Local Culture Research Articles

Comparative Study of Intercultural Awareness Between Indonesia and Ghana in ELT

The globalization of education and increasingly multicultural nature of the classroom, English teachers must develop intercultural awareness and competence. However, comparative studies that specifically focus on the experiences of foreign English teachers are limited. Thus, the research aims to investigate and compare the similarities and differences of the intercultural awareness and practices of Indonesian and Ghanaian English teachers in the context of English language teaching. As well as the strategies of teaching materials and techniques they employ to promote intercultural understanding among their students. This research used qualitative methods within the framework of a comparative study design and data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The participants were 2 EFL teachers from Ghana and Indonesia. The researcher analyzed it to identify patterns by organizing, coding and summarizing the data into themes. The study's findings indicated the critical importance of integrating intercultural awareness in English teaching, emphasizing the recognition and value of cultural diversity. This motivates teachers to foster an inclusive, tolerant environment using culturally appropriate teaching materials and techniques, ensuring all students feel valued. The Ghanaian teacher in international schools promotes global cultural acceptance or called as intercultural awareness, blending diverse cultures into lessons, while the Indonesian teacher prioritizes local culture or basic cultural awareness in English teaching. However, this research has limitations on the application of integration, teaching materials and techniques in intercultural awareness in English language teaching. So that future research can explore these aspects more broadly and varied.

A Study on Chinese Translation of English-Japanese Movie Titles from the Perspective of Linguistic Conformity Theory

Movie translation plays an important role in the dissemination of a movie, just like the trademark and promotion card of a movie. It not only needs to match the style of the original movie, but also needs to have commercial value. The quality of title translation directly affects the box office and audience attendance. This paper takes the 250 movies with the highest Douban ratings as the research object, and collects relevant data by constructing a database. Through the literature survey, it is found that the current Chinese translation of movie title translation is mostly studied from the perspective of Purpose Theory and Dynamic Equivalence Theory, but a systematic framework has not yet been formed, so it is difficult to solve the problem of actual title translation. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the current problems in movie translation from the perspective of linguistic conformity theory, including copying and reproducing, formatting translation, unclear meaning, and words deviating from the theme. This paper argues that the proposed title translation should truly and accurately reflect the core of the original title and more deeply combine with the local culture, with the intention of providing new perspectives for movie translation to improve the translation quality of Chinese titles.

Management of Cultural Literacy Among Osing Tribe Women and Children for Local Culture Preservation

The preservation of the local culture of the Osing Banyuwangi tribe cannot be separated from the role of women, especially mothers, in transmitting cultural values through cultural literacy which is applied to the next generation. Apart from the role played by mothers, there is also the role of cultural studies which manage cultural literacy. One of them in Banyuwangi Regency is Sapu Jagad Studio located in Kemiren village which manages cultural literacy to maintain the local culture of the Osing tribe. Therefore, this research aims to analyze how to manage Osing ethnic cultural literacy for women and children in preserving local culture. The approach applied in conducting this research is a case study with qualitative methods. Data sources were obtained by applying data collection techniques in the form of interviews, observation, and documentation to studio managers, groups of women, and children involved in the Sapu Jagad studio. The analysis technique used is the Miles & Huberman model which is carried out through 3 stages, namely collection, reduction, presentation, and concluding the data that has been obtained. The results obtained from this research are the management process of the Sapu Jagad studio through the management stages of institutional management, the learning process, and the impact obtained from managing cultural literacy for women to preserving the local culture of the Osing tribe in Banyuwangi.

Ervas medicinais: Promovendo sustentabilidade e renda na agricultura familiar

The research aimed to analyze the costs and feasibility of the cultivation of medicinal herbs Melissa (Melissa officinalis) from Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis) in a rural property in the municipality of Prudentópolis, Paraná. It is based on the premise that crop diversification is essential for the economic self-sufficiency of small properties characterized as family farming. In addition to the economic aspects, the choice of plants for analysis is intrinsically linked to the symbolic and cultural value that medicinal herbs carry, being widely recognized for their therapeutic and healing properties. The cultivation of medicinal plants, therefore, not only contributes to physical health, but also acts as a practice that values the connection with nature and ancestral knowledge, promoting a balance between the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of farmers and the local community. Methodologically, the research is applied, descriptive, documentary, bibliographic and based on case studies. The locus of the research was defined by convenience and accessibility. After data collection and analysis, it was found that both crops are profitable, with a financial return of approximately 30.5% per year. In addition to their economic viability, these plants offer a holistic approach to well-being, contributing to the mental and emotional balance of farmers, who, through cultivation, also rescue traditional practices and strengthen the bond with the land and local culture. The cultivation of medicinal herbs, such as Melissa and Passion Fruit, thus stands out not only as an excellent option for generating income and work, but also as a path to sustainability and the rescue of harmony between human beings and nature, presenting plant alternatives with simple management, good acceptance in the market, ease of sale and attractive prices

The Impact of Religious Belief Culture on Legislation: In Regions of EU and Fujian

The interplay between cultural beliefs and legislation is a critical area of study, particularly in regions where religion significantly influences societal norms and values. This paper explores the influence of religious beliefs on legislation by examining key theoretical perspectives and empirical case studies. It begins with an analysis of the ideas of prominent philosophers--Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, Karl Marx, and Max Weber--who provide distinct viewpoints on the role of religion in shaping law. This paper then delves into two different empirical studies: the influence of Christian animal welfare on European Union (EU) legislation and the Mazu Mediation Room in Fujian, China. Understanding how deeply the cultural religious principles shape legal frameworks provides foundations considering human rights and social justice, and how religious culture cooperates with the enforcement of law. By studying and comparing these contexts, this paper focuses on analyzing these religious influences on legislation, investigating their impacts, and suggesting the future development of laws in religious regions. Ultimately, the paper wants to contribute to a broader sense of the relationship between religion and legislation, discovering the need for a legislative approach that respects local religious culture while upholding universal human rights and social justice.

Exploring the potential development of digital modules for arts and culture learning based on local culture: A mixed-method study on Bedhaya Ketawang dance

Exploring the potential development of digital modules for arts and culture learning based on local culture: A mixed-method study on Bedhaya Ketawang dance

Pola Penerapan STEAM dalam Produksi Playmat Interaktif untuk Pendidikan Muatan Lokal di Sekolah Pinggiran Kabupaten Pacitan

The implementation pattern of this community service aims to understand how to implement the STEAM method (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) in the production of interactive playmats intended to enhance local content education in schools on the outskirts of Pacitan Regency. Through a participatory approach, this activity involves teachers and students in the design and production process of playmats, which are designed to facilitate interactive and enjoyable learning. The results of the implementation show that the application of the STEAM method not only enhances students' creativity and technical skills but also strengthens their understanding of local culture. The evaluation of playmat usage indicates a significant increase in students' interest and engagement in learning. Therefore, this activity recommends that integrating the STEAM method into local educational products can be an effective model for developing education in remote areas.

Navigating success: Exploring how entrepreneurial traits and institutional factors mediate enterprise characteristics and financial performance

ABSTRACT This study examined the dynamics between enterprise characteristics (EC) and the financial performance (FP) of 623 micro-enterprises in five highly urbanized cities across Mindanao, Philippines. Using partial least squares structural equation modeling, it also examines the mediating effects of entrepreneurial traits and perceived institutional factors after controlling for business age. The results revealed that EC significantly and positively influences FP. This suggests that micro-enterprises benefit from their enabling characteristics, such as business model, employees, and organizational culture. Entrepreneurial traits, including business acumen, grit, and environmental and social orientation, partially mediate the EC–FP relationship. Perceived institutional factors, including culture, norms, and enabling trading climate, played significant roles as partial mediators between EC and FP. Policy makers can use these insights to design programs that foster supportive institutional environments. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs should optimize key traits, leverage their enterprise-specific strengths, and adapt their business models to local culture and norms to enhance financial performance.

Themes and Language Style in Advertising Slogans of Vietnamese Banks and American Banks

Advertising slogans are important in branding companies and attracting customers. Businesses emphasize global thinking but tailor actions to local preferences, initiating advertisers to consider local culture when crafting advertising slogans. However, studies on advertising slogans are not abundant. This study used a qualitative approach to analyze and compare 50 Vietnamese and 69 American banks' advertising slogans in three aspects: themes, vocabulary, and syntax. Unlike previous multimodal studies on advertisements, this research highlighted the impact of culture on advertising, namely the influence of collectivism/individualism and high/low-context culture on advertising themes, vocabulary, and syntaxes. The study identified one similarity and three differences in the themes and pinpointed distinct words and syntax in these two groups of advertising slogans. Hopefully, the research will provide a deeper understanding of cultural influence on advertising so that advertising professionals can avoid potential cultural crashes in multi–national working environments.

PERSPEKTIF PANDANGAN IMAN KRISTIANI TERHADAP FILSAFAT OKULTISME: HERMITISISME DAN KABBALAH

Kabbalah and Hermitism are often unwittingly adopted into the practice of Christian theology due to the clergy's ignorance of this occult philosophical knowledge. The practice of occult philosophy sometimes unconsciously enters into the social practice of Christian society, especially those that are thick with local culture. The concept of cultural inculturation is a legitimization that is often used as an excuse to announce the practice. The purpose of this writing is to provide theological thinking insights into the philosophical practices of the Kabbalah occult and Hermitism so that the church returns to the true teachings and is based on the principles of the Christian faith. This research method uses a qualitative method based on literature research, observation of social conditions, community culture, and history. The results of the study show that the practices of Philosophy, Kabbalah Occultism and Hermitism inadvertently inculturate the socio-pastoral conditions of the Christian faith, which also has an impact on legalized religious ritual actions.

Development of a Pancasila Education Teaching Module with Integration of Mattabe' Culture for Strengthening Student Character Values

This study aims to develop and analyze a Pancasila education teaching module that incorporates the local Bugis-Makassar culture for elementary schools. It using the ADDIE development model, the research findings indicate that the Pancasila education teaching module meets the established criteria. The content effectively reflects Pancasila values integrated with Mattabe' culture, aligns with the Merdeka curriculum, and expert feedback confirms that the module is relevant and ready for use in teaching. The study concludes that the Pancasila education module presents accurate and authentic content, uses simple language, and employs interactive, engaging, and contextual teaching methods. Expert validation confirms that the module is ready for implementation in educational settings.Pancasila Education Teaching Module

Fostering fisheries futures: the promise of localized stewardship education in Nunatsiavut

Nunatsiavut is a self-governing Inuit territory in northern coastal Labrador, where cultural knowledge and social values are incorporated into co-managed subsistence and commercial fisheries. Snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio), known as Putjotik in Inuttitut (the Nunatsiavut dialect of Inuktitut), is a co-managed fishery through the Torngat Joint Fisheries Board (TJFB) and plays a crucial role in sustaining the community of Makkovik. Arctic Char (IKaluk) is also harvested in co-managed subsistence and commercial fisheries, and is a staple in local economies and culture. In 2022, the TJFB partnered with Inuit educators to foster youth stewardship in a project called Paigitsiaguk. The Paigitsiaguk project bridges Inuit and scientific knowledge to nurture cultural values and environmental stewardship through providing place and land-based resources to educators. The project team created a comprehensive database of curriculum outcomes required by the Newfoundland and Labrador school system, and then designed culturally relevant learning activities that presented Inuit knowledge with science and social studies for students in Nunatsiavut. These resources include learning activities that are organized into education kits: one of which is centered on Putjotik and another on IKaluk. The Putjotik kit has 23 activities tailored to meet grade-specific learning outcomes, while the IKaluk kit provides 12 place-based learning activities appropriate for multiple grade levels. By providing localized and culturally relevant education resources to teachers that revolve around stewarding local fish species and their ecosystems, youth are connecting to their communities and to the coastal environment. Educational resources and learning activities reflect Inuit and scientific knowledge systems, and position teachers as facilitators to encourage students to learn from the land and Elders, knowledge holders, fishers, scientists, and managers. This paper reflects the promising futures that this work can contribute to; from facilitating intergenerational knowledge transmission from knowledge holders to youth, to encouraging self-determined stewardship activities that encourage care for the ocean and its fisheries.

Development of Website-Based Traditional Games as an Introduction to Local Culture for Early Age Children

Development of Website-Based Traditional Games as an Introduction to Local Culture for Early Age Children

The current situation of health equity in underserved areas of Afghanistan.

In Afghanistan, providing universal health coverage (UHC) in accordance with the principles of the UHC declaration is challenging on two fronts: the geographic topography of the country and the prevailing gender dynamics within the local culture. We conducted a desk review of underserved areas in the context of health services by gathering and analyzing existing literature, reports, and data using a combination of keywords and phrases such as: "underserved areas," "healthcare disparities," "access to healthcare," and "health services." The primary data were derived from an analysis of underserved populations conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) Afghanistan's Emergency Program, supplemented by information from in-country partners. In addition to other reports, this review focused on analyzing the geographical availability of primary healthcare (PHC) services by employing the guidelines set forth in the SPHERE framework. It also took into account the social dynamics within the Afghan population that may create barriers to equity in terms of demand and access to PHC services. Although there are a significant number of primary healthcare facilities in operation (4,242), they are unevenly distributed across different regions of Afghanistan, resulting in almost 25% of the population being underserved. The underserved population is nearly equally distributed between genders, with the majority residing in rural communities. Women of childbearing age represent 28% of the underserved population. Children under the age of five represent 16-18% of the underserved population in all regions, except in the western region, where they represent between 12 and 13%. Individuals over 60 years of age represent 1-3% of the underserved population across all regions. More than 50% of the population in the Central Highlands of Afghanistan is underserved, followed by the western and southern regions. Ghor province in the western region has the highest proportion of underserved populations, followed by Zabul province in the southern region. Afghanistan is currently experiencing a protracted humanitarian crisis, with millions of people living in poverty and lacking access to healthcare. This situation exposes them to serious risks such as disease epidemics, starvation, and maternal and child mortality. It is crucial to implement alternative strategies to reach the most affected populations and to increase funding for the delivery of healthcare services in Afghanistan.

Bridging Cultures: Integrating Game-based Learning based on Local Wisdom in ELT

The implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in Indonesia aims to cultivate students who embody the values of Pancasila. However, achieving the profile of Pancasila learners has been challenging due to less meaningful learning experiences that do not cater to diverse student needs. This study explores the potential of Game-Based Learning (GBL) integrated with local wisdom to address these challenges in Batang Regency's high schools and vocational schools. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, data were collected from 25 teachers through questionnaires, interviews, and observations. The findings reveal that GBL activities, such as traditional game adaptations, folktale integration, cultural role-playing, and local-themed vocabulary and grammar games, significantly enhance student engagement, motivation, and cultural awareness. These activities not only make learning more enjoyable and relevant but also foster the values of Pancasila, promote local culture, and support Batang tourism. The study reveals the importance of providing adequate resources and training for teachers to overcome implementation challenges and suggests future research to explore the long-term impacts and scalability of GBL. By integrating local wisdom into GBL, educators can create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that aligns with the Merdeka Curriculum's goals and enriches the educational experience in Indonesia.

Identification and Evaluation of Representative Places in Cities Using Multisource Data: Focusing on Human Perception

Discovering the Representative places (RPs) of a city will benefit the understanding of local culture and help to improve life experiences. Previous studies have been limited in regard to the large-scale spatial identification of RPs due to the vagueness of boundaries and the lack of appropriate data sources and efficient tools. Furthermore, human perception of these places remains unclear. To address this gap, this research adopts a novel approach to identify and evaluate the RPs of a city from the perspective of human perception. Our methodology involves the utilization of deep learning systems, text semantic analysis, and other techniques to integrate multi-source data, including points of interest (POIs), street view images, and social media data. Taking Nanjing, China, as a case, we identified 192 RPs and their perceptual ranges (PRRPs). The results show the following: (1) Comparing RPs to non-RPs, RPs show higher average scores across four perceptual dimensions (positive indicators): Beautiful (7.11% higher), Lively (34.23% higher), Safety (28.42% higher), and Wealthy (28.26% higher). Conversely, RPs exhibit lower average scores in two perceptual dimensions (negative indicators): Boring (79.04% lower) and Depressing (20.35% lower). (2) Across various perceptual dimensions, RPs have utilized 15.13% of the land area to effectively cover approximately 50% of human perceptual hotspots and cold spots. (3) The RPs exhibit significant variations across different types, levels, and human preferences. These results demonstrate the positive perceived effects that RPs have, providing valuable insights to support urban management, the transformation of the built environment, and the promotion of sustainable urban development, and provide guidance for urban planners and designers to make improvements in urban design and planning to make these sites more attractive.

The Effectiveness of Problem Based Learning Model on Critical Thinking Skills on the Topic of Appreciating the Environment and Local Culture

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model on critical thinking skills on Appreciating the Environment and Local Culture at SMP Negeri 8 Purwokerto. The method used in this study is quasi-experimental with a quantitative approach. The population in this study consists of Grade VII students at SMP Negeri 8 Purwokerto. The sample size is 70 students, selected through purposive sampling, with class VII D as the experimental group (n=35) and class VII A as the control group (n=35). Data collection techniques include unstructured interviews, observation, documentation, and questionnaires. The research findings indicate a significant effect of the Problem-Based Learning model on students' critical thinking skills, with a significance value of 0.769. This means that the independent variable (X), the Problem-Based Learning model, has a significant effect of 76.9% on the dependent variable (Y), which is critical thinking skills. The results demonstrate that implementing the Problem-Based Learning model significantly enhances critical thinking skills among Grade VII students at SMP Negeri 8 Purwokerto.

The dynamic rural stayer – Analysing the dynamics of the staying process in rural areas

The staying process has been somewhat neglected in population geography. The purpose of the research is to shed light on the staying behaviour in rural places, the factors that influence the staying decision, as well as understanding how the impact of these underlying mechanisms on the development of rural areas. The article studies stayers in ages above thirty in four local communities in Ostrobothnia, Finland. The analysis is partly based on existing literature on the decision to stay, which highlights place attachment and structural constraints as decisive factors. This article contributes by emphasizing that local dynamics should also be considered a significant factor in the decision to stay, alongside these existing factors. Dynamics may be studied using the concepts of social innovation and collective capability, which reveal the local social culture and opportunities for social interaction as decisive both for the development of the local community as well as the decision to stay. While acknowledging the importance of spatial location and place character, the article concludes that dynamic rural stayers are shaped by both local history and social culture, as well as by their own activities.

LETTERATURA ITALIANA E COSTRUZIONE DELL’IDENTITÀ NAZIONALE NELL’OTTOCENTO

In this article we are commenting the weak points of the Italian literary canon built during the 19th century, which was, at that time, linked to the legitimating of national identity and independence. The idea that an Italian literary canon existed, even in the absence of a national state, had been discussed by Foscolo, Nievo, and Leopardi, and became a central point in Francesco de Sanctis’ History of Italian Literature. De Sanctis describes the evolution of Italian literature seen as a coherent pattern, starting with the Middle Ages and Dante Aligheri who is presented as a national poet. But this type of conception reduces the complexity and variety of regional and local cultures, like for example the poems in roman dialect by Giuseppe Gioachino Belli, and completely ignores women writers, such as, for example, Cristina Trivulzio.

Integration of Local Cultural Knowledge in the Community Products Design and Development

integration of local cultural knowledge in community products through the framework of cultural capital and wisdom across eight categories. A qualitative method involved in-depth interviews with 30 individuals, including 15 entrepreneurs and 15 cultural experts selected from five target communities. The findings reveal the context of local cultural knowledge available in the communities, and the integration of local cultural knowledge being integrated into the community product development processes. It is also found that despite the presence of diverse local cultures, these cultural resources are underutilized in product design and development due to a lack of knowledge and awareness regarding the significance of product identity.