly in the works of writers of the 19th and 20th centuries, and Dumitru Tsepeneag is one of them. A nonconformist writer, theorist of aesthetic oneirism in Romanian literature, this author has given proof of a permanent desire of literary renewal even under a totalitarian regime which undermined all literary experience surpassing the official canon, the one of socialist realism, which Tsepeneag tried to avoid. Being a precursor of postmodernism in Romania in the 1970s, through his textualist literary texts illustrating aesthetic oneirism, Tsepeneag’s creation is an expression of the nostalgia of origins – through the deconstruction of the Mioritza myth in a postmodernist manner, as a parody, constantly superposed on other myths, on differences, diversity, alterity, all discovered in exile.

Критерии отбора базовых лингвокультурных единиц в контексте межкультурной коммуникации

Khalupo Olga Ivanovna The article considers the problems associated with the analysis and selection of basic linguacultural units that are necessary for a more effective cross-cultural communication. To make the process of dialogue between different cultures and languages more appropriate and productive, it is necessary to possess certain knowledge, skills, which are acquired by man in the process of learning. Important in our opinion in this area are the mastery means which will prepare the person to communicate in a different communicative space. Such means, in our opinion, are the basic linguacultural units, which are considered as carriers of information and expression of cultural identity. They inform choice contributes to a worldview, understanding linguacultural picture of the world community. The basis of selection of linguistic units on the following criteria: the information content, functionality, sufficiency, cultural identity, realism, pivotal importance to the basic sense, social and cultural significance. Application of the proposed criteria allowing more appropriate to make the selection of the material and linguacultural integral components of the scope of cross-cultural interaction, which are characterized by their relevant material necessary for an adequate understanding of the processes occurring in different communicative space. Key words : basic linguacultural unit, communicative space, test, cross- cultural communication, social and cultural situation.

Costumbres, creencias y tradiciones como expresiones de identidad cultural en la región occidental de Honduras

En el marco de las líneas prioritarias de investigación definidas por la UNAH y patrocinado por la Dirección de Investigación Científica, se realizó un estudio que describe e interpreta el estado de las creencias, costumbres y tradiciones vigentes en el imaginario colectivo de la región occidental de Honduras. Este trabajo contempló una serie de entrevistas a diferentes actores fundamentales para la investigación; posteriormente se diseñó un instrumento para confirmar y validar la información, el cual fue aplicado en al menos seiscientas personas de las cabeceras departamentales, aldeas y caseríos de la región.Los resultados demuestran un mimetismo cultural fuertemente arraigado principalmente en la gente mayor, muchas expresiones de identidad cultural son desconocidas o desvalorizadas por las generaciones jóvenes. Las creencias o tradiciones propias de los pueblos maya chortí y lenca tratan de sobrevivir resistiéndose a caer en el vacío del olvido. El sincretismo religioso ha producido una hibridación, conservando rasgos prehispánicos y aquellos impuestos a partir de la Colonia.Existe un cúmulo importante de saberes locales, que son formas de existencia que a la población les ha servido en su diario vivir. Es un conocimiento lleno de valores y sentimientos, una sabiduría mítica, subjetiva, espiritual y supersticiosa desaparecida del paisaje científico. Todas esas expresiones culturales es la vida de los pueblos de esta noble región; les ha funcionado y les sigue funcionando; sus ideas, sueños, esperanzas y posibilidades están ahí, quieren mostrarnos que existen, son ángeles con una sola ala y culturalmente necesitan del otro para volar.Revista Ciencia y Tecnología, N° 15, diciembre 2014: 94-110

Green Chile and Flour Tortillas: The Making of a Standard New Mexican Cuisine

Regional and ethnic cuisines result from generations of cultural mixing and adaptation. In the case of regional New Mexican cuisine, a food culture distinct from other southwestern diets, emerged since the colonial era, based on the central role of chile peppers, both green and red varieties. The mestizaje in preparations of such as flour tortillas, sopaipillas , and blue corn further defines New Mexican culinary traditions. The unique ingredients and cooking practices of New Mexico cuisine are assessed in this article as essential expressions of cultural identity and regional tourism, and are increasingly important to marketing and the agricultural industry.

Bellas por naturaleza: Mapping national identity on US Colombian beauty queens

Each year, Colombia hosts more than 300 beauty pageants at the local, regional and national levels. Aside from a form of entertainment, pageants have become an expression of cultural identity, regional pride, as well as a distraction from civil and political tensions. The beauty pageant has also become a source of national and cultural identification for diasporic Colombians. This essay examines Concurso Senorita de Independencia de Colombia, a beauty pageant that celebrates Colombia’s Independence Day in Houston, TX. Through a close reading of participants’ regional garb and discourses, I discuss how Colombian identities are mapped on to US colombianas and how they are charged with the role of “international advocates” for an improved image of Colombia.

Landscape as an expression of cultural identity and its interpretation as an art form

The essay elaborates the thesis that reality, in its universality, cannot be captured by descriptive scientific methods. Whatever we see as reality is conditioned by human intention and subject to historical and temporal circumstances. The text suggests the possibility that our landscape awareness could be extended to include the artistic reflection, focusing on objects whose structure is seemingly less clear and graspable, and preferring thinking more abstract than contextual. Despite the progress in, and the extent of, scientific knowledge – or because of it – we realize that such knowledge has its limits, presupposed and insurmountable. One of the meanings of a valuable work of art – a result of the cognitive process of its own kind – is that it gives us an information more or less accurate on something that is beyond our practical and theoretical experience, something elusive and yet existing. A possibility is also suggested that through artistic exploration and understanding of the landscape, a nation’s cultural identity can manifest itself.

Motives, beliefs and attitudes towards waterpipe tobacco smoking: a systematic review

BackgroundIn spite of the negative health effects of waterpipe tobacco smoking, its use is becoming more common. The objective of this study is to systematically review the medical literature for motives, beliefs and attitudes towards waterpipe tobacco smoking.MethodsWe electronically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the ISI the Web of Science in January 2012. We included both quantitative and qualitative studies. We selected studies and abstracted data using standard systematic review methodology. We synthesized data qualitatively.ResultsWe included 58 papers reporting on 56 studies. The main motives for waterpipe tobacco smoking were socializing, relaxation, pleasure and entertainment. Peer pressure, fashion, and curiosity were additional motives for university and school students while expression of cultural identity was an additional motive for people in the Middle East and for people of Middle Eastern descent in Western countries. Awareness of the potential health hazards of waterpipe smoking was common across settings. Most but not all studies found that the majority of people perceived waterpipe smoking as less harmful than cigarette smoking. Waterpipe smoking was generally socially acceptable and more acceptable than cigarette smoking in general. In Middle Eastern societies, it was particularly more acceptable for women’s use compared to cigarette use. A majority perceived waterpipe smoking as less addictive than cigarette smoking. While users were confident in their ability to quit waterpipe smoking at any time, willingness to quit varied across settings.ConclusionsSocializing, relaxation, pleasure and entertainment were the main motives for waterpipe use. While waterpipe users were aware of the health hazards of waterpipe smoking, they perceived it as less harmful, less addictive and more socially acceptable than cigarette smoking and were confident about their ability to quit.

The Expression of Cultural Identity in Public Cemeteries as Practiced by Koryo Saram in Central Asia

The Expression of Cultural Identity in Public Cemeteries as Practiced by Koryo Saram in Central Asia

Aesthetics and performance in Zimbabwean soccer

This paper brings into critical focus the complex and diverse intersections of aesthetics, performance and soccer in the formation and expression of cultural identities in contemporary Zimbabwean life. Drawing upon my own interdisciplinary perspectives as well as Performance Studies theorists such as Richard Schechner, this paper uses theatre as an analytic lens to examine how soccer reflects Zimbabwean society's prevalent tastes, tendencies, ways of thought and cultural identities. The paper does not restrict its analysis of aesthetics and performance to the Zimbabwe national team alone, but it also uses the country's three top soccer clubs, Highlanders FC, Dynamos FC and Caps United FC as case studies to illustrate the sport's critical importance in expressing local allegiances and identities. In short, this paper develops an in-depth understanding of the intricate interplay of aesthetics, cultural performance, socio-political trends and identity formation on the basis of an interdisciplinary analysis that also incorporates sources from theoretical, academic and journalistic writings.