Multicultural Context Research Articles

The Agency of Preaching: Practicing Hospitality in Multicultural Contexts

The Agency of Preaching: Practicing Hospitality in Multicultural Contexts

Exploration of parental perspectives and involvement in therapeutic communication approaches for deaf and/or hard-of-hearing children at special schools in South Africa

Family-centred intervention optimises the development of communication abilities and academic outcomes in children with hearing loss. Cognisance of family values, respect for family differences and adaptations to cultural and linguistic...

Embracing Global Englishes in Thailand: Linguistic Diversity and Cultural Integration

The concept of Global Englishes (GE) redefines English as a pluralistic and dynamic entity shaped by sociocultural contexts worldwide, challenging traditional native-speaker norms. This study explores the historical, sociopolitical, and linguistic dimensions of GE, focusing on its implications for English language education and policy in Thailand. Thai English, a localized variety influenced by Thai linguistic and cultural norms, exemplifies how non-native speakers creatively adapt English to suit local communicative needs. Key linguistic features of Thai English, including distinct pronunciation patterns, lexical innovations, grammatical adaptations, and discourse strategies, reflect the intersection of global and local influences. The study critiques Thailand’s traditional English language teaching (ELT) models, which often privilege Standard English over localized varieties, thereby marginalizing linguistic diversity and limiting students’ communicative competence in global contexts. This paper advocates for integrating diverse English varieties into curricula, enhancing teacher training programs to include GE pedagogy, and promoting multilingualism through inclusive language policies. Emphasizing linguistic diversity and intercultural competence, the study also underscores the need for public awareness campaigns and sustained research to transform societal attitudes and institutional practices. By embracing Global Englishes, Thailand can align its language education policies with the realities of global communication, empowering learners to navigate multicultural contexts confidently. Such an approach contributes to social equity, intercultural understanding, and the development of a more inclusive and globally relevant educational framework.

Traduction du discours humaniste dans Les Déboires de Dieudonnée de Francis Beng Nyamnjoh

This study stemmed from the observation that English-speaking Cameroonian literature makes use of humanist discourse among many others to denounce the failings of leaders and the misery of peoples in a bilingual and multicultural context. Translating, therefore, texts imbued with humanist discourse could be a challenge for the literary translator, despite being an intercultural mediator. With regard to this skill, does the translator’s strategy succeeded in preserving the essence and richness of the original text destined from the start for a French readership? In this light, the analysis below examined the translation and meaning preservation of the structuring elements of the said discourse in Francis Nyamnjoh's Les Déboires de Dieudonné. Thus, based on Berman’s Translation Critism which convened Touré's Descriptive Translation Studies (DTS) and focusing on few extracts taken from the aforementioned corpus, our analyses aim first to identify the structuring elements of Nyamnjoh's humanist discourse, then to describe the strategy and procedures employed by the translator, and finally to justify in the post-colonial literature framework, the scope of the author's discourse in French. The results obtained after this study shows that the translator used 86% of foreignization, against 14% of naturalization. These results lead us to conclude that literal translation is par excellence, the indispensable procedure in the translation of literary works, in other words it remains the guarantor of a scrupulous morphosyntactic analysis and a correct semantic analysis of the lexemes in the text.

The Emergence of Collective Cultural Intelligence in Teams in Multicultural Contexts: A Dynamic Perspective

What makes a team culturally intelligent is under-studied. To address the gap in the literature and enhance the understanding of the dynamic nature of teams in multicultural contexts, we introduce a novel concept – team-level collective cultural intelligence – to explain how teams develop a collective property that helps them deal with cultural diversity more effectively. Integrating the literature on cultural intelligence, multicultural teams, and emergent states, we propose that collective cultural intelligence arises from the cultural intelligence of individual team members through their interactions, which involves team learning. This emergent process is contingent on the cultural diversity and power disparity within the team, as well as the specific characteristics of team learning that occurs. Collective cultural intelligence enhances team performance in multicultural contexts and members’ individual cultural intelligence.

(Un)mapping the Punjab Onto Singapore’s Gurdwaras: Diasporic Territorialities and Decolonial Spaces of Sikh Socialisation

ABSTRACT This paper explores an alternative territorial sensibility – ‘diasporic territoriality’ – that is rooted in the search for belonging outside of a putative ‘homeland’ amongst dis/placed communities. Drawing on ethnographic research with 26 members of Singapore’s Sikh diaspora, we examine the everyday spaces of diasporic belonging that simultaneously reproduce and resist colonial imaginings of Punjabi territory. Many first-generation diasporas continue to define themselves through regional affiliations inherited from colonial legacies, with Singapore’s gurdwaras serving as a spatial ‘fix’ for mapping territorial logics from the Punjab. However, these colonial imaginaries are increasingly contested and ‘unmapped’ by younger generations who seek to socialise in alternative spaces of belonging based on shared pieties and upbringing. By reimagining belonging beyond essentialist framings of home-diaspora connections, the idea of ‘diasporic territoriality’ contributes to decolonising prevailing understandings of territory and belonging. Doing so provides a provocative counterpoint to re-evaluate state-sponsored narratives of integration within the context of multiculturalism.

More than good behaviour: developing personhood in early childhood education

ABSTRACT Flourishing is an apt concept for a kindergarten (children’s garden) curriculum where children learn, grow and blossom. A key aspect of flourishing is values education. At pre-school level, Singapore’s Ministry of Education explicated four values (respect, responsibility, honesty and care) in the 2022 national curriculum framework for pre-school education. A qualitative study that sets out to unpack what these values mean in Singapore’s multicultural context revealed interpretations of values distilled to one commonality across religious and secular perspectives – personhood. The study involved semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with government officials, religious leaders, preschool leaders and teachers and the data were analysed thematically. The findings offered insights into the ways in which personhood can be cultivated in preschool settings.

Cultural bias in the assessment of language: A closer look at the Boston naming test among multicultural Canadian older adults

Objective The Boston Naming Test (BNT) is commonly used to assess word-finding in older adults but performance may be impacted by cultural and linguistic factors. This study aimed to assess cultural bias in BNT performance among older adults, explore sources of this bias and provide clinical guidelines for its use in multicultural settings. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of 525 older adults referred for neuropsychological assessment at a large geriatric hospital in a multicultural Canadian city. Participants were categorized by birthplace (Canada vs. outside Canada), and relationships between BNT scores, years in Canada, sociodevelopmental context of region of birth and first-language status were examined. Results Individuals born outside of Canada had significantly lower BNT scores than Canadian-born participants. These differences were not fully explained by English as a first language status or age at immigration though a significant correlation was observed between BNT scores and years in Canada. Sociodevelopmental context, measured by the Historical Index of Human Development (HIHD), partially mediated the relationship between region of birth and BNT performance. Conclusions The BNT is influenced by cultural and linguistic factors, which may lead to inaccurate cognitive assessment in diverse populations. Clinicians should interpret BNT scores with caution in multicultural contexts and consider sociocultural factors to improve diagnostic accuracy and cultural sensitivity.

Identity, language and communication concerns of subcultures: The case of Antalya Cretans

In today’s world, there is almost no homogeneous culture without interaction, and multiculturalism has become the most important phenomenon for all societies. Therefore, this cultural diversity, consisting of differences in culture, language, identity, religion, etc. has also brought along many problems. In the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s in “Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage”, it is stated that identifying, documenting and surveying intangible cultural heritage of communities contributes to social harmony and tolerance. This research has been conducted on the identity, language, and communication of the Cretan in Türkiye. The purpose of the study is to contribute to social peace and tolerance by examining the identity, language, and communication perceptions and concerns of the Crete-origin community living in Türkiye as a subculture group, within the context of multiculturalism and intercultural communication. In this direction, preliminary interviews, observations and semi-structured in-depth interviews were made in the fieldwork carried out between May-July 2024 in the of the Cretan immigrants who have migrated and settled in Antalya at the first settlements one of the world cities with intense multiculturalism. In the study, an answer has been sought to the question “What are the identity and linguistic anxiety, harmony and conflict situations in the communication and interaction of Cretans living in Turkey as a subculture with the dominant culture?”. The findings were subjected to thematic and descriptive analysis and interpreted. It is predicted that the findings and results of this research can be used to contribute to studies aimed at preventing identity, linguistic and cultural incompatibility and possible conflicts caused by increasing migration movements.

Examining Factors Shaping the Consumption of Televised Ladies Professional Golf Association Events: Attitudes, Subjective Norms, Perceived Behavioral Control, and Intergroup Dynamics in a Multicultural Context

This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the viewing behavior of current Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) audiences, especially whether the growing dominance of golfers from Asian countries plays a role in shaping such behavior. The research investigates the reasons for which existing LPGA viewers watch these tournaments by examining key factors such as attitudes toward watching, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intergroup attitudes. A quantitative survey was distributed to 536 LPGA event viewers in the United States. The survey measured constructs such as watching and intergroup attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention to watch. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data and test the hypothesized relationships among the variables. The findings indicate that salient beliefs directly and positively affect predictor variables, which in turn positively influence the intention to watch LPGA events. Watching attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control significantly enhance the intention to watch. However, intergroup attitudes toward golfers from Asia negatively affected the intention to watch, highlighting a potential barrier to audience engagement. This study highlights the dynamics of psychological and social factors in shaping LPGA viewership and offers insights for strategies to better engage diverse audience segments.

Islamic Philanthropy in the Digital Era: Intercultural Communication Strategies for Effective ZISWAF Campaigns

The main issue in the Zakat, Infaq, Shadaqah, and Wakaf (ZISWAF) campaign in the digital era is how to effectively manage communication in a multicultural context. The objective of this research is to identify communication strategies that can inclusively reach multicultural communities. The core statement of this research is that effective intercultural communication is crucial for increasing participation in the ZISWAF campaign. The theory used is John Fiske's semiotic theory, which explains how messages are encoded and decoded by different audiences. The analysis shows that the use of cultural symbols and technology-based approaches can enhance the effectiveness of the ZISWAF campaign. The conclusion of this research is that culturally sensitive communication strategies, supported by digital technology, can increase community engagement in ZISWAF management and strengthen the impact of Islamic philanthropy.

Identity Formation in Educational Communities of Practice : The Role of Communication, Trust, and Conflict Mediation

This qualitative study explores the processes of identity construction and negotiation among three university students in an English Presentation class. Drawing primarily on fieldnotes and interviews, the research demonstrates how communication styles, trust dynamics, and conflict mediation influence identity formation within educational settings. Anchored in Identity Theory and the concept of Communities of Practice (CoP), the study examines three distinct CoPs where identity shaping occurs. The findings reveal that reluctance to engage in team interactions, breaches of trust, and the role of conflict mediation significantly impact group dynamics and identity formation. The study underscores the fluid nature of identity as it responds to social interactions. These findings emphasize the need for fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments that accommodate diverse identities and enhance teamwork. Future research should further investigate these dynamics to deepen our understanding of identity formation in multicultural educational contexts.

Internationally Located Supervised Agricultural Experience Programs: An Exploration of Teaching Methods and Supervision

School-based agricultural education (SBAE) teachers near an international border face unique challenges and opportunities in overseeing Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs where students travel internationally to complete the requirements of SAE. Utilizing Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory within a developmental multicultural context offered a nuanced lens to explore the factors influencing teachers and students in this context. This qualitative case study of two teachers observes teachers’ philosophies and strategies for international SAE supervision and the impact of culture and generational shifts on student engagement within agriculture. Findings reveal a lack of significant initiatives accommodating diverse student populations engaging in SAE programs in [International Country]. Participants emphasized the importance of fostering connections with students and acknowledging the gap regarding agriculture among newer generations of students. Participants also highlight unique challenges in supervising international SAE programs, proposing alternative methods of supervision and community involvement. The importance of addressing language barriers and fostering a culture of inclusion is emphasized. Recommendations include promoting inclusivity, assessing comfort levels for on-site SAE visits in international countries, and ongoing teacher development for diverse cultural settings. Future research is urged to expand the literature based on SAE in diverse settings, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of its usage today.

Teologi Sistematika Dalam Membangun Ekklesiologi Multikultural Di Indonesia

This research aims to describe the principles of systematic theology in building an ecclesiological model that embraces cultural diversity within the context of the church in Indonesia. The background of this study is the reality of cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity in Indonesia, which often presents challenges for the church in maintaining unity and harmony. The research method employed is literature study, collecting and analyzing sources related to ecclesiology and multiculturalism. The findings indicate that principles of systematic theology, such as anthropological, cosmological, Christ's incarnation, God's sovereignty, and missiological aspects, can be applied to develop an inclusive, just, and contextual multicultural ecclesiological model. The conclusion of this research emphasizes that systematic theology plays a crucial role in creating a church that values diversity, promotes unity, and remains relevant in the multicultural context of Indonesia.

RELIGIOUS MODERATION IN THE PERANG TOPAT TRADITION IN LINGSAR, WEST LOMBOK, WEST NUSA TENGGARA

The Perang Topat tradition in Lingsar, West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, represents a unique form of religious moderation, blending Islamic and Hindu elements in a ritual that promotes harmony among different faith communities. This study examines how the Perang Topat festival fosters interreligious understanding and tolerance, addressing concerns about preserving cultural identity while maintaining mutual respect within a diverse society. The purpose of this research is to explore the ways in which this local tradition serves as a model for religious moderation, providing insights into the role of cultural rituals in uniting distinct religious groups. The study employs qualitative methods, gathering data through interviews with community leaders, participants, and observers of the Perang Topat festival. Additional data are collected through participant observation and analysis of relevant documentation related to the festival’s history and significance. Data analysis is conducted using descriptive-analytical techniques to interpret the collected information and identify patterns that illustrate the festival's role in promoting religious harmony. Findings indicate that Perang Topat serves as a symbolic representation of religious inclusivity, where shared cultural practices bridge differences between Muslim and Hindu communities, strengthening social bonds. This ritual embodies values of tolerance, cooperation, and respect for religious diversity, demonstrating that local traditions can reinforce religious moderation in multicultural contexts. The conclusion highlights that such traditions offer significant implications for promoting peace and social cohesion. The study suggests that fostering similar culturally embedded practices can serve as an effective approach to religious moderation, offering lessons that may inform broader efforts at fostering unity within pluralistic societies.

Integration of Halal Standards and Cultural Competence: A Comprehensive Analysis of Restaurant Business Management in Thailand's Multicultural Context

This study investigates the complex interplay between Halal certification compliance and multicultural service delivery in restaurant operations within Pattani Province, Thailand. Using a quantitative approach with a sample of 303 restaurant owners and staff, the research examines how religious adherence, cultural competence, and business practices influence operational success in a diverse cultural environment. The study employs structural equation modeling to analyze relationships between staff characteristics, management practices, and business outcomes. Findings reveal significant correlations between cultural integration and business success (β = 0.832, p < 0.001), with education level and management effectiveness showing strong positive relationships (β = 0.412, p < 0.001). The research demonstrates that successful integration of Halal standards with cultural sensitivity significantly enhances customer satisfaction and business growth, explaining 84.5% of variance in business success measures. These findings contribute to understanding how religious compliance and cultural competence can be effectively balanced in restaurant management, offering practical implications for industry practitioners and policymakers in multicultural contexts.

Cultural and Religious Interaction at Medana Cemetery: A Model of Social Harmony

This research examines the cultural and religious interactions between Muslim and Hindu communities in Makam Medana, North Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. Using a qualitative method with a case study approach, data was collected through direct observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis with Fritjof Schuon's theory of social esotericism used as the basis for analysis. The results show that the Medana Tomb serves as an important space for social harmony, where both communities engage in shared spiritual and cultural practices. Through inner experiences that transcend religious, cultural and social boundaries, the tomb serves as a bridge that connects different religions through a universal understanding of divine truth that manifests in different outward forms. These interactions facilitate mutual understanding and respect, and contribute to the formation of an inclusive and harmonious society in North Lombok. This research concludes that Makam Medana offers a model of social harmony that is relevant in a multicultural context.

‘ความอุ่นใจ (Kharm Unn Jai)’: honouring transcultural experiences in supporting women

ABSTRACT This paper presents autoethnographic accounts from women design researchers, each sharing their culturally grounded approaches to support women in a transcultural mentoring programme. The authors examine the concepts of ‘safety’ and ‘safe spaces’, by unpacking these terms through decolonial perspectives. The paper’s title ความอุ่นใจ (Karm Unn Jai), roughly meaning warm hearted, represents the first author’s state of being, relating and co-becoming during the programme and became an invitation for all authors to reflect on diverse personal experiences of safety. This paper offers six reflections on atmospheric and felt dimensions of codesign practice as prompts for readers’ own explorations. Their differences and resonances point towards the intersectional positionalities and relationalities that comprise codesigning, rather than collapsing them under generic guidelines for designing ‘safety’ or ‘safe spaces’. We highlight the transcultural emergence of trust and kindness, and expand the scholarship on inclusivity in multilingual and multicultural contexts. This work advocates for a more nuanced understanding of codesigning that recognises and values diverse lifeworlds, thereby contributing to efforts in decolonising and pluralising codesign discourse.

Community Tolerance, Habitus, and Early Childhood Education in Schools: A Phenomenological Approach

Purpose – This study examines how the tolerant culture of the Senggarang community, rooted in its traditions and values, influences religious tolerance education in early primary education in Tanjungpinang City, Indonesia, by utilizing Bourdieu’s theory of habitus and cultural capital to clarify the impact of cultural practices in multicultural communities on early childhood education oriented towards tolerance. Design/methods/approach – This study employs a qualitative phenomenological approach, utilizing direct observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis to explore the influence of cultural practices on tolerance education. Field research engaged diverse informants from Senggarang, including elementary school teachers from early elementary education, local community members, and officials familiar with the area's historical and social dynamics, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the community's tolerance-related practices. Findings – The findings reveal that the tolerant cultural practices in Senggarang, deeply rooted in historical and social contexts, significantly influence tolerance education among students. Children aged 6–7 years in early primary education adopt tolerance as part of the behaviors they learn through communal activities such as interfaith holiday celebrations and support for religious events. Cultural values that promote interfaith respect, evident in traditional interactions and mutual cooperation (gotong royong), are internalized by children through family and community engagement. These practices align with Pierre Bourdieu's concepts of habitus and cultural capital, demonstrating how inherited cultural norms and daily practices shape children's dispositions toward tolerance. Educators and the school environment further reinforce these practices by embedding tolerance education through routines and collaborative activities among diverse students. Research implications/limitations – This study provides valuable insights into how community culture influences school-based tolerance education. However, its findings may be less applicable to areas with different social and historical contexts. Future research could further examine the role of cultural capital and habitus in multicultural education contexts across various regions in Indonesia. Practical implications – The study highlights the importance of incorporating local cultural values into education to foster early tolerance, offering a model for using cultural practices as teaching tools in diverse communities. Originality/value – This study highlights how community culture and Bourdieu’s concepts of habitus and cultural capital enrich our understanding of tolerance education in first-grade primary school students (ages 6–7), encouraging further exploration of local cultural values to shape inclusive educational practices in multicultural societies. Paper type Research paper

The Teaching About De Facto States in Times of Crises: The Case of Transnistria

In this article, I share my personal experience of teaching about the de facto state of Transnistria during times of crises and within Central and East European and multicultural contexts. I begin by explaining where and when I teach about Transnistria, which may not be so obvious because it is a narrow topic. Next, I focus on how I approach classes devoted to Transnistria as a controversial and sensitive issue that requires specific teaching strategies. Finally, I discuss the outcomes of implementing these strategies and share my personal feelings about instruction concerning Transnistria. This article may be valuable to junior scholars who have recently started covering the subject of Transnistria and other de facto states and are seeking guidance. It may also benefit experienced senior scholars by offering them an opportunity to compare their teaching strategies.