This study explores how International Humanitarian Law (IHL), International Human Rights Law (IHRL), and Islamic Law intertwine to shape peacebuilding in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Drawing on deep-dive interviews with eight influential leaders from state security forces, non-state armed groups, and regional governance bodies, the research uncovers a complex legal landscape where global standards meet deeply rooted faith. The findings reveal that while international frameworks are respected for their operational utility in limiting conflict and building trust, Islamic Law remains the heartbeat of the region’s identity and the primary lens through which justice is understood. This acceptance, however, exists in a delicate balance—it is "identity-driven" yet "conditional," navigating the boundaries of the Philippine Constitution and the practicalities of regional autonomy. On the ground, this manifests in fascinating hybrid systems: non-state actors maintain discipline through religious guidance (Mursidin) and Sharia-based boards, while the regional government champions "Moral Governance" to align state duties with spiritual values. Ultimately, the study highlights that for human rights and humanitarian principles to truly take root, they must be contextualized within local religious and cultural narratives. By recommending the harmonization of these legal systems, the strengthening of Sharia courts, and community-led education, the research argues that the path to sustainable peace and social cohesion in Bangsamoro lies in honoring the resonance between international law and the Islamic faith to protect the dignity of every individual.

ABSTRACT This study interrogates the Mbala War Memorial, a monument erected to commemorate the role of Africans in the First World War in northern Zambia. It explores how visible language, space, location, and monument design communicate deeper and often unspoken meanings about spaces of public memory. From this vantage point, monuments in linguistic landscapes can be examined to uncover underlying power dynamics that influence public memory. Thus, the study argues that while the monument is centrally located, its placement does very little to amplify the voices of the actors it commemorates. The neglected and unattended spaces of the memorial significantly diminish its potential to effectively represent public memory, symbolising the broader erasure and downscaling of local historical voices and narratives. The monument’s unappealing design and finish contribute to the downscaling and silencing of the local Indigenous voices it intended to honour. The study observes that the language (text) on the memorial gives rise to onomastic erasure and numerical downscaling and that the use of English, compounded by the absence of linguistic inclusivity, alienates the very actors whose history the monument seeks to honour.

This paper analyses the conflicts of cultural appropriation in the case of the Pyramids of The Güímar Ethnographic Park (Tenerife), highlighting the tension between the local narratives and those presented to tourism. While the complex presents the structures as possible connections between ancient civilisations, the local population recognises them as majanos, agricultural constructions used to clear land or dry fruit. After application of an ethnographic approach, it is evident that the reinterpretation for tourism has produced a double appropriation: symbolic, in that it imposes new narratives, and physical, through the fencing off and transformation of space. Although some residents, especially those with economic interests, have partially assimilated the narrative presented to the tourists, the majority perceive the park as an exogenous development, totally unrelated to their identity, which produces passive resistance and detachment. The study concludes that the lack of local participation in the design of tourism limits its acceptance and reinforces the conflict of cultural legitimacy

While folklore studies in the Philippines often focus on well documented epics, myths, and legends from widely recognized cultural groups, many localized narratives remain underexplored—especially those rooted in small, rural communities. The scarcity of scholarly attention to these micro-level oral traditions creates a gap in understanding how they function as living repositories of cultural memory and identity. In particular, the tales of the Nabontogan Bell—passed down quietly within the community of Catamlangan—have yet to be systematically studied despite their deep resonance in local consciousness. Addressing this gap, this study examines the Nabontogan Bell as a key element of Catamlangan’s cultural memory and identity. Rooted in the researcher’s personal journey and oral traditions passed down by family, the study examines how folklore preserves intergenerational memory and reflects shared values through a qualitative-ethnographic approach grounded in Sikolohiyang Pilipino—narratives from Brgy. Catamlangan, Pilar, Sorsogon, were gathered through observation and interviews. Using Covar’s Pilipinohiya and the banga (jar) metaphor of Filipino personhood—labas (outer self), loob (inner self), and lalim (spiritual depth)—the study analyzes the cultural and social meanings embedded in the stories. Bascom’s classification of folk narratives also guided the identification of their functions within the community. Findings reveal that Spanish colonial influences and indigenous spirituality shape the legends surrounding the Nabontogan Bell. These oral traditions serve as forms of entertainment and as tools for moral instruction, cultural affirmation, and social cohesion. They embody core Filipino values, including kapwa, bayanihan, reverence for elders, environmental stewardship, and strong spiritual faith. Transmitted across generations, the narratives help sustain cultural identity and continuity. The study also highlights the potential of integrating folklore into educational materials to enhance literacy and cultural awareness. Ultimately, the Nabontogan Bell narrative preserves a vital piece of local heritage and contributes to the formation of community identity and cultural education.

Background: Community-based tourism (CBT) involves local communities in the tourism value chain to provide sustainable benefits. Tourist decision-making in CBT situations, specifically how communication elements like destination image, service quality, and local engagement affect behavior, is currently understudied. Recent work typically separates these elements without acknowledging their interconnections in tourist decision-making. Purpose: This study aims to develop a conceptual model that explains tourist decision-making in community-based tourism (CBT) by integrating key communication determinants. It focuses on how communication factors such as destination image, service quality, community storytelling, and local engagement interact to influence tourist behavior. Methods: A qualitative-descriptive approach was employed through an integrative literature review of empirical and conceptual studies from tourism and communication disciplines. Relevant sources were systematically selected based on thematic relevance to CBT, communication, and tourist behavior, allowing the synthesis of theoretical and contextual insights. Results: The findings show that symbolic, emotional, and communicative dimensions of tourism services significantly shape tourists’ decision-making in CBT contexts. Authentic encounters and emotional connections between tourists and host communities enhance destination image and perceived service quality. Furthermore, cultural immersion, local narratives, and place-based identities strengthen perceived value, loyalty, and revisit intention. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that CBT tourist decisions extend beyond rational or economic considerations. Communication factors particularly interpersonal connection, narrative meaning-making, and perceived authenticity play a central role in shaping tourist choices and behavioral intentions within community-based destinations. Implications: Theoretically, this study enriches CBT literature by embedding communication variables into behavioral models. Practically, it offers strategic recommendations for enhancing community storytelling, destination branding, and service interaction especially in destinations like Hua Takhe.

This research examines the strategic role of inclusive language in promoting Lon Malang Beach as an ecotourism destination in Sampang Regency, East Java. Despite its high ecotourism potential in terms of natural beauty and rich local culture, this one of northern beach in Madura island remains relatively unknown, among Generation Z in particular. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, this research combines field observations, in-depth interviews with stakeholders, and a survey of 150 university students to analyze the effectiveness of inclusive language in enhancing the destination's appeal and visibility. The findings reveal that 69.3% of respondents were unaware of Lon Malang Beach, primarily due to limited digital promotional strategies. Inclusive language—as defined in this study through the use of shared linguistic codes and accommodative communication strategies—has proven to play a significant role in reducing stereotypes against the Madurese community, reinforcing local cultural narratives, and encouraging tourist engagement across diverse backgrounds. Moreover, inclusive language supports equitable marketing practices by ensuring information accessibility for vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities. This research underlines that inclusive communication approaches can build a positive and relational image of the destination through personalized and engaging language use. The findings highlight the urgency of inclusive language management within the framework of sustainable rural tourism development, addressing not only economic dimensions, but also social and cultural cohesion.

This paper emphasizes the socio-semiotic aspect of the Dangaura Tharu folk art that aims to explore the interconnection of myth, ritual, and symbol of particular ethnicity and its traditional type of cultural value. The folk art of Tharus is not an individual creation, but a composition and product of the socio-cultural rituality and practice for many generations. Indeed, such art has the emotional and cultural attachment of the entire Tharu community rather than a single folk creator and performer. Moreover, such art has shared identity as well as means to exist with a cultural heritage of the Tharu community. Likewise, the interconnected relationship of archetype, symbol, and ritual in Tharumural painting portrays the collective and social identity with the cultural context of the concerned ethnic group. On the one hand, this study seeks to examine how the mural painting Astimki of Dangaura Tharus represents the multiple facets of their narratives of myth as graphic pictures and lines of mural painting symbolize different local narratives of Tharus, such as Kānhā, Pancha Pando, Durpati, Gurbābā and creation myth, and Barmurwā. On the other hand, the investigation also spotlights how the performance of its ritualization of Tharu unmarried females (bathaniyā) during the period of Astimki festival enhances the continuity of the tradition of cultural heritage that reveals the strong marker of Tharus’ social identity and collective life. Consequently, local creative expression of Tharu mural painting and art opens up a new vista to the ritual followers and practitioners as well as other viewers in their locality.

This research paper explores how Xi Jinping's political narrative is manifesting a dream of world order by strategically telling stories of anti-hegemonism, inclusiveness, and multipolar world order within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework. Using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), this paper examines how China portrays itself as a responsible leader, recommending alternatives to the U.S.-led liberal order while creating the narrative of connectivity, cooperation, and shared destiny. This framework recognizes three major dimensions: a) construction of identity, which includes China as a compassionate global leader, the Global South as partners, and the U.S. as hegemon; b) legitimation of action which contains construction of the BRI as a catalyst of mutual development; and c) the reformation of global norms which is advocating inclusivity, multipolarity, and synergy policies over hegemonic intervention. Inserting BRI discourse in local ideological narratives and global normative conflicts, the paper explains that Xi Jinping's speeches and Chinese narratives assist as a planned strategy to promote China's anticipated order, one that combines the narrative of development with civilizational history. This discursive framing resists unilateralism while seeking to construct a historical bloc around mutual futures and collective governance.

This study explores the role of vernacular toponyms as cognitive and communicative anchors in globalized linguistic environments. The research addresses how local place names, often neglected in formal cartography, preserve cultural memory and linguistic identity while facilitating cross-cultural understanding. Using a mixed qualitative–cognitive approach, the study analyzes English and Kazakh vernacular toponyms collected from online discourse, local narratives, and digital maps. The findings reveal that vernacular toponyms function not merely as spatial markers but as carriers of embodied memory, emotion, and identity. They provide insight into how communities linguistically negotiate belonging in a globalized context. The study concludes that preserving vernacular place names strengthens linguistic diversity and fosters intercultural dialogue in global communication.

The article examines the formation of youth civic identity in a multicultural and multi-confessional region in the context of the influence of competing historical narratives among the peoples of the North Caucasus. The re-search results demonstrate that historical narratives are an important resource in the formation of civic identity. It is found that the prevailing national discourse, emphasizing the voluntary incorporation of the peoples of the Caucasus into Russia and their shared heroism in the Great Patriotic War, contributes to the creation of an inte-grated civic identity (“rossiyane” – Russians). At the same time, local ethnic narratives, often based on tragic historical events (such as the Caucasian War and deportations), reinforce the ethnic component, which in some cases can lead to its conflict with civic identity. Furthermore, data obtained through qualitative research meth-ods are analyzed. In conclusion, it is stated that it is relevant to form a comprehensive approach in educational and youth policy that would integrate all-Russian values with the preservation of the historical uniqueness of the cultures of the North Caucasian peoples, thereby promoting the formation of a harmonious “multi-level” identi-ty.

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌ history curriculum in primary schools across Southeast Asia frequently continues to be the inheritance of colonialism, which means that it is dominated by a Western-derived, evidence-based "historical past" that largely disregards local narratives and ways of knowing. This​‍​‌‍​‍‌ article argues for the decolonization of history through the deliberate application of Michael Oakeshott's concept of the "practical past" and the use of regional and local literature. The present study, through a systematic review of the literature, shows that the dominant "historical past" model not only structures but also deepens the dependence of the knowledge system from which it originates. Therefore, it explores literary works to liberate the local people, such as historical novels, folktales, and legends, as authentic and reliable sources of community identity, core values, and "practical" historical knowledge. The findings show that such a blend results in a social change pedagogy that makes the class a dialogical space for the teacher's knowledge delivery and historical ​‍​‌‍​‍‌deliberation. Students' historical empathy, critical multimedia literacy, and deep bond with their cultural heritage are some of the outcomes of this approach. However, there are still many issues, such as the lack of teacher preparedness, the conflict between fact and meaning in the curriculum, and the limitations of standardized testing. The article posits that the "decolonial" strategy, which accords the "practical past" equal ontological and epistemological status with other aspects, does not mean the abandonment of academic rigor but rather its enhancement. This, in turn, facilitates the development of a pluriversal historical consciousness, which is a prerequisite for the formation of identity-secure and critically engaged future generations in Southeast ​‍​‌‍​‍‌Asia.

The paper analyzes the practical aspects of constituting ethnographic collections within the Ludbreg Town Museum, based on the active work of individuals, associations and institutions. More than six decades of systematic collection and conservation of tangible cultural heritage objects have resulted in an ethnographic exhibition inspired by the traditional Ludbreg house with household items from the 19th and 20th centuries. At the same time, elements of intangible heritage - customs, oral tradition and local narrative - have been documented through collaborative practices. The example of Ludbreg points to the importance of joint action between institutions and citizens in the preservation and interpretation of heritage, as well as regarding the potential for developing diverse holdings in small urban areas.

In contrast to Japan’s otherwise poor record on gender equality, Japan’s former Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yōko took a surprising step in 2023 of placing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda at the heart of the country’s foreign policy. Yet this momentum was short-lived and we argue that it can be explained by the mechanisms that we discover in this research. Moving beyond existing meta-level studies that have pointed to problems in the implementation of the WPS agenda in Japan, this paper examines the specifics of how WPS norms are incorporated into the country’s national action plan (NAP). Drawing on interviews with experts and policymakers and employing constructivist ideas of norm localisation, norm breeding, and parasitising, we show which factors and local narratives shape norm adaptation processes and highlight the discovered strategies. These mechanisms are responsible for making meaningful pro-gender norm diffusion difficult, even in politically favourable times.

This study aims to strengthen local cultural heritage through the transformation of ketoprak scriptwriting in Caturharjo Village, Pandak Sub-district, Bantul Regency. The program was implemented as part of the 2025 Community Empowerment by Students (PMM) initiative of Ahmad Dahlan University using a qualitative method and field study approach. Preliminary observations revealed low literacy in ketoprak script development, limited innovation in performances, and insufficient utilization of digital technology for documentation and promotion of traditional arts. Based on these findings, a series of training activities were conducted, including ketoprak scriptwriting, performance capacity building, script digitalization, social media management, and audiovisual documentation workshops. The results indicate significant improvement in community capacity, evidenced by the successful development of a ketoprak script based on local historical narratives and increased understanding of digitalization and promotion by 34.8% and 34.1%, respectively. This program has positively influenced community participation in cultural preservation, provided digitally archived scripts, and enhanced cultural promotion strategies through technology. These efforts open opportunities for strengthening local cultural ecosystems and developing community-based creative economies in Caturharjo.

Strengthening numeracy skills in elementary schools requires contextual, engaging, and culturally-rooted learning innovations. The integration of ethnomathematics and digital technology is a strategic approach to connecting mathematical concepts with students' real-life experiences. This study aims to develop gamified ethnomathematics comics and Augmented Reality (AR) as interactive digital learning media to improve the numeracy skills of elementary school students. The research used the Borg and Gall development method, which includes the stages of needs analysis, design, expert validation, limited testing, revision, and extensive testing. Needs analysis was conducted in three regions—Gresik, Sidoarjo, and Surabaya involving teachers and students from six elementary schools to identify learning media needs that are appropriate to local cultural characteristics. The results of the analysis showed the need for media that is interactive, visual, and able to link the cultural context of the region with numeracy material. Based on these findings, an ethnomathematics comic was developed that combines local cultural narratives with AR technology to display three-dimensional objects and gamification elements to increase learning motivation. Trials were conducted in three schools (SD Hang Tuah X Juanda, SDN Ketintang 4, and UPT SDN 152 Gresik) involving fifth-grade students. Data were obtained through expert validation, implementation observation, response questionnaires, and numeracy tests, which were analyzed descriptively and quantitatively. The results showed that the media had very high validity (average >85%), high practicality, and significant effectiveness in improving students' numeracy skills. The integration of culture, AR technology, and gamification proved to be able to build learning engagement, strengthen conceptual understanding, and foster students' intrinsic motivation. These findings confirm that the development of ethnomathematics-based learning media and digital technology has the potential to be an innovative solution to strengthen 21st-century numeracy literacy in Indonesian elementary schools.

This study examines the potential for developing sustainable tourism based on cultural heritage preservation through a heritage trail on the eastern coast of Aceh, Indonesia, highlighting the local narrative of the Kingdom of Pepper. The primary aim of this research is to explore how the development of the heritage trail concept can contribute to strengthening historical and cultural identity, supporting the revitalization of relevant historical sites, providing economic benefits to local communities, and promoting environmental and cultural sustainability. This study employs a tourism approach that integrates cultural preservation with sustainable development, analyzed as a solution to the existing challenges. The findings indicate that the heritage trail concept can reinforce local cultural identity, encourage active community participation, and enhance economic well-being through empowering local communities as key stakeholders in the tourism sector. The study also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the government, local communities, and the private sector to create a sustainable tourism model. The findings suggest that policymakers should prioritize the development of culture-based tourism in tourism planning in Aceh, ensuring the preservation of historical and cultural values while increasing economic benefits for local communities.

Abstract The transformation of regional cinema into a pan-Indian phenomenon signals a pivotal shift in the Indian film industry that merits comprehensive analysis. A burgeoning trend has emerged wherein films transcending regional boundaries not only garner significant box office success but also reshape narrative strategies and cultural representation, reflecting a collective national identity. The strategic approach that filmmakers and studios adopt in crafting content that resonates with diverse audiences across linguistic and cultural divides plays a crucial role in this evolution. For instance, notable films such as Baahubali and RRR exemplify the deliberate fusion of local cultural elements with universally appealing themes, positioning them as global cinematic spectacles. These films highlight a critical understanding of audience segmentation and emotional engagement, emphasising filmmakers' ability to harness regional storytelling while coupling it with broader themes of heroism, sacrifice, and unity, thereby effectively capitalising on national sentiments and identity. Moreover, the distinct marketing strategies employed in promoting these films contribute to their widespread appeal, as seen in the comprehensive box office data reported by sources like IMDb, which illustrate the economic ramifications of such films on Indian cinema as a whole (Nugrahani F et al., 2019). This pan-Indian reach is further supported by the increasing accessibility of digital platforms, which have revolutionised film distribution channels, ensuring that even movies originating from regional cinemas can achieve national prominence. As highlighted in contemporary studies, the rise of streaming services has democratized access to films that were once restricted to specific regions, allowing for cross-cultural exchanges and the cultivation of a unified audience experience (Biltereyst et al., 2015). Such platforms not only facilitate the consumption of regional films by broader audiences but also encourage filmmakers to create content that aligns with pan-Indian narratives. This transition from regional successes to national sensations is reflective of broader socio-political dynamics in India, where cultural expressions in cinema serve as vessels for identity, belonging, and nationalism. This is particularly evident in films that foreground themes of historical legacy and contemporary social issues, effectively wooing audiences that cumulatively reflect the nation's vast demographic diversity (Smets et al., 2013). Additionally, there is an observable influence of political narratives embedded within these cinematic experiences, as films increasingly portray themes that resonate with prevailing socio-political agendas. Political parties, most notably the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have utilised prominent cinematic representations to underscore ideologies that support nationalism (Bhattacharya et al., 2019). This evolving relationship between cinema and politics underscores a strategic tool for filmmakers aiming to resonate with audiences on both emotional and ideological levels, promoting films that echo the aspirations of the contemporary Indian audience. In this landscape, the role of cultural criticism has grown increasingly significant, as scholars evaluate the implications of such films on societal perceptions and collective identity (Brandist et al., 2006). The recent adaptations and portrayals within popular films encapsulate broader global trends where local narratives are re-contextualised for larger audiences, suggesting that the strategies employed extend beyond mere entertainment to overtly influence cultural and national discourse. To encapsulate, this trajectory from regional filmmaking to pan-Indian successes underscores a comprehensive shift that is not only altering the landscape of contemporary Indian cinema but also redefining national identity through the lens of cultural production. It prompts an exploration of the underlying strategies that fuel this phenomenon, wherein filmmakers strategically leverage narrative and marketing techniques to transcend geographical and linguistic barriers. The implications of these changes are manifold, suggesting that further research into this domain could yield significant insights into the future of cinema as a potent medium for both cultural representation and political mobilisation in India (Mroz et al., 2017). By examining the intersections of culture, politics, and cinema, this paper aims to elucidate the dynamic interplay at work in contemporary Indian cinema, offering a nuanced understanding of its evolution from regional acclaim to national impact.

This study analyzes the Jamblang mural attraction located in the Old Town Area of Jamblang, Jamblang Village, Jamblang District, Cirebon Regency known as the Three-Faith Tourism Village as a complex communication event within the framework of nationalism. The mural attraction, created collaboratively by students, artists, and local residents, retells the history of communal existential crises (1845–1889) leading up to the turning point of recovery in 1900, focusing on the restoration of Vihara Dharma Rhakita. Its primary purpose is to revitalize the forgotten Chinatown area, provide historical education, and deeply instill the values of tolerance and national unity. This qualitative research employs the framework of Ethnography of Communication and the Triadic Semiotic analysis of Charles Sanders Peirce to examine the visual messages and surrounding social practices. The semiotic analysis reveals that the mural’s iconography (Representamen), depicting collective suffering and recovery, produces an Interpretant of nationalism. This nationalism can be understood as the collective memory of resilience within a multireligious community, where harmony becomes the essence of local patriotism. This notion is reflected through particular signs and symbols depicted in the mural, which represent the shared struggle and unity of different faiths. Considering Indonesia’s historical concept of Nasakom, such expressions suggest how ideological and social classifications may still shape local narratives of nationalism. The meaning and intention behind these representations were also conveyed by the interviewed informants, indicating that the interpretation of the mural should be grounded in their perspectives. The application of Dell Hymes’ SPEAKING model integrates semiotic findings with real communication practices. It was found that the mural’s strategic placement in front of the Vihara (Setting) and the inclusive interfaith collaboration (Participants) explicitly support the Ends of promoting National Tourism. The social interaction norms (Norms) are directed toward displaying harmony to visitors, while selfie-taking activities (Act Sequence and Genre) function as an adoption of this collective narrative into personal digital identity. This study concludes that the Jamblang mural successfully transforms local history into a visual lingua franca (Instrumentalities) that effectively fosters national resilience education and tourism village branding, mitigating the challenges of spatial and economic degradation.

This paper offers a comparative cultural and political analysis of disability terminology and the cultural narrative of citizenship across the Sinophone world, with a focus on mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. By tracing the etymological evolution and socio-political deployment of key terms such as cánji (殘疾), cánzhàng 殘障, and shēnxīn zhàng’ài 身心障礙, this study explores how disability is not merely a biomedical or legal classification, but a culturally embedded construct shaped by colonial legacies, socialist governance, and neoliberal reforms. Drawing on Alison Kafer’s political/relational model of disability and extending it through localized cultural narratives, the paper introduces the concept of Sinophone crip genealogies to theorize the dynamic between transnational and trans-regional disability citizenship beyond Western-centric frameworks. Further, it examines how state institutions, legal reforms, and cinematic representations contribute to the formation of Chinese disability citizenship, an ambiguous status that both includes and marginalizes other disabled individuals and communities. Through a transnational cultural epistemology, the study interrogates how Kafer’s political/relational model of disability contributes to the critiques of the universalizing tendencies of Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) global disability rights frameworks.

A qualitative study exploring the untold local narratives: Gatekeepers’ perspectives on child polyvictimization in Mageta island of western Kenya