Local Culture Research Articles

Malay Stilt House Literacy for Strengthening Environmental Education

This study examines the local wisdom values embedded in the architecture of Malay stilt houses as a literacy medium for environmental education. Malay stilt houses reflect cultural identity and embody sustainability principles relevant to current environmental challenges. The research employed a qualitative descriptive method, utilising in-depth interviews, field observations, and documentation. The study was conducted in AUR Village, Medan Maimun District, Medan City, with informants of traditional leaders, local educators, and residents of stilt houses who directly know these structures' cultural and environmental significance. The findings indicate that Malay stilt houses promote values such as adaptation to natural conditions, energy efficiency, vegetation preservation, and environmentally friendly building materials. These houses hold strong potential as a medium for environmental literacy, as they integrate cultural heritage, ecological awareness, and sustainable living practices. By incorporating the study of Malay stilt houses into educational activities, the younger generation can develop a sense of pride in local culture and a deeper understanding of and responsibility for environmental conservation.

Etnomatematika pada Penggunaan Sistem Penanggalan Jawa Masyarakat di Zaman Kerajaan Majapahit dalam Aktivitas Bercocok Tanam

Ethnomathematics is one of various learning approaches within the field of mathematics. It can serve as a bridge connecting mathematics with local culture. This research aims to discover mathematical concepts found in the Javanese calendar system used by the people during the Majapahit era for agricultural activities. This study employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive research method. Data collection was carried out through observation, interviews, and documentation techniques, supplemented by existing literature reviews. The data analysis techniques used were domain analysis, taxonomic analysis, componential analysis, and cultural theme analysis. The research results indicate that use of the Javanese calendar system by Majapahit Kingdom society in their agricultural activities contains mathematical concepts within the scope of the least common multiple.

Penerapan Etnomatematika Melalui Permainan Engklek Sebagai Media Pembelajaran Bangun Datar

This study discusses the application of ethnomathematics through the traditional game of engklek as a medium for learning flat shapes in elementary schools. The method used is a qualitative approach with data collection techniques in the form of observation, structured interviews, and tests. The data analysis techniques used include data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions to determine the effectiveness of learning. The research subjects were fourth-grade students at Al-Irsyad Al-Islamiyyah Elementary School. The results showed that students were more enthusiastic and active when learning using the engklek game. After the learning process, 90% of students experienced an increase in their understanding of flat shapes. The engklek game helped students understand geometric shapes in a concrete and enjoyable way, as well as fostering an interest in learning mathematics. Additionally, this approach preserves local culture and improves social skills. Learning becomes more contextual and meaningful. Traditional games have proven to be effective as an alternative learning medium for mathematics, especially in abstract subjects such as geometry.

MELESTARIKAN KEARIFAN ETNOBOTANI MELALUI KENDURI SKO DUA LUHAH PENDUNG: PENDIDIKAN DAN PEMETAAN TUMBUHAN

Kenduri Sko is one of the sacred traditional traditions of the people of Dua Luhah Pendung, Kerinci Regency, which is rich in cultural values and local knowledge, especially in the use of traditional plants. The ethnobotanical knowledge inherent in this ritual reflects local wisdom that has been passed down from generation to generation, but now faces challenges due to modernization and diminished interest of the younger generation. This community service activity aims to preserve ethnobotanical knowledge through participatory education and mapping of traditional plants used in Kenduri Sko. The methods used include interviews with indigenous and community leaders, documentation of plant types, and educational training for local youth and students. The results of the activity showed an increase in public awareness of the importance of local plant conservation as well as the formation of digital maps and simple catalogs of plants that play a role in traditional ceremonies. This program is expected to be the first step in maintaining the sustainability of local culture and biological resources as part of the ecological and social identity of the Kerinci people.

Enhanced Biofuel Production from Mixed Marine Microalgae Using UV and UV/H2O2 Pretreatment: Optimization of Carbohydrate Release and Fermentation Efficiency

The robust structure of algal cell walls presents a major barrier in the recovery of fermentable sugars and intracellular lipids for biofuel production. This study investigates the effectiveness of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and UV-assisted hydrogen peroxide (UV/H2O2) pretreatment on a local mixed marine algal culture to enhance biofuel production through cell wall disruption. Local mixed cultures of marine microalgae (LMCMA) were pretreated with UV for various exposure times (5–30 min) and with UV/H2O2 using H2O2 concentrations ranging from 0.88 to 3.53 mM. The impact of pretreatment was evaluated based on morphological changes (SEM and TEM), elemental composition (C, H, N), sugar release, and downstream fermentation yields of ethanol, methanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, and 1-pentanol using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. UV pretreatment at 20–30 min yielded the highest carbohydrate release (up to 0.025 g/gDCW), while UV/H2O2 at 1.76 mM achieved maximum sugar liberation (0.0411 g/gDCW). Fermentation performance was enhanced under optimized conditions, with peak ethanol yields of 0.3668 g ethanol/g carbohydrates (UV, 30 min, 48 h) and 0.251 g ethanol/g (UV/H2O2, 0.88 mM, 24 h). This study also demonstrated selective production of higher alcohols under varying fermentation temperatures (30–37 °C). These findings highlight the potential of combining oxidative pretreatment and process optimization to enhance biofuel recovery from environmentally relevant algal biomass.

Exposure to Corruption and Stock Returns for US Multinational Firms: Evidence From Africa

ABSTRACTThis study is motivated by the prevalence of corruption and the inevitability of some firms operating in corrupt regions. It aims to explore whether and how firms can gain financially from operating in such environments. By analyzing a sample of 3865 US firms, we find that those with higher corruption exposure are more likely to operate in Africa. Further, compared with firms not operating in Africa, those with greater exposure to corruption and operations in Africa experience higher returns. This finding is consistent across univariate analysis, portfolio analysis, and regression analysis. Further investigations reveal that other cultural traits such as trust and egalitarianism also influence stock values. While some corporate governance may mitigate the corruption impact, other channels suggested in the literature do not seem to have impact. However, even after considering these factors, the positive valuation effect of corruption exposure remains significant. These results imply that, in certain contexts, firm exposure to corruption may benefit shareholders. Therefore, instead of simply adhering to a higher standard of conduct imposed in the home country, a firm's familiarity with and adaptation to the local culture where it operates seems to be also crucial to its foreign operations.

Pengembangan Soal HOTS Matematika yang Mengintegrasikan Odi dan Umma Kalada di Kabupaten Sumba Barat Daya

Mathematics learning in schools can be conducted with a cultural approach to help students develop reasoning and problem-solving skills. This research is motivated by the low ability of students in Southwest Sumba in solving HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) questions and other mathematics problems. Therefore, there is a need to develop contextual HOTS mathematics questions that are suitable for the local culture and customs. The objective of this research is to develop HOTS mathematics questions that integrate elements of Odi and Umma Kalada culture to be used in learning. The method used is development research with the stages: analysis, planning, development, implementation, and evaluation. In the analysis stage, data was obtained regarding the Odi and Umma Kalada cultures in Wanno Maredda Village, Laga Lete District, Southwest Sumba Regency. The planning stage was carried out to identify mathematical elements contained in both cultures, which were then designed into materials for HOTS questions. The development stage produced HOTS questions that are integrated with the local cultural context. Furthermore, in the implementation stage, a trial was conducted on the developed questions. The research results indicate that the culturally-based Odi and Umma Kalada mathematics HOTS questions were successfully developed and can be used as contextual and meaningful learning media for students.

Socio Cultural Hybridity of Tengger Tribal Buddhists

This study aimed to examine the sociocultural hybridity of Tengger Buddhists in Ngadas Village, Poncokusumo District, Malang Regency, focusing on the influence of the interaction between Buddhism and local culture on the social and religious life of the community. Through a descriptive qualitative approach with an ethnographic type, data were collected through interviews, observations, and field documentation. The data of this research is the sociocultural hybridity of Tengger Buddhists in Ngadas Village, Poncokusumo District, Malang Regency, then analyzed using the interactive analysis technique of the Miles and Huberman model, namely through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing and verification. The results show that Tengger Buddhists adopt various elements of Buddhism, such as the use of Buddha statues and Sanhyang Ismoyo, the Book of Adam Makno, and religious rituals, but still maintain strong traditional traditions, such as Kasada, Karo, unan-unan, entas-entas, pujan mubeng, and others. This hybridity also affects religious harmony in the community, with high tolerance between religious communities and adherence to customs that are carried out together. This research contributes to the understanding of the interaction of religion and local culture and enriches the literature on sociocultural hybridity in religious contexts. The findings are expected to be taken into consideration in managing cultural and religious diversity in a multicultural society.

Revitalisasi Kampung Adat di Beo Ruteng Pu’u Manggarai Nusa Tenggara Timur

Revitalization of traditional villages is one of the efforts to preserve local culture, which is now being actively promoted in various regions, including in Beo Ruteng Pu’u, Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara. This study aims to describe the form of revitalization taking place in the traditional village of Beo Ruteng Pu’u. The theoretical framework used in this research is Anthony F.C. Wallace’s Revitalization Movement Theory, which helps to understand both the forms of revitalization. A qualitative research method was employed, with data collected through observation, in-depth interviews with traditional elders, members of the Beo Ruteng Traditional Institution, and local residents, as well as document analysis. The findings reveal that the revitalization program includes physical improvements to the traditional village, such as repairing damaged structures and constructing access roads as part of a cultural romanticism movement. Non-physical developments also accompany the physical revitalization, including the strengthening of customary values and increasing cultural knowledge among the younger generation. Overall, the revitalization in Ruteng Pu’u serves as an example of successful development based on local culture. The synergy between formal structures and traditional wisdom has made the development process more meaningful and sustainable.

The Vocal Music Guidebook of Hangzhou Local Drama in Zhejiang for Teaching Students at Hangzhou Normal University, The People’s Republic of China

Background and Aim: The research aimed to develop a vocal music guidebook for Hangzhou's local drama, Hang Drama. It focused on exploring the foundational knowledge of Hang drama, constructing a comprehensive guidebook for teaching, implementing this guidebook in experimental teaching settings, and evaluating the effectiveness of instruction based on its use. The overall purpose was to enable students to learn and perform Hang drama effectively. Results: The research focused on enhancing the understanding and performance of Hang drama among students. It began by exploring existing academic materials to organize foundational principles and theoretical knowledge, enabling students to gain a deeper understanding of Hang Drama. A guidebook was then constructed, tailored to the needs of first-year music students at Hangzhou Normal University, incorporating expert suggestions and combining theory with practical singing exercises. This guidebook was designed to gradually introduce students to the complexities of Hang drama, starting from basic concepts and progressing to more advanced singing techniques. During the 16 hours of instructional sessions, students engaged in both theoretical learning and vocal practice. Evaluation results indicated that all students achieved satisfactory outcomes, meeting the course objectives and receiving positive feedback. Conclusion: The guidebook aims to teach students to sing Hang drama, enrich the content of music courses, and learn local culture. Better promote the inheritance and development of the intangible culture of the local Hang drama.

Complicating Cultural Diversity in Head Start: White Educators Negotiating Multicultural Policy in Rural Appalachia

ABSTRACTThis collaborative ethnographic study examines how white Head Start educators in a predominantly white, rural Appalachian community navigate multicultural teaching policies. Using critical discourse analysis of video‐cued interviews, field notes, and policy documents, we find educators adapt multicultural narratives to align with local values, inadvertently obscuring intended multicultural goals. We highlight the complexity of local culture, contributing to discussions of justice‐oriented pedagogy within contexts of economic exploitation.

Pelaksanaanmalam Nisfu Sya’ban Oleh Masyarakat Di Desa Talang Pagar Agung.Kec. Pajar Bulan Kab.Lahat.

The night of nisfu sya'ban is an important event in the islamic calendar that is commemorated by the community as a time to ask for forgiveness and reflect on life. This study aims to understand the perceptions and practices of the people of Desa Talang Pagar Agung, Kec. Fajar Bulan, Kab. Lahat related to the night. The method used is a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews with community leaders and residents of DesaTalang Pagar Agung. The results of the study show that the community has various perceptions about the night of Nisfu Sya'ban, which range from spiritual beliefs to cultural traditions from generation to generation that have the benefits of getting forgiveness of sins, increasing worship, recording destiny, getting closer to Allah and can strengthen social relationships. The practices carried out include religious studies, tahlilan, joint prayers, and religious lectures that reflect their attachment to local religious and cultural values in everyday life. This study is expected to provide deeper insight into how Islamic traditions are integrated with local culture in Desa Talang Pagar Agung by practicing the night of Nisfu Sya'ban.

Innovative Business Models in Cultural Tourism: The Case of Cumalıkızık

Cultural tourism has acquired greater importance not only as a fundamental tool for the promotion and preservation of local cultures but also as a sector that favours economic development. Currently, cultural tourism, in its new forms with innovative business models, aims at the protection of cultural heritage in a sustainable way while bringing more economic benefits to the local communities. In this sense, such culturally rich settlements like the village of Cumalıkızık in Bursa are very good examples for the implementation of such innovative business models. This village earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the preservation of samples of civil architectural works from the Ottoman era. These features allow this village to become an object for cultural tourism and open certain perspectives for the development of new business models. In addition, the innovative cultural tourism business models contrast with their approach: enriching experiences for visitors and supporting economic and sustainable tourism for local communities. This study analyses visitor experiences in Bursa's historic village of Cumalıkızık in detail. The analysis was conducted by examining visitor reviews shared on the Tripadvisor platform for the village and on Google for its restaurants. Based on the data obtained, innovative models were developed, and strategies and recommendations were proposed for advancing the cultural tourism of the village and differentiating its restaurants.

Tari Nulang Mas dalam Kehidupan Sosial Budaya Masyarakat Dusun Sirih Sekapur Kecamatan Jujuhan Provinsi Jambi

This study is motivated by the importance of preserving traditional arts as an integral part of the sociocultural life of local communities. The purpose of this research is to analyze the Tari Nulang Mas within the context of the social and cultural life of the Dusun Sirih Sekapur community, Jujuhan District, Jambi Province. A descriptive-analytical method was employed, with data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The data were qualitatively analyzed using Koentjaraningrat’s cultural anthropology theory and Y. Sumandiyo Hadi’s functional theory. The findings reveal that Tari Nulang Mas serves not only as a form of entertainment but also as a medium for conveying cultural values, strengthening collective identity, and symbolically representing the Dusun Sirih Sekapur community. The dance also fulfills a social function in the preservation of local culture, as evidenced by its role in traditional cultural conservation events. The study concludes that Tari Nulang Mas plays a vital role in maintaining the continuity of local culture, reflects the close relationship between art, custom, and social life, and demonstrates that traditional dance is a crucial element within the cultural system of the community.

The Effect of Cultural Nativisation on Dioula Speakers Learning Vocabulary in English as a Foreign Language

This classroom action research is a case-study. It attempts to find out the role of local culture in the learning of English as a foreign language. More specifically, the study struggles demonstrate the contribution of learners’ own culture in the understanding of vocabulary in EFL literary texts. A questionnaire, a language test and a classroom observation protocol served for the data collection instruments. A demonstration lesson was used as a pedagogical material. The participants are Dioula speakers learning English as foreign language. These learners are students of Arts option at the ‘Lycée Départemental de Toussiana’, in Burkina Faso. Toussiana is Dioula speaking locality. The sample is chosen purposively using non-probability technique. A preliminary work on the students’ socio-linguistic background was conducted in order to obtain a sample of 38 participants out of 120 following an alphabetical list. They are composed of native Dioula speakers and non-native Dioula speakers who are, then, divided into two groups: nativized group (19) and a non-nativized group (19). The data are analysed qualitatively and quantitatively and the Statistical Package in Social Services (SPSS), version 26.0 (2024) is deployed to process the quantitative data. The results indicated that the nativized group outperformed the non-nativized group. These findings imply that if students learn vocabulary in English as foreign language relying on their own culture, they can easily grasp word meanings in that language.

The Role of Tawḥīd Values in Shaping Islamic Character among Malay Communities of the Archipelago

Before the arrival of Islam, the Malay community was known to adhere to animism and dynamism and was influenced by Hindu and Buddhist teachings. Religious transformation began when Islam entered through trade routes, with Arab traders as the bearers of the teachings of monotheism. The values of the monotheistic creed that were gradually instilled not only changed the belief system of the Malay community but also shaped the identity and character of Islam. This study aims to examine the role of the values of the monotheistic creed in shaping the character of Islam within the Malay community, which is integrated with local culture. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach, utilizing a library research method that involves examining academic literature, historical documents, and local cultural sources. The results of the study indicate that the monotheistic creed makes a significant contribution to shaping the character of a faithful, sincere, responsible, disciplined person who upholds the values of divinity. The monotheistic creed also strengthens the identity of Malay Islam and serves as a moral foundation in community life. The implications of this study suggest that understanding and strengthening the values of monotheism rooted in local culture can be utilized as an effective, wisdom-based character education strategy in responding to moral challenges in the modern era.

Engaged Scholarship through Community Social Labs

The indigenisation of social work education in Africa is a response to the limitations of Western-centric approaches to addressing complex local social issues. This paper explores the role of engaged scholarship and community social labs in indigenising social work education in Uganda. The study analyses data from four focus group discussions, and student WhatsApp conversations, to examine how these approaches facilitate meaningful community engagement and the integration of local knowledge into the social work curriculum. The results show that community social labs can help with cultural sensitivity and problem-solving that is relevant to the situation. They also demonstrate that institutional constraints and power dynamics may hinder this transition. Despite these issues, the study suggests that engaged scholarship through community social labs has significant potential to make social work education and practice in Uganda more culturally sensitive and responsive to local realities. Even with these challenges, the study suggests that engaging scholars in community social labs has a lot of potential to make social work education and practice in Uganda more sensitive to local cultures and needs.

Innovating Human Capital Development: The Role of Education, Law, and Economics Through Digital Transformation

In an era increasingly shaped by digital transformation and artificial intelligence, the formation of human capital in education and legal systems faces both novel opportunities and complex challenges. This study investigates how digital technologies particularly AI-driven platforms and e-learning ecosystems are reshaping legal education and professional preparedness in post-Soviet contexts. Utilizing a comparative-analytical methodology, the research examines policy documents, curriculum structures, and digital tool integration in legal and educational institutions across Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Findings reveal that while digital platforms enhance accessibility and efficiency in legal education, they also expose significant gaps in ethical training, digital competencies, and cultural alignment. Specifically, AI adoption has outpaced legal educators' capacity to embed critical digital literacy and ethical awareness into training programs. To address these shortcomings, the study proposes an original framework for Digitally Mediated Legal Human Capital Development, which integrates socio-cultural, technological, and ethical dimensions. The research underscores the urgent need for educational policymakers and academic leaders to reconceptualize human capital development through the lens of digital equity, localized legal culture, and algorithmic accountability. These findings carry implications not only for Central Asia but for broader global efforts to harmonize digital transformation with ethical and culturally grounded educational reform.

The Role of Non-Indigenous Papuan Teachers in Understanding Literacy in Cultural Diversity for Identity, Power and Social Justice of Indigenous Papuan Students in Senior High School

Papua, with its cultural and linguistic diversity, faces unique challenges in the field of education, particularly at the senior high school level. This study aims to analyze the role of non-Papuan teachers or migrant teachers in understanding literacy, cultural diversity, and its impact on the identity, power dynamics, and social justice of local Papuan students. The findings indicate that the obstacles faced by teachers include a lack of understanding of local culture, language differences, and minimal institutional support. As a result, many local Papuan students feel alienated, less motivated, and marginalized in the learning process. Migrant teachers have the potential to play a crucial role in creating an inclusive educational environment by employing culturally responsive pedagogical approaches. Collaborating with local communities and developing curricula that reflect local values can enhance the sense of belonging and engagement among local students. With strengthened ongoing professional training, teachers can be more effective in addressing cultural diversity and promoting social justice in the classroom. This research recommends the development of culturally-based curricula, intensive teacher training, and the use of technology as tools to bridge cultural gaps. These steps are expected to create a more inclusive education system, empower local Papuan students, and improve the quality of education in the region.

Algorithmic Cultural Mediation: TikTok as a Venue for Youth Identity Negotiation and Local Heritage Preservation in Southeast Asia

This study explores the role of TikTok as a medium for cultural expression and self-identity among teenagers in Southeast Asia, as well as its contribution to the preservation of local culture amid globalization. Using a qualitative approach, this research analyzes how TikTok enables young people to express their local culture, engage within global communities, and develop both personal and collective identities. Data were collected through literature review and content analysis of TikTok videos produced by users from various Southeast Asian countries. The main findings indicate that TikTok functions as a platform that democratizes cultural expression, allowing users to widely showcase traditional practices and socio-political issues. The platform also plays a role in social activism, with young users leveraging TikTok to raise awareness on issues like human rights and climate change. However, challenges arise related to cultural homogenization due to the dominance of global trends. This study concludes that TikTok can strengthen local cultural preservation while simultaneously providing space for global cultural exchange. Implications of this research highlight the importance of balancing participation in global culture with the preservation of local values, which can be optimized through cross-cultural collaboration. Further research is needed to explore the long-term impact of TikTok on the cultural and social identities of Southeast Asian youth.