Cultural Integration Research Articles

Narratives of Home and Country, Emotional Awakening, and Strategic Innovation in New Mainstream Cinema: A Path Analysis of My People My Homeland

With the continuous improvement of the Chinese film market and the trends of political, economic, and cultural diversification, integration, and globalization, new mainstream cinema has emerged as a form accepted by the mass market. My People My Homeland continues the episodic and anthology style of My People, My Country, using five story units to reflect major contemporary issues. This paper analyzes My People My Homeland from the perspectives of structural paradigms, narrative angles, and strategic innovations, exploring the development of new mainstream cinema.

ASSESMENT OF ALIGNMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION CENTRES WITH DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE PRACTICE PRINCIPLES

This study evaluates the alignment of 150 Anganwadi centres in Ganjam District, Odisha, with Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) principles. Using an observation schedule, the research assesses infrastructure, resources, and teaching practices to identify challenges and opportunities in DAP implementation. Findings reveal significant infrastructure deficits, particularly the absence of dedicated buildings, which impede the creation of safe and stimulating learning environments. Despite these challenges, centres with adequate resources demonstrated effective DAP alignment, supported by strong parental and community involvement. The study underscores the need for continuous professional development for Anganwadi workers and policy reforms to increase funding and support for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programs. Cultural integration and tailored educational strategies emerge as essential for creating relevant and engaging learning experiences. The research concludes with recommendations to enhance DAP practices, aiming to improve holistic child development and educational outcomes in the region.

Examining where to go: pediatric psychology trainees' perception of their graduate training in culture and diversity.

Culture and diversity-related training is critical to the development of competent pediatric psychologists. Evaluation of training efforts have been conducted at the program level, yet evaluation of trainee experiences in culture and diversity-related training remains unassessed. This trainee-led study was the first formal assessment of pediatric psychology trainee experiences of culture and diversity-related training and the impact of training on their own cultural humility. Study overview and a survey link was distributed across 2 listservs associated with the American Psychological Association (Division 53, Division 54) and sent directly to directors of graduate, internship, and fellowship training programs with a request to share with trainees. Surveys assessing integration of cultural training and trainee cultural humility were completed. Trainees also provided qualitative feedback regarding their multicultural training and development. Pediatric psychology trainees (N = 90) reported inconsistent integration of culture and diversity topics into their training. Of the 34 training areas assessed, 10 were perceived as thoroughly integrated into formal training by at least half of the respondents. Trainees often sought independent cultural training outside of their programs, and no relationship was detected between perceived integration of cultural training and trainee cultural competence. Results indicate room for improvement regarding integration of cultural training and a need to better understand driving forces behind trainees independently seeking training outside of their formal training programs. Moreover, understanding the aspects of training that are most contributory to trainee development is needed given that no relationship between training and development emerged in the current study.

Medical Education Abroad: Reflections and Experiences of a Brazilian Student in Paraguay

Medical training outside Brazil has emerged as a significant choice for many Brazilians seeking more accessible educational alternatives. This article aims to explore the reflections and experiences of Dr. Fabiana Gnoatto, a former Brazilian student who chose to study medicine in Paraguay. Her account analyzes the challenges she faced, the coping strategies she adopted and the lessons she learned throughout her academic and professional career. Among the main challenges identified was adapting to a different curriculum and varied teaching methodologies, requiring substantial academic flexibility on the part of Brazilians who chose to study medicine in Paraguay. The language barrier, marked by the need to master Spanish in order to follow classes and interact effectively, emerges as one of the greatest difficulties faced by this group. In addition, cultural integration is complex, requiring students to adapt to local customs and practices. The distance from family and friends, combined with academic and personal pressure, tends to generate high levels of stress and anxiety, making it a significant additional challenge. To mitigate these challenges, Brazilian students need to develop a range of strategies that might not be necessary if they were pursuing the same career in their home country. Advance preparation and planning for this student migration is essential to achieving efficient academic performance. Active participation in classes, combined with the formation of study groups, would facilitate understanding, assimilation of content and the exchange of experiences between these individuals who almost always share the same difficulties in adapting. The development of local support networks emerges as a crucial element, providing emotional and practical support. Maintaining constant contact with family and friends, using modern technology, would help to reduce the feeling of isolation. Seeking psychological support, which is essential for dealing with stress, complements adaptation strategies. Participating in cultural activities in the host country, adapting to local customs and lifestyle are also key to successful integration. Dr. Fabiana Gnoatto's experiences show that, with determination, appropriate strategies and support, it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve a successful medical career without losing quality of life during academic training. Their experiences serve as a paradigmatic guide for future students, helping them to prepare more effectively and face the challenges of international medical training. In this way, they can transform a challenging experience into an opportunity for personal and professional growth, highlighting the importance of resilience and adaptation in diverse educational and cultural contexts.

INTEGRATING LUWU CULTURE INTO ENGLISH LEARNING: A DEVELOPMENT OF CUSTOMIZED MATERIALS FOR NURSING STUDENTS

This research aimed to fulfill the need of nursing students to master English with the integration of local culture. This research was conducted at Kurnia Jaya Persada Health and Business Institute, Palopo City, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, from March to May 2023. This study was a research and development through four stages: (1) needs analysis, (2) material design, (3) try-out, and (4) material revision. The need analysis was done by administering the questionnaire to 32 nursing students and interviewing four English lecturers in the study program. The English material developed consists of seven units. The tasks in each unit integrate the language aspects and skills. The materials for nursing provided are vocabulary and expressions in the health field also English skills for nursing. The features of Luwu local culture in the material are the local names in the tasks; the pictures of the traditional letters, costumes, houses, and sites; the reading text about the culture and history of Luwu; the specialized unit entitled ‘My Local Culture’; the sub-topic about cross-culture communication; and the video about Luwu culture. The English material was judged by the four English lecturers with a mean score of 96.3. The material is valid with revision. The total response of the students toward the English material, after having the try-out stage, is 95.8% agree. The students have positive responses toward the English material.

The Correlation Between Asian Port Cities and Traditional Portuguese Urban Forms Based on Map and Machine Learning Analyses

In the 16th and 17th centuries, under the influence of the Portuguese Empire’s overseas expansion and cultural integration, the island city of Macau became an important international trading port in the Eastern Sea, with close ties to the Asian port cities governed by Portugal. This study introduces a new method for comparing urban morphological layouts using machine learning and investigates the potential benefits of combining urban morphological analysis with machine learning techniques. In addition, a combination of urban morphology theory and machine learning is used to excise samples of urban morphology from Portuguese urban geographical information maps. The morphological characteristics of port city areas are further extracted, and training labels for typical Portuguese urban textures are established. Using the YOLOv4 object detection algorithm, the results are compared with the urban textures of typical island and port cities of the Asian Silk Road—Goa in India, Malacca in Malaysia, Macau in China, and Dili in Timor-Leste—revealing the similarities and differences among the port cities in Asia influenced by traditional Portuguese urban practices. The results reveal the relationship between maritime trade and urban form.

“This Is How We Do Things”. Acculturation of Immigrant Teachers: Elusive Critical Leadership

Aim. The research aims to critically examine immigrant teachers’ acculturation into independent South African schools. It also raises awareness of the absence of school leadership’s preparedness and competence to facilitate immigrant teachers’ integrative acculturation. Methods. The research used a critical qualitative case study design and purposively sampled participants within a population of inner-city independent schools to ensure they were professional immigrant teachers working in a South African independent school and experiencing acculturation. Data was generated through focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically. Results. The results show that immigrant teachers experience acculturation and adaptation challenges, facing diversity as division. As leaders continuously articulate schools’ visions and missions, they reinforce beliefs, norms, and values, which become the lens through which teachers, learners and other stakeholders engage in their daily activities. Thus, results also illuminate a prevailing authoritarian leadership that enforces cultural assimilation and separation, undermining immigrant teachers’ identities, values, capabilities, and equal status within the school context. Conclusion. Immigrant teachers transform South African schools into cosmopolitan and multicultural settings with incredible cultural dimensions for learners to learn and broaden their global citizenship. Thus, these diverse schools need culturally conscious and effective leaders who deliberately exercise power to confront inequity and marginalisation, affirm minority cultures and foster cultural integration.

Integration of Culture, Tourism, and Regional Development in Multi-ethnic Regions from the Perspective of Anthropology—A Case Study of Longsheng Autonomous County, Guilin, Guangxi

Integration of Culture, Tourism, and Regional Development in Multi-ethnic Regions from the Perspective of Anthropology—A Case Study of Longsheng Autonomous County, Guilin, Guangxi

Navigating linguacultures through fanfiction: unveiling opportunities and challenges in the Chilean EFL school context

Recently, fanfiction has gained attention in the field of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) as it provides space for language practice to facilitate genre-based writing and literacy development. However, there is limited research on using fanfiction as a pedagogical tool to encourage both language and culture learning in diverse foreign language (FL) school contexts. To address this gap, this article presents a pedagogical innovation that aligns fanfiction with a linguacultural (LC) framework to involve students in collaborative, technology-enhanced LC learning. The study involved 15 EFL school teachers in Chile who participated in a workshop on LC-based fanfiction project design. Data collected included teachers’ project plans and reflective journals. Analysis of teachers’ project plans identified creative opportunities for bi-linguacultural practice, online exchange, and identity reflection. Triangulation with teachers’ reflective journals revealed the benefits of fanfiction for enhancing student engagement, language creativity, cultural awareness, and use of information communication technologies (ICTs). However, challenges were identified, ranging from student-related issues to the complexities of remote teaching in rural areas. This study emphasizes the significance of exploring pedagogical innovations in diverse FL contexts, to identify and challenge the contextualized barriers hindering successful integration of language, culture, and technology in the classroom.

EFL College Programmes In Egypt And Saudi Arabia: Advantages And Difficulties In Intercultural Instruction

The present study evaluated faculty and student perceptions of the challenges and benefits of intercultural and multicultural education in EFL college classrooms. Using the descriptive approach through survey, the study further investigates the benefits and barriers to inter/multicultural education in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, including content integration, acculturation pedagogy, and the incorporation of cultural knowledge in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) courses as perceived by faculty and students in both countries. The sample consisted of 25 EFL instructors and 33 fifth and sixth-grade EFL students from King Khalid University in Saudi Arabia, as well as 45 TEFL students from Beni Suef University in Egypt. Findings revealed that while both teachers and students value cultural integration, challenges such as limited resources and cultural sensitivity persist.. Notably, the results showed that literature-based English teaching could be an efficient medium for introducing the target language culture to students. However, challenges include acquiring requirements to develop intercultural competence, professional development needs, and obstacles that hinder EFL instructors from teaching linguistic and cultural competence.

Interdependence of Science and Social Context Through Lens of Banjar Culture Activities (Batimung): Convergent Model

The integration of culture into science education serves as a bridge of knowledge, ensuring that students develop a comprehensive understanding of the scientific and social context and possess literacy as potential educators. The research objectives are to determine the following: 1) the topics that students are most interested in discussing in the context of "diversity," 2) the perspective of students on cultural integration in science learning, and 3) the interdependence of the context of science and the Batimung culture that is characteristic of South Kalimantan. The research methodology relies on a mixed-method with convergent model. Students in the 2020-2023 class of chemistry education comprised the sample. The data collection techniques comprise interviews, questionnaires, and literature reviews. According to the results, the scientific and social contexts are interconnected. The quantitative technique employed is a questionnaire that encompasses diversity aspects comprising a variety of topics. The results indicate that 1) the most desired subject matter for discussion is "the impact of the environment on an individual," with a 59% response rate; 2) cultural integration in science education is a critical endeavour; and 3) the Batimung culture demonstrates that the context of science and social (culture) are not only related but also mutually influential. The conclusion is that the context of science and social, particularly cultural aspects can be the most recent presentation in the teaching and profound interpretation of science through a cultural lens.

Social network dynamics in rural public spaces of multi-ethnic settlements: A case study from Tongren, China

In multi-ethnic rural settlements, a diversity of social relationships gives rise to various public spaces. The integration of cultures, propelled by urbanization, poses challenges to the unique characteristics of these rural public spaces. This process leads to issues such as the loss of cultural diversity, increased homogeneity of spaces, uneven distribution of public services, and low efficiency in space utilization, which seriously interfere with the healthy and sustainable development of rural social systems in multi-ethnic rural areas. This study, focusing on the rural public spaces in Tongren's multi-ethnic settlements, employs a social network analysis approach to investigate the implications of these spaces for the stability of rural community life and the preservation of cultural identities. A model for analyzing social networks in rural public spaces was developed, emphasizing overlapping patterns of user groups, activities, and spatial entities. Analysis of the social networks was conducted in three domains: emotional support, material exchange, and information dissemination. A semantic model was also constructed to understand the usage and structural networks within these public spaces. Comparative analyses between the usage and structural networks of rural public spaces were conducted to develop a comprehensive structural analysis system for these areas. Application of this system in analyzing the rural public spaces of Tongren revealed distinct findings. The connectivity of the structural network in Dongganmu Village's public spaces was found to be lower than that of the usage network, indicating that social factors heavily influence villagers' interactions. Furthermore, the number of small groups within the usage network was fewer than in the structural network, reflecting a lack of hierarchy in public space organization. Villagers’ preferences for public spaces were primarily influenced by cultural beliefs rather than spatial accessibility. The insights garnered from this study not only contribute to the understanding of social network structures in rural public spaces within multi-ethnic settlements but also provide a foundation for informed decision-making regarding the sustainable development of these areas.

Peran Integritas dan Teamwork Dalam Upaya Peningkatan Efektivitas Kerja Pegawai

This research investigates the role of employee integrity and teamwork in increasing work effectiveness in government organizational environments. The research methods used include identifying important factors, building a cultural integration model, analyzing positive impacts, identifying research gaps, and preparing practical recommendations. The research results show that employee integrity and good teamwork have a significant impact on increasing performance, adaptability, innovation, employee satisfaction and reducing conflict in government organizations. However, there are research gaps related to the lack of empirical studies, variations in organizational contexts, the influence of technology, implementation strategies, and measurement and evaluation. As practical recommendations, training and development, exemplary leadership, rewards and recognition, supportive policies and procedures, effective communication, use of technology, regular evaluation and conflict handling are needed. This research's contribution to the literature covers various fields of study such as public management, organizational studies, work and organizational psychology, and policy development. The findings of this research provide practical implications that can help government organizations improve their performance and effectiveness in providing quality public services.

No longer sidelined? Football fandom, belonging, and the boundaries of Europe

ABSTRACT In times of ‘polycrisis’, numerous challenges threaten unity and cohesion on the European continent. European identities can play an important part in navigating these challenges and fostering solidarity. One key to understanding European identities is analysing the dynamics of inclusion and exclusion, as constructions of belonging form an essential component of individual and collective identities. Football fandom, a popular and highly Europeanised cultural phenomenon, has the potential to shape constructions of belonging to Europe. Given the diverse participation in European football, we posit that the identities of football fans are more inclusive than those of non-fans. Our analysis indicates that football fans are more likely to count countries outside of what is commonly associated with Europe as European. This points to a distinct effect of cultural integration through football and underscores the role football plays in fostering a sense of unity and shared identity across the continent. The findings highlight the importance of leveraging cultural avenues to strengthen European cohesion and unity in times of uncertainty.

The Role of Maasai Culture in Tourism Industry Development in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

The tourism industry is the world’s largest industry and is being utilized for economic development and rapid growth in many developing countries. In Tanzania the tourism industry is growing at an annual rate of almost 5% and contributes 17% to GDP. Tanzanian tourism is based on wildlife tourism which requires not only programs for the conservation and protection of flora, fauna and the environment but also for job and wealth creation for the indigenous population who often pay a cost in lost land usage for conservation and tourism. The analysis encompasses a comprehensive examination of the myriad ways in which the vibrant tapestry of Maasai culture is artfully woven into the fabric of tourism activities. From immersive cultural encounters to the vibrant portrayal of traditions, this article scrutinized the techniques through which Maasai culture has become an integral facet of the visitor experience. The manifold benefits that this cultural fusion bestows upon the local community, catalyzing positive economic and social change within the Maasai population. Balancing the imperative of safeguarding Maasai culture's integrity with the necessity of meeting the ever-evolving demands of the tourism market represents an intricate and continuous endeavor in the dynamic landscape of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Новые подходы и практики интеграции искусства и культуры в образовательный процесс высшего учебного заведения

Важным исследовательским вопросом является вопрос о соотношении роли науки и искусства в жизни молодого поколения. Искусство как активный творческий феномен обладает громадными возможностями культурного творчества, способно опережать наличные состояния сознания, оказывать обратное влияние на жизненный, цивилизационный процесс. В связи с этим особую важность сегодня приобретает выявление перспектив интеграции искусства и культуры в учебный процесс, и выработка рекомендаций для обогащения образовательной практики через искусство. В статье представлена практика работы высшего профессионального учреждения Кубанского государственного университета, в котором большое внимание уделяется этнокультурным основам Кубани - истории, традициям, обычаям казаков, обрядам, календарным праздникам на Кубани. Охарактеризованы традиционные формы художественной и творческой деятельности студентов: рисование, лепка, живопись, графика, изучение и анализ произведений искусства, изучение мастер-классов, творческих методов, которые помогают студентам развивать творческие навыки, понимать художественные процессы и культурные контексты. Определено, что наряду с традиционными формами появляются новые подходы и практики интеграции искусства и культуры в образовательный процесс высшего учебного заведения: исследовательские проекты, презентация, эксперимент, интерактивные выставки и инсталляции, которые способствуют расширению круга интересов, развитию мышления, творческого воображения, памяти, художественно-творческих способностей студентов. An important research issue is the correlation of the role of science and art in the life of the young generation. Art as an active creative phenomenon has enormous possibilities of cultural creativity, is able to outpace the current state of consciousness, to have an inverse effect on the life and civilization process. In this regard, the identification of prospects for the integration of art and culture in the educational process and the development of recommendations for enriching educational practice through art are of particular importance today. The article presents the practice of the higher professional institution of Kuban State University, which pays great attention to the ethno-cultural foundations of Kuban - history, traditions, customs of Cossacks, rituals, calendar holidays in Kuban. Traditional forms of artistic and creative activities of students are characterized: drawing, modeling, painting, drawing, studying and analyzing works of art, studying master classes, creative methods that help students develop creative skills, understand artistic processes and cultural contexts. It is determined that along with traditional forms, new approaches and practices of integrating art and culture into the educational process of higher education institution are emerging: research projects, presentation, experiment, interactive exhibitions and installations, which contribute to the expansion of the range of interests, development of thinking, creative imagination, memory, artistic and creative abilities of students.

Electrofluidic control for textile-based cell culture: Identification of appropriate conditions required to integrate cell culture with electrofluidics.

Electric field-driven microfluidics, known as electrofluidics, is a novel attractive analytical tool when it is integrated with low-cost textile substrate. Textile-based electrofluidics, primarily explored on yarn substrates, is in its early stages, with few studies on 3D structures. Further, textile structures have rarely been used in cellular analysis as a low-cost alternative. Herein, we investigated novel 3D textile structures and develop optimal electrophoretic designs and conditions that are favourable for direct 3D cell culture integration, developing an integrated cell culture textile-based electrofluidic platform that was optimised to balance electrokinetic performance and cell viability requirements. Significantly, there were contrasting electrolyte compositional conditions that were required to satisfy cell viability and electrophoretic mobility requiring the development of and electrolyte that satisfied the minimum requirements of both these components within the one platform. Human dermal fibroblast cell cultures were successfully integrated with gelatine methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel-coated electrofluidic platform and studied under different electric fields using 5mM TRIS/HEPES/300mM glucose. Higher analyte mobility was observed on 2.5% GelMA-coated textile which also facilitated excellent cell attachment, viability and proliferation. Cell viability also increased by decreasing the magnitude and time duration of applied electric field with good cell viability at field of up to 20Vcm-1.

The Experiences of International Researchers in Japanese Companies: A Graduate Capital Perspective

Purpose This study investigates the motivations, contributions, and challenges faced by international researchers employed at Japanese companies. It utilizes Tomlinson's Graduate Capital Model to gain insight into their experiences. Design/Approach/Methods This study employs Tomlinson's Graduate Capital Model as an analytical framework to analyze data from semi-structured interviews with 15 international researchers, focusing on their experiences and perspectives. Findings The study indicates that international researchers' motivations to work in Japanese companies include professional advancement, the research environment, academic opportunities, economic factors, and cultural elements. Language proficiency in Japanese and English significantly influences career choice and mobility. The post-COVID era impacts their mobility, with funding availability, institutional support, and policy changes playing critical roles. In addition, this study highlights the need for holistic support, multilingualism, and multicultural integration among Japanese companies to enhance their competitiveness in the global talent market. Originality/Value This study fills a significant gap by offering a deeper understanding of the experiences of international researchers in Japanese companies, and by delivering insight and practical implications for policy considerations and talent management strategies in a rapidly evolving and increasingly globalized labor market.

Dance of the Diaspora: Afro-Brazilian Movements in Salvador

This paper explores the vibrant cultural landscape of Afro-Brazilian dance forms in Salvador, Brazil, emphasizing their role as both a reflection and a reinforcement of community identity. Through a historical lens, we examine how these dances have served as mediums of resistance against cultural assimilation and oppression, while also fostering social cohesion and affirming cultural heritage. We delve into the evolution of these dance forms, from their origins blending African, indigenous, and European influences, to their modern-day manifestations and their impact on global Afro-diasporic communities. The study highlights how contemporary dance groups in Salvador innovate and preserve these traditions, ensuring their relevance and vitality both locally and internationally. Through this analysis, we showcase the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation and the profound role of dance in cultural preservation and social transformation within Afro-Brazilian communities.

Comparison of the nature of cultural integration with university curricula / Estudio comparativo de las características de la integración cultural en el currículum

The study’s primary objective is to analyse cultural integration into the professional courses ‘International Business’ and ‘Business English’. A survey was conducted using a specially designed questionnaire, which included two groups of students of 42 people each from the International Business College, Qingdao Huanghai University, and School of Business Administration, Moscow State University named after Lomonosov. For all items of the questionnaire, a higher assessment by Chinese students of various parameters of cultural integration was found. The importance of cultural integration was equally appreciated by the students of both countries, as well as the importance of knowledge and the development of interest in national culture. Chinese students demonstrated a higher assessment of the material support of the cultural integration process and significantly higher assessments of elements of the culture of other countries integrated into the learning environment and the learning process. The present findings can be used for further research and the introduction of the created programme into the educational process to expand intercultural communication between universities in different countries.