Cultural Significance Research Articles

The Inheritance and Innovation of Shu Embroidery Technique and Culture in the New Era

The Inheritance and Innovation of Shu Embroidery Technique and Culture in the New Era

A Comparative Study of the Design of East Asian Royal Gardens

The current research methods employed in the study of gardens are largely concentrated in the fields of landscape architecture, architecture, and ecology. However, there is a paucity of analytical methods dedicated to the domain of garden design. However, the design content of gardens is within the scope of design studies. It is therefore imperative to develop or refine research methods for the analysis of gardens that are firmly grounded in design principles. The primary contribution of this study is the development of a design analysis framework, centered on the interrelationships between ‘user–garden–environment’, which can be applied to the analysis and investigation of gardens from a ‘people, objects, and environment’ perspective, in alignment with design studies. Influenced by similar geography, environment, culture, customs, etc., the garden design of China, Japan, and South Korea presents a very East Asian design style of forms, elements, features, etc., but also formed the differences of each characteristic. This paper takes China’s Chengde Mountain Resort, Japan’s Shugakuin Imperial Villa, and South Korea’s Changdeokgung, which are listed on the World Heritage List, as examples Based on the design analysis method proposed in this paper, a relevant design comparative study is conducted in three aspects: users of East Asia’s royal gardens, the design object—the gardens—and the external environment, and the similarities and differences between the Chinese, Japanese, and Korean royal gardens are analyzed. This study aims to verify the feasibility of the analytical framework of ‘user–garden–environment’ design by analyzing typical cases of royal gardens in China, Japan, and South Korea. This will enable the creation of multiple values conducive to the development of gardens. Furthermore, the analytical framework of ‘user–garden–environment’ is subjected to a process of deconstruction through the case studies of typical royal gardens in the three East Asian countries. This is done to overcome the limitations of existing research methodologies, provide a novel systematic research methodology for garden research, and facilitate the protection and inheritance of the historical and cultural heritage of gardens in East Asia. Additionally, this approach offers a reference point for related garden research in the context of modern lifestyles.

Military Naming Practices of Palestinian Factions in Reactive Response to Israeli Incursions and Aggressions

Abstract This article explores the military operation-naming practices of Palestinian factions in response to Israeli aggression, analyzing their strategies and their impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict dynamics. The research uses the War Normalizing Discourse (WND) theory as a framework and draws from Islamic tradition, official Hamas documentation, publicly disseminated materials, and insights from Arab intellectuals. The results show that the names chosen for military operations by Palestinian factions hold deep symbolic, cultural, and emotional significance, aiming to recruit fighters, gain public support, and maintain resilience. Understanding these naming practices provides valuable insights into the complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the intricate interplay between the nomenclature of battles conducted by Palestinian factions and Israel’s military operations.

Transformations and transitions: The social and political life of the dead

Death is often considered the end of the story, and indeed the end of politics. The papers in this special issue demonstrate however that this is far from the case. They probe the transformations and transitions of the dead across varying cultural and social contexts, and time periods, and reckon with how human remains are repurposed, mobilized, represented, and integrated into larger narratives, including evidentiary, memorial, political, and emotional. They also understand the dead as complex and lively actors in the various ways they provoke the living and impact the way we think about larger political, cultural, and ethical questions. Collectively, the papers raise critical questions about how we understand the social, cultural, communal, religious, and political significance of human remains and of what remains in the aftermath of violence.

Non-Destructive Estimation of Paper Fiber Using Macro Images: A Comparative Evaluation of Network Architectures and Patch Sizes for Patch-Based Classification

Over the years, research in the field of cultural heritage preservation and document analysis has exponentially grown. In this study, we propose an advanced approach for non-destructive estimation of paper fibers using macro images. Expanding on studies that implemented EfficientNet-B0, we explore the effectiveness of six other deep learning networks, including DenseNet-201, DarkNet-53, Inception-v3, Xception, Inception-ResNet-v2, and NASNet-Large, in conjunction with enlarged patch sizes. We experimentally classified three types of paper fibers, namely, kozo, mitsumata, and gampi. During the experiments, patch sizes of 500, 750, and 1000 pixels were evaluated and their impact on classification accuracy was analyzed. The experiments demonstrated that Inception-ResNet-v2 with 1000-pixel patches achieved the highest patch classification accuracy of 82.7%, whereas Xception with 750-pixel patches exhibited the best macro-image-based fiber estimation performance at 84.9%. Additionally, we assessed the efficacy of the method for images containing text, observing consistent improvements in the case of larger patch sizes. However, limitations exist in background patch availability for text-heavy images. This comprehensive evaluation of network architectures and patch sizes can significantly advance the field of non-destructive paper analysis, offering valuable insights into future developments in historical document examination and conservation science.

The agency of object: the doppa as a narrator for a dynamic Uyghur identity

ABSTRACT This article explores the Uyghur doppa from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to understand Uyghur cultural life and identity. It links the doppa to Uyghur history and the evolving sense of ‘Uyghurness’, reflecting its cultural significance today, both in Xinjiang and through the diaspora. The limited scholarly work on the doppa, spanning 150 years, suggests a gender bias in documenting female-associated crafts. Ironically, at a time when the doppa holds increasing importance, especially with the creation of Doppa Day (5 May), this lack of resources opens up space for creative discourse on Uyghur identity. The study also reveals a tendency to adapt through cultural experiences while maintaining a deep connection to the homeland. Ultimately, this research demonstrates how a small cultural object can provide profound insights into community sensibilities and material culture.

Observation on the new Exploration Status of Inheritance, Development and Protection of Traditional Folk Culture

At the present stage, the development and protection of traditional ethnic and folk culture has become the focus of the state. The rational allocation of traditional ethnic and folk culture resources, avoiding overexploitation, and striving to achieve the goals of inheritance, development and protection of ethnic and folk culture. Not only that, but also need to fully reflect the advantages of national and folk traditional culture, organic combination with the teaching of colleges and universities, so as to obtain good inheritance and development and protection results, effectively solve the crisis of national and folk traditional culture inheritance and protection. Thus, it can also promote the healthy and sustainable development of ethnic areas. This paper probes into the current situation of the inheritance, development and protection of ethnic and folk traditional culture, and puts forward new exploration measures for the inheritance, development and protection of ethnic and folk traditional culture for the reference of relevant personnel.

Exploring the Importance of Traditional Schools in Maintaining the Heritage Language: A Study of Tshivenḓa from Tshimbupfhe, South Africa

This study aimed to explore the critical role of traditional schools—specifically murundu and vhusha—in preserving the Tshivenḓa language and cultural heritage in Tshimbupfhe, in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Traditional schools play a significant role in preserving languages and cultural traditions that might otherwise be at risk of erosion due to globalisation, modernisation, or cultural assimilation. A deeper comprehension of their role allows individuals to appreciate more fully how these schools contribute to the preservation of cultural diversity and heritage. The study sampled 31 participants. This study adopted a qualitative approach and relied on face-to-face semi-structured interviews to collect and analyse data. The theoretical framework used to underpin the study was the Afrocentricity theory. The findings of the study illustrated that traditional schools serve as pivotal institutions for the transmission of linguistic and cultural knowledge, integrating indigenous values, practices, and language into their curricula. The study provides insights into how traditional schools facilitate the transmission of cultural values, practices, and languages to younger generations. By exploring the methods and content of traditional education, the research highlights how these institutions contribute to cultural continuity and identity. Secondly, the study contributes to the documentation and preservation of indigenous educational practices and pedagogies. It offers a comprehensive account of how traditional schools operate, including their teaching methods and cultural rituals, thereby preserving valuable knowledge for future generations. Furthermore, this study enhances the understanding of traditional schools’ significance and supports the preservation of language and cultural heritage.

From national park to cultural park an Algerian experience

The status of National park was adopted in Algeria in 1921, during French colonisation, within the framework of the forestry law in force. It was renewed as is, after 1962 by independent Algeria and placed under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, in its general forestry directorate. In 1983, it was redefined in the first national law on the environment, then, from 2011, in that of protected areas, within the framework of sustainable development. All Algerian national parks are created under the forestry regime and agricultural administration, with the exception of a single case where they are attached to the cultural sector: that of Tassili and Ahaggar, both located in the extreme south of the Sahara, including the Tuareg customary domain of Kel Ajjer and Kel Ahaggar. A particular case, linked to the process of administrative construction of the Saharan space. It is following the adoption of paradigm of sustainable development and a new law on the protection of cultural heritage , that this particularism has disappeared, with the introduction of a new legal category of protection, called “parc culturel”, based on the principle of “indissociability” between culture and nature, an innovative notion which has not yet acquired the conceptual force necessary to achieve the required stabilization and social appropriation, hence the difficulty of its translation into operational tools.

A Comprehensive Review of Multimodal XR Applications, Risks, and Ethical Challenges in the Metaverse

This scoping review examines the broad applications, risks, and ethical challenges associated with Extended Reality (XR) technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), within the context of Metaverse. XR is revolutionizing fields such as immersive learning in education, medical and professional training, neuropsychological assessment, therapeutic interventions, arts, entertainment, retail, e-commerce, remote work, sports, architecture, urban planning, and cultural heritage preservation. The integration of multimodal technologies—haptics, eye-, face-, and body tracking, and brain–computer interfaces—enhances user engagement and interactivity, playing a key role in shaping the immersive experiences in the Metaverse. However, XR’s expansion raises serious concerns, including data privacy risks, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, cybersickness, addiction, dissociation, harassment, bullying, and misinformation. These psychological, social, and security challenges are further complicated by intense advertising, manipulation of public opinion, and social inequality, which could disproportionately affect vulnerable individuals and social groups. This review emphasizes the urgent need for robust ethical frameworks and regulatory guidelines to address these risks while promoting equitable access, privacy, autonomy, and mental well-being. As XR technologies increasingly integrate with artificial intelligence, responsible governance is essential to ensure the safe and beneficial development of the Metaverse and the broader application of XR in enhancing human development.

Effect of Cultural Heritage on Tourism Development in Italy

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of cultural heritage on tourism development in Italy. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The cultural heritage of Italy plays a significant role in its tourism development, attracting millions of visitors annually to historic cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice. Italy's rich history, art, architecture, and traditions make it a global cultural destination, with UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Uffizi Gallery serving as major draws. This cultural wealth not only boosts the tourism industry but also supports local economies and preserves historical landmarks. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Cultural capital theory, sustainable tourism theory & heritage conservation theory may be used to anchor future studies on the effect of cultural heritage on tourism development in Italy. Implementing practical measures such as visitor quotas, dynamic pricing, and timed entry tickets can help regulate tourist flow to high-traffic cultural heritage sites. Policymakers should develop sustainable tourism frameworks that balance economic growth with cultural heritage preservation.

Value Research and Reform Strategy of Wushu Teaching in Colleges and Universities under the New Situation

With the renewal of educational ideas, there are many problems to be solved in the development of Wushu teaching in colleges and universities. Wushu, as a part of China traditional culture, inherits profound historical and cultural heritage and has unique value of strengthening the body. However, there are still many shortcomings in the curriculum and teaching methods of Wushu teaching in colleges and universities, which cannot meet the needs of modern education and students diverse interests. Therefore, by analyzing the value of Wushu teaching in colleges and universities under the new situation, this paper studies the reform strategy of Wushu teaching in colleges and universities under the new situation.

Driving Small and medium-sized enterprise Performance Through Product Innovation: The Roles of Strategic Orientation, Market Power, and Organizational Collaboration

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are essential contributors to economic growth and development. However, they often face significant challenges in maintaining competitiveness and achieving sustained growth, particularly in the current era of rapid technological advancements, globalization, and evolving market dynamics. This study aims to investigate the critical factors that drive product innovation and their subsequent impact on the performance of SMEs. A quantitative research approach was employed in this study. Data were collected through a survey administered to 69 Sasirangan Cloth SMEs in Banjarmasin, Indonesia. These SMEs are engaged in the traditional textile craft of Sasirangan cloth, which holds cultural significance in the region. Structural equation modeling (SEM) with partial least squares (PLS) was utilized to analyze the collected data. The findings of the data analysis reveal that strategic orientation, market power, and organizational collaboration have a positive and statistically significant impact on product innovation. This suggests that SMEs that adopt a market-oriented, entrepreneurial, and technology-oriented strategic approach, combined with efforts to develop market power and engage in collaborative relationships with other organizations, are more likely to foster product innovation. Furthermore, the study finds that product innovation plays a mediating role in the relationship between these factors and company performance, indicating that product innovation is a key mechanism through which strategic orientation, market power, and organizational collaboration contribute to enhancing SME performance. In conclusion, this study underscores the pivotal role of product innovation in driving SME performance. By developing and introducing new products or significantly improving existing ones, SMEs can differentiate themselves from competitors, attract new customers, and enhance their overall competitiveness.

PRECEDENT NAMES AS TRANSMITTERS OF HISTORICAL AND COLLECTIVE MEMORY IN THE POEM “THE TIME IN BURSA” BY A. H. TANPINAR

This article explores the use of precedent names as carriers of historical and collective memory in A. H. Tanpınar's poem “The Time in Bursa.” Precedent names, being culturally significant proper nouns, evoke historical, cultural, and social connotations that resonate deeply within a collective consciousness. The study analyzes how these names serve as linguistic bridges between past and present, shaping a shared understanding of national identity and heritage in Tanpınar’s poetry. The analysis focuses on the poem's ability to transmit cultural memory through names associated with key historical events, figures, and places, thus linking personal memory with collective historical narratives. By exploring the poetic function of these precedent names, the article highlights Tanpınar’s contribution to preserving and enriching the cultural identity of Turkish society. Employing methods such as textual, intertextual, and historical-linguistic analysis, the research uncovers how Tanpınar’s use of precedent names fosters a dialogue between individual and national history, allowing readers to engage with the collective memory of their community. The study positions precedent names not merely as literary devices, but as pivotal elements in understanding the dynamics of memory and identity in Turkish poetry. This research aims to broaden the understanding of how names rooted in cultural and historical significance can function as powerful transmitters of collective memory, contributing to the formation of a cohesive national identity in literary texts.

Enhancing community potential to boost grassroots economy through value-added pickled bamboo shoots, Thailand

The objectives of this research article were: 1) to examine the community context, problems, and needs, 2) to enhance the community's capacity through the process of upgrading and adding value to fermented bamboo shoot products, and 3) to assess the capacity development of the Ban Sang Thor community, Phon Mueang Subdistrict, Lao Suea Kok District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. This study employed a mixed-methods research design. The key informants were 12 experts, 50 workshop participants selected through purposive sampling, and ten experts, 50 producers (selected through purposive sampling), and 100 consumers selected through accidental sampling for product development satisfaction evaluation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, frequencies, means, and standard deviations. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive explanations. The Ban Sang Thor community, characterized by a rich historical background and traditional Heet Sip Song Kong Sip Si customs, addressed socioeconomic challenges such as poverty, household indebtedness, and low income through the enhancement of fermented bamboo shoot products. The community engages in educational initiatives regarding hygienic production practices and participates in packaging design processes. The resulting products exhibit durability, aesthetic appeal, and consumer acceptance. High levels of satisfaction from experts and consumers culminate in the production of safe sanitary products with a distinct community-branded identity. Sustainable economic development contributes to the preservation of a community's cultural heritage.

Diplomatic Communication of Silk Sign: Vehicle, Signification, and Narrative

ABSTRACT This study explores how silk as an aesthetic sign plays the active and efficient role of diplomatic narrative in the cultural and political communication between countries employing the historical and archaeological evidence in China. Aesthetic signs are of communicative values and cultural narrative significance. Silk is an aesthetic sign with iconic properties. The paper argues that beauty, exquisiteness, and value are the visual properties that silk as a sign vehicle presents in terms of texture, colours, patterns, and weaving techniques, recognised across all cultural contexts throughout history. The richness of favourable meanings that a sign conveys is embodied in the characteristics of its specific vehicle. The combination of silk as a sign vehicle and its designated object conveys the sign's value, thus performing the narrative function. Due to its iconic functions, silk is the most distinct and active aesthetic sign. Therefore, this paper argues that silk as a sign expresses diplomatic fraternity and harmony narrates aesthetics of unremitting pursuit of gentleness and auspiciousness, and constructs an international image of a country willing to coexist with others harmoniously and offer mutual assistance during difficulties.

Minoritized Celebrities & Counter-Narratives: Media Storytelling and Audience Perceptions of Red Table Talk

This research utilized critical interpretive analysis of Facebook’s Red Table Talk web series and focus group interviews to explore how counter-narratives are produced on Red Table Talk and received by audience members. Social media provide opportunities for celebrities of minoritized backgrounds to enact public relations with counter-narrative discourse, subverting gatekeeping boundaries and offering alternatives to master narratives about their identities and experiences. The cultural significance of Red Table Talk as an intervention and interruption of the larger narratives and discourses about celebrities marginalized by their racial and ethnic identities is argued. Results suggest that the use of mediated counter-narratives humanized and empowered the minoritized celebrities to tell their own stories and resist master narratives.

Introducing Landmarks: The Tugu Yogyakarta's Popularity in Literature Review and Online Media

This paper explores the cultural and urban significance of Tugu Yogyakarta, a famous monument in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Located at the city's main crossroads, Tugu Yogyakarta is essential to Yogyakarta's Philosophical Axis, symbolizing the city's identity and pride. This analysis examines the academic discourse and social media presence of Tugu Yogyakarta, highlighting the monument's historical, cultural, and urban importance. The study emphasizes the role of social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok in promoting the monument to a broader audience through visual and interactive content, with virtual reality (VR) technology discussed to provide virtual tours, increasing public engagement and awareness without time and distance limitations. The findings expose that academic literature, predominantly produced by Indonesian researchers, focuses on cultural heritage, urban design, and educational roles, while the topic is just starting to gain attention internationally. The social media analysis shows strong public engagement, with hashtags like #tugujogja widely used, reflecting the monument's cultural significance. This study combines a literature review with social media data analysis, making it a unique approach to comprehensively assess the monument's popularity and public awareness of its historical and cultural value. The social media data was analyzed using Gephi and Excel to calculate hashtag frequency and visualize network interactions. The findings show the critical contribution of Tugu Yogyakarta to the sustainability of cultural heritage preservation. The study highlights the synergistic relationship between academic research and the social media presence in promoting Tugu Yogyakarta, with digital platforms significantly boosting its visibility and public engagement. In conclusion, this study provides a multifaceted analysis of Tugu Yogyakarta, integrating cultural aspects, urban elements, and city marketing strategies. Successful promotion of the monument through academic works and social media can enhance heritage conservation and strengthen the public's engagement with Yogyakarta's historical landmarks.

SYMBOLISM IN “A CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON” (1922) BY F. SCOTT FITZGERALD

This paper analyzes the use of symbolism in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (1922), focusing on its employment of allegory, archetypes, and symbols. The study seeks to throw further light on the manner in which Fitzgerald uses literary symbolism as a means to explore the modernist consciousness of the protagonist, Benjamin Button, who serves as an archetype for the alienation experienced by modern man in the Jazz Age. By examining both personal and conventional symbols, the paper not only reveals how the protagonist embodies the tensions of his era, but also highlights how he exemplifies the human representatives of the period. Special attention is given to several underexplored symbols within the story, including: Benjamin's dress suit, the cigars he smokes as an infant, his hair dye, fake whiskers, and the colored paper in kindergarten. These symbols illustrate Fitzgerald's craftsmanship in conveying complex themes such as identity, aging, and societal expectations. Through the juxtaposition of these symbols with Benjamin's unusual aging process, the paper argues that the protagonist becomes a symbolic figure for the disorientation and alienation experienced by individuals in the modernist era. Ultimately, the research provides fresh insights into how Fitzgerald’s symbolism deepens the narrative’s engagement with modernist themes, offering a richer understanding of both the text and its cultural significance.

“It Requires Privacy”: Sharing a House in Thirteenth-Century Paris

AbstractAnalysis of a legal ruling by Yehiel of Paris (d. ca. 1260) in a rental dispute between two Jewish men sheds light on aspects of Jewish life in a major medieval European city. Two Jews rented an apartment from a Christian owner, and a dispute arose when one of the tenants left mid-term and his replacement, also a Jewish man, tried to renew the lease directly with the landlord. The original tenant claimed the exclusive right to renew the lease and that he was unwilling to share the apartment with the new tenant as this would impinge on his privacy in use of the lavatory. This article attempts to unravel the legal and cultural dimensions of the dispute and the demographic and architectural realities underpinning it. The article maintains that the disputants’ legal arguments drew upon both Jewish legal tradition and the legal norms of the rental market in Paris. The legal and cultural significance of privacy in the medieval urban context also plays an important role in the case.