Western Influence Research Articles

Architectural Transformation of Syrian Christian Churches in Kerala Since the Inception of Portuguese to India : An Insight to St Mary’s Forane Church Kanjoor

The Portuguese were the first colonists to arrive in Kerala in 1498 and they were surprised to find a well thriving Christian community in the Malabar Coast. The Portuguese being Catholics under the Pope tried every possible means to Latinize the Syrian Christians. This they did by forcefully converting the Syrian Christians to Catholics. They introduced Catholic rituals, altered the Syrian churches, and introduced Portuguese elements in the churches. This led to the formation of a hybrid architecture for the Syrian churches of Kerala. Kanjoor is one such church in Kerala which had some Portuguese influence in it. There are many artefacts found in Kanjoor church which was once brought from Portugal which includes antique round globe lamps, lampshades, bronze painting of flowers, and altar back-drop. The Western influence in the churches in Kerala can be seen only with the arrival of Portuguese. Kanjoor still has a hybrid culture and it’s a real treasure for the present and the future generations. Most of the evidence found in the church truly brings back a long-forgotten history and tradition of Kanjoor. The grand elephant's entrance door, single stoned Baptism font, the pulpit, open air granite stone, relief works in the vault over the altar and much more evidence in the church proves the significance and historical value of the church. As a whole this paper is a research on the architecture and the relevance of the cultural heritage of Kanjoor church since the arrival of Portuguese to India.

Watercolor Painting under the Background of Industrial and Commercial Development in the late Qing Dynasty

In the late Qing Dynasty, Western painting techniques and artistic concepts were gradually introduced into China, which had a profound influence on the development of watercolor painting. This paper will discuss the western influence of watercolor painting in the late Qing Dynasty, including the introduction of Western painting techniques, the promotion of watercolor painting by missionaries and diplomatic missions, and the influence of western artistic concepts on watercolor painters in the late Qing Dynasty. By studying these aspects in depth, we can better understand the background and characteristics of the development of watercolor painting in the late Qing Dynasty.

Acanthus and Mughal Architecture: Western Influence on Wazir Khan Ornamentation

The widely recognised historical ornament acanthus was used in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, and other ancient civilisations. Historic civilisations frequently employed symbols and ornaments in their architecture to represent a specific subject matter or the aesthetic value or aspect of the ornamental elements for aesthetic and conceptual purposes. However, this study aims to explore the Western influence of acanthus on the architecture of the Mughal era, especially the Wazir Khan Mosque. Moreover, it also explores the voyage of acanthus ornament from the Italian Renaissance to South Asia. It uses a descriptive qualitative method to assess that the acanthus, a European ornament, was used as an architectural ornament or a decorative theme throughout Mughals architecture. Findings reveal that the acanthus travelled from Europe to South Asia as a result of aesthetic and artistic trade and developed and evolved during the Mughals.

The Urgency of the Teaching Method of the Prophet Muhammad and Its Implications for Millennial Era Learning Models

The Prophet Muhammad's attention to education extended to the development of a system, theoretical strategies, and teaching methods. Remarkably, many of the teaching methods he employed during his time remain relevant today. His insights into teaching methods have proven to be capable of addressing various educational challenges faced by humanity. Nevertheless, it is sometimes assumed that contemporary learning models are solely derived from Western influences, overlooking the significant contributions of the Prophet Muhammad in this regard. While methods refer to the means of acquiring knowledge, learning models are the outcomes of these teaching methods. Over time, the teaching methods imparted by the Prophet Muhammad have had a profound impact on contemporary learning models. The aim of this research is to analyze the urgency of the Prophet Muhammad's Islamic teaching methods and their contributions to contemporary millennial-era learning models. A qualitative approach, supported by library research, was employed as the research method. Data validity was ensured by reviewing relevant sources, including accredited journals, scholarly articles, and related books. This research demonstrates that the teaching methods of the Prophet Muhammad are of great significance and have substantial implications for millennial-era learning models. This is substantiated by the contemporary learning models that incorporate various teaching methods taught by the Prophet Muhammad, which have proven effective in addressing learning challenges in the millennial era. Consequently, it is crucial to consider appropriate and relevant teaching methods, similar to those imparted by the Prophet Muhammad, when developing a learning model.

Research on the Characteristics of Interior Decoration Styles in Modern Guangzhou

Taking the residential buildings in Guangzhou under the influence of modern western as an example, based on a large number of historical materials, this paper makes field investigation and investigation on the existing excellent modern buildings in Guangzhou, and deeply analyzes the interior decoration style of modern Guangzhou. By sorting out the modern interior decoration styles of Guangzhou under the influence of the west, this paper explores the causes and paths of the relevant characteristics, and traces the origin, which helps us to find the uniqueness of the development of interior design in Guangzhou, and re-examine the development process of modern interior design in Guangzhou from a historical perspective.Analysis data by Descriptive statistics and Content Analysis. The research results were found as follows：1. One of the characteristics of modern indoor decoration styles in Guangzhou is the change in spatial layout;2. The second characteristic of modern indoor decoration styles in Guangzhou is the changes in ground materials and ceiling forms;3. Finally, there is a shift in the style of modern and contemporary interior furnishings in Guangzhou;4. This article attempts to summarize and describe the genes involved in the transformation of modern Guangzhou interior design.

Light fractions can also be heavy hitters: Comparison of detrital zircon U–Pb and detrital K‐feldspar Pb–Pb as provenance indicators—A case study from Cretaceous strata of southern Utah, USA

AbstractComparison of detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology and detrital K‐feldspar Pb–Pb isotopic data from Upper Cretaceous sandstones of southern Utah reveals important provenance information that is unrecorded by more chemically and physically durable detrital minerals like zircons. To better understand these signals, we also present an updated database of Pb‐isotopic ratios in ores, whole rocks and feldspars, for potential sediment source terranes in North America. Detrital K‐feldspar Pb‐isotopes indicate sediment provenance of the Western Cordillera/Mojave, Yavapai‐Mazatzal and Wyoming terranes, with limited input from recycled Sevier fold‐thrust belt strata. The K‐feldspar data broadly support previous interpretations, largely based on detrital zircon datasets, of a Cretaceous palaeo‐river system transporting sediment from the southwest. However, the light‐fraction data also provide important, complementary and otherwise unrecognized perspectives as compared to detrital zircon datasets. For example, K‐feldspars indicate a stronger apparent influence of Western Cordillera/Mojave and Wyoming terrane sources than previously interpreted. We interpret the K‐feldspar Wyoming terrane signal as the result of south‐directed longshore drift, with preferential loss of zircons due to hydraulic sorting processes. As relatively new detrital K‐feldspar detrital methods continue to be developed, this multi‐proxy approach to provenance could be informative in other sedimentary basins where suitable source terranes can be identified.

The personal is political in the struggle for equity in global medical education research and scholarship

Medical education research is rooted in a long tradition of objectivity, evidence-based methods, and clinical surety. However, the inexorable confidence, health professions research education, and scholarship have in the manifest supremacy of western science as the foundational epistemology is questionable. Is this bravado legitimate and if so by what authority? How does this dominance of western epistemic frames determine how we are seen and how we see ourselves as health professions educators scholars and researchers? In what ways does western epistemic dominance influence how and why we conduct research? What do we consider as important to research in health professions education (HPE)? The answers are different depending on where we position ourselves or are placed in a hierarchy of scholarly privilege. I pose that the supremacy of Western scientific epistemology in modern medical education, research, and practice blurs differently colored scientific lenses and silences marginalized voices from legitimate contribution to HPE.

A Comparision Between Whether and How Western Fashion Represents the Identity of Upper-Class Women in Shanghai and Chinese Immigrant Women in the United States during the 1920s

During the 1920s, the city of Shanghai became a hub of Western influence, as more foreigners and Chinese individuals with overseas degrees brought new ideas to the port city. The growing upper-class in Shanghai increasingly had access to purchase Western products, specifically Western fashion on Nanjing Road. Meanwhile, Chinese immigrants living in the United States during this decade experienced varying degrees of Western influence in their everyday lives and how they dressed. The topic of this paper addresses an understudied comparison, utilizing fashion as an angle to examine the identities of upper-class women in Shanghai and Chinese immigrant women in the United States during the 1920s. This paper observes primary sources including photographs and a newspaper as a method to address the research topic. This paper argues that during the 1920s, most second-generation Chinese immigrant women adopted Western fashion to assimilate into American culture. However, the first-generation Chinese immigrant women mostly maintained their Chinese culture despite being in a new environment. On the other hand, in Shanghai, Western fashion became popular among upper-class women during the 1920s as it reflected their social and economic power; their identity became increasingly linked to progressive Western womens ideals. Ultimately, this papers assertion contributes to shaping a larger perspective explaining how the different environments of Shanghai and the United States caused the upper-class women in Shanghai and Chinese immigrant women in the United States to have disparate values in regard to Western fashion.

The Rise of Status Consumption in the Estonian SSR: Socialist “Good Taste” and Western Influence

Abstract The article focuses on the role of Western goods and cultural influences in the Estonian SSR during late socialism, aiming to analyze “conspicuous” consumption practices, behaviors, and attitudes. Situated in the context of Soviet modernization and the economy of shortages, the article moves beyond the dominant discourse of scarcity and contributes to a growing body of literature that has uncovered the Soviet consumer as a modern shopper with distinctive tastes, demands, and sensibilities that were formed at the interplay between the socialist “good taste” and the imagined, yet incredibly tangible manifestations of Western material objects. The article argues that younger, urban, and largely female consumers in Soviet Estonia were susceptible to the enticement of materiality and status-oriented consumption that could be explained by the rise of “new” Soviet consumer’s consciousness, Western-imitating do-it-yourself practices, and acquisition of Western goods that were regarded as a sign of knowledge, prestige, and social standing.

From the Great Wall to the Great Firewall: A Historical Analysis of Surveillance

This article delves into the historical development of surveillance practices in China, tracing their roots from the construction of the Great Wall to the contemporary cyber surveillance system known as the Great Firewall. The study explores the strategic importance of the Great Wall as an early warning system and its significance in shaping China's modern national security strategies. Additionally, the article examines the evolution of surveillance techniques throughout China's dynastic history, the impact of Western influences, and the emergence of a modern surveillance state under the People's Republic of China. The analysis then shifts its focus to the development, implementation, and objectives of the Great Firewall, highlighting its role in both domestic control and international cyber warfare. Lastly, the article addresses the ethical debates surrounding surveillance and privacy in China, along with the future implications of emerging technologies and trends in the country's national security strategy. Through this historical lens, the article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of China's long-standing relationship with surveillance and its crucial role in national security, while also shedding light on potential future developments and global implications. Keywords: Chinese national security, Cyber surveillance, Cyber surveillance, Great Wall of China, History of surveillance in China. Jel Codes: F50, H56, H56, P25, P37.

From the Great Wall to the Great Firewall: A Historical Analysis of Surveillance

This article delves into the historical development of surveillance practices in China, tracing their roots from the construction of the Great Wall to the contemporary cyber surveillance system known as the Great Firewall. The study explores the strategic importance of the Great Wall as an early warning system and its significance in shaping China's modern national security strategies. Additionally, the article examines the evolution of surveillance techniques throughout China's dynastic history, the impact of Western influences, and the emergence of a modern surveillance state under the People's Republic of China. The analysis then shifts its focus to the development, implementation, and objectives of the Great Firewall, highlighting its role in both domestic control and international cyber warfare. Lastly, the article addresses the ethical debates surrounding surveillance and privacy in China, along with the future implications of emerging technologies and trends in the country's national security strategy. Through this historical lens, the article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of China's long-standing relationship with surveillance and its crucial role in national security, while also shedding light on potential future developments and global implications. Keywords: Chinese national security, Cyber surveillance, Cyber surveillance, Great Wall of China, History of surveillance in China.

Towards a Cross-Cultural Hybridisation: An Exploration of Furniture Design and Advertising in Shanghai, China (1912-1949)

ABSTRACT This paper uses furniture advertisements to explore interactions between Eastern and Western design forms in semi-colonial Shanghai during the Republic of China (1912–1949). 1 By analysing historical advertisements during this period, it identifies three distinct trends in furniture design that integrated Eastern and Western influences in an innovative manner, reflecting, to varying degrees, a “cross-cultural hybridization” of forms. 2 The first trend celebrated Western design, which was introduced to Shanghai during its colonisation in the late Qing Dynasty (1845–1912), rendering it in traditional Chinese materials and construction techniques. The second trend, which aligned with the anti-imperial sentiment of Shanghai society after the founding of the Republic of China, celebrated local craftsmanship either by referencing traditional Chinese furniture design, or highlighting local production. These two trends led to the creation of a truly integrative third trend, the “Modeng” style, which blended Eastern and Western design elements and became a hallmark of Shanghai design and culture after the 1930s. Overall, by tracing the evolving trends of Shanghai furniture design, this article enhances our comprehension of the intricate relationship between Western cultural influences and local adaptations and integrations, highlighting how furniture advertisements reflected Shanghai’s unique cultural context.

Synthesis of Music of the West and the East on the Example of a Piece for Dissected Piano “Tien-Shan” by Lilia Rodionova

The article is a composer's commentary on his own work. The piece for the dissected piano «Tien Shan» was created in May 1982, in the city of Frunze, under the impression of the beauty of the mountain landscapes. The thematic basis for the two-part contrasting form was the folk Kyrgyz intonation. The first section is written for the preparation of the piano, the second-for the usual one. The following composition techniques were used: sonoristic, aleatoric, twelve-tone notes, sophisticated jazz harmony, repetitively, technique is a Central element. The work implements a synthesis of music from the West and the East. The first section has more Western influence. The East is shown here in a quasi-folk play and the beginning of the play, where the intonation as2-h2-c1 is used. In the second section, the East is manifested much more deeply — at the level of motivation and ways of developing musical material. Folklore intonations are combined with twelve-tone notes.

Experiences of female higher education academics in Zimbabwe: A decolonial feminist perspective

abstract The low representation of women in leadership positions continues to characterise higher education institutions (HEIs) in Africa. Most senior positions, from Programme Coordinators, to Departmental Chairpersons, Deans of Faculties, Directorships and Vice-Chancellorships, remain occupied by men. Arguments for more representation of women in academic leadership positions have largely been shaped by neoliberal feminist thoughts which emphasise gender parity or numerical representation. While critical, the limitation of this approach is that it lacks engagement with the lived experiences of women academics in HEIs, which still carry colonial legacies, and patriarchal structures and processes. In the context of scholarly discussions on the need to decolonise HEIs, coupled with a rising critique of hegemonic western feminist influence, there are pertinent questions on how women academics respond to, and resist the gendered policies, structures and processes in universities, using alternative feminisms. This study offers a feminist interrogation of the experiences of black women occupying decision-making positions in two of Zimbabwe’s HEIs, presenting the results of qualitative empirical research. It explores the extent to which decolonial feminism and associated ethics of care have influenced women empowerment, shaping and improving experiences of female academics in leadership positions within HEIs in Zimbabwe.

The costly gamble: how Russia's invasion of Ukraine weakened its role as a balancing power

ABSTRACT Russia is not a superpower, and it is not a conventional great power either. Russia is a balancing great power (balancer), which since 2007 has been purposefully offsetting western influence in the international system and attempting to resist Western (American) hegemony. The paper develops the argument that the failed aggression against Ukraine has very significantly limited Russia’s ability to use available balancing techniques. Ukraine has clearly opted for a Western orientation because Russia has entirely lost its appeal. Russian positions in Central Asia and the Caucasus are weakened. In both areas, Russia must confront the growing activities of the EU, the US, China, and Turkey. Russia’s ability to manage an equilibrium between China and India in Asia is diminishing as it can no longer export sophisticated weapons. Russia’s conventional military capabilities have been significantly reduced. All in all, Russia’s relative position among the other great powers has deteriorated significantly.

Temporal Shifts in Singapore

Singapore’s relationship with colonialism has long been fraught with resentment while simultaneously being unable to detach itself from its identity as a former British colony. Colonial officer Sir Stamford Raffles is regarded as a national icon, after whom the Raffles Hospital, Raffles Institution and business district Raffles Place are named after. Along the Singapore River is a white marble statue of Raffles, with the plaque reading “On this historic site, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles first landed in Singapore on 28th January 1819, and with genius and perception changed the destiny of Singapore from an obscure fishing village to a great seaport and modern metropolis.” Yet, there have been efforts to counter Western influence in Singapore, to justify illiberal or anti-democratic policies or simply to cultivate a synthetic national identity amongst a majority immigrant population with no primordial connection to the land. It is then necessary to investigate the origins of this strange relationship with the British: a desire to either defend the colonists or to declare Western values as wholly irreconcilable to ours, and therefore need to be rejected.

В поисках утраченной традиции: к истории церковной живописи 1840-х - первой половины 1850-х гг.

The last decade of the reign of Nicholas I (1845 - 1855) was the time when the projects of renewal of church paintings in Russia appeared. Public discussion of the problems of the tradition of the Russian art started with the publication in 1845 of a brochure "On Icon-paintings" by the Ostrog bishop Anatoly, who wasn't, however, a zealous adherent to the traditional icon-paintings, his "theory" of icon-paintings tending towards neoclassicism. In difference from the Right Reverend Anatoly's approach in his brochure, the Rev'd Grigoriy Debolsky argued for the inseparable connection between the national spirit (narodnost') of the church paintings and the tradition of icon-painting in an article published in the same year. Russian Academic school did not respond to the new attitudes in society: propelled by the Emperor, this school acknowledged the tradition in symbolic terms only - in the Byzantinine golden impressions in the paintings in St Isaac's Cathedral. On the whole, the ensemble of these paintings promised to become a brilliant legacy of Bologna academism. 1848, the year of a wave of revolutions in Europe that were perceived as a direct threat to the Empire, opened a period of Nicholas's reign marked, on the other hand, by the intensification of censorship, and, on the other hand, by the two projects of renewal of national church art: those by Duke G.G. Gagarin and by I.P. Sakharov, an archaeologist. The first project, which had at its base the idea, taken from French artists, of christianising ancient art, was an attempt to adapt the Byzantine tradition to the framework of the academic artistic paradigm. Sakharov's project, on the contrary, presupposed complete rejection of this academic paradigm and going back to the icon-paintings that were not yet "spoiled" by Western influences. On the eve of the Crimean war the government made an attempt to expand the national tradition by including in it the ancient paintings from the Mount Athos, in particular, the wall-paintings by Panselinos, which, as A.N. Mouravyov claimed, "are on a par with the works by Rafael and Michelangelo in colouration and modest comportment of the figures". In the new era, marked by the Great Reform of Alexander II, the attempts at a renewal of church paintings that flourished in Nicholas's times, become, for the most part, a thing of the past.

The Cultural and Spiritual Origination of The Western, Southern and Central African Influences of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival and the artform of Kalinda.

In this thesis, I will be discussing the origins of Carnival and the artform of Kalinda, within the Carribean twin island of Trinidad and Tobago. I will discuss the cultural and spiritual roots of these practices that originated from West, Central and South Africa. The first section of this paper will discuss Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival. The explanation regarding the festival will provide understanding about how, what where, when, and why it came into existence, and would always be significant to the island’s cultural and spiritual structural foundation. The second section will explain the complete physical and spiritual artform of Kalinda and why it is to understand. The last section of this paper will discuss the significant cultural and spiritual connection between Carnival and Kalinda. It will discuss how this festival and artform are significant to the spiritual and cultural foundation of Trinidad and Tobago, hence providing the relevance of it being remembered and carried on at present.

Socio-economic and Environmental Impact of Ecotourism in Nepal

Nepal is very rich in terms of its natural beauty and cultural diversity which have provided an enormous opportunity for tourism. Past literature works show that ecotourism helps enhance conservation of natural resources and biodiversity, preserve local cultures and alleviate poverty through an ethical and responsible approach of development. Acknowledging its potential benefits, Nepal has promoted ecotourism as a strategy to attract foreign capital particularly based on indigenous culture, heritage and environmental resources. However, ecotourism has demonstrated its shortcomings. Hence, this paper aimed to critically review the impact of eco-tourism on socio-economic and environmental aspects in Nepal. Based on the review of the various related literatures, this study concluded that ecotourism is crucial for natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, and increase in greenery in Nepal. It is a major contributor to the Nepalese economy, economic development and poverty alleviation. Its contribution to rural development, agricultural transformation, community enrichment and social empowerment is significant. However, it also consumes scarce resources, produces wastes, requires specific infrastructure, and increase pollution, and is likely to increase alcoholism, and create adverse impact on local traditional cultures and make local lifestyle vulnerable to Western influence.

Indlamu: An Image of Zulu Upper-Class Culture of the Past

Even though Indlamu dance has been a central feature of the Zulu nation, few historical studies address the social status of Indlamu. Indlamu has been largely overlooked as an image of Zulu upper-class people, even though the majority of people had ample access to Indlamu. Also, Indlamu is most often associated with Zulu culture untouched by Western influence, probably because it is regarded as a touchstone of Zulu identity. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that Indlamu has never been about war dance only for the peasants and migrants’ workers (ordinary people), but rather ‘an image of the Zulu upper-class culture of the past’. The demonstration is done by analysing Indlamu’s history, structural form, performance, and appreciation throughout the decades. This paper employs a textual analysis approach and direct interviews with selected participants who possess extensive knowledge of Indlamu. This article argues that Indlamu is used as a tool to present a Zulu warrior/combatant as an ordered, disciplined, submissive, and obedient member of society. The findings demonstrate that according to the perceived Zulu nationalism and modern capitalism, an ideal Zulu warrior is submissive and obedient to their authorities. This is ascribed to Indlamu performance’s requirements for complete regimental clothing, exact time, and unwavering posture. This article concludes by affirming that similar to ballet and how King Louis XIV would symbolise things like war or Apollo, implying authority and empire, Indlamu performers would likewise symbolise power and battle. This article is intended to bring an understanding of the role of Indlamu in the Zulu nation. Keywords: Culture, Indlamu, upper-class, war dance, Zulu identity