Symbolic Role Research Articles

Reflections of the Human Psyche: Analysing Animal Symbolism in Eugene O’Neill’s ‘The Hairy Ape’

This study critically examines Eugene O’Neill’s use of animal symbolism in his play The Hairy Ape, revealing its significance in understanding the complex themes of identity, power, and the dehumanizing effects of modern society. By analysing key scenes and characters, we demonstrate how animalistic imagery serves as a potent metaphor for human experience, enriching the play’s artistic and thematic depth. Our findings contribute to on-going discussions about the role of animal symbolism in literature, highlighting its capacity to address pressing social and existential questions. This study aims to inspire further research into animal symbolism in dramatic literature, reinforcing the enduring relevance of O’Neill’s work.

A theory of the symbolic role of disarmament during peace processes: The laying down of FARC-EP’s weapons in Colombia

Disarmament of non-state groups during peace processes is rarely comprehensive and weapons usually continue to circulate. Nevertheless, disarmament is a normal component of final peace agreements and its modalities are often intensely negotiated by all parties. We unpack the puzzle of why disarmament is seemingly both crucial and not completed by building a novel theory of its role as a symbol of the transformation from war to peace. In doing so, we build upon findings from conflict studies, social psychology, anthropology, and feminist research in order to explore what weapons and disarmament mean for combatants, their armed group, and communities impacted by conflict. We posit that after joining an armed group combatants are socially fused through ritual behavior which often features weapons, and disarmament functions as a symbolic inversion process in which the weapon is transformed into a symbol of peace. This inversion process is observable through language and acts, such as public destruction of arms or turning weapons into works of art. We empirically illustrate our propositions by examining the case of FARC-EP’s 2016–2017 disarmament in Colombia. Our theoretical framework pushes existing academic boundaries of war-to-peace transitions in general, and research on disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration in particular.

Application of Communication in The Metatah Traditional Ceremony in Bali

Traditional ceremonies in Bali are an important part of the culture and identity of its people. Communication in this traditional ceremony involves various elements such as symbols, movements, music, and ritual language rich in meaning. This research explores the dynamics of communication in Balinese traditional ceremonies, focusing on the role of symbols and rituals in transmitting values, norms, and cultural identity to future generations. This research uses a literature study method with a qualitative approach to explore communication in Balinese traditional ceremonies. Through the analysis of various literature sources, including books, articles, and related publications, this research gains deep insights into the role of communication in the context of Balinese culture. By integrating communication theory, cultural anthropology, and traditional ceremony studies, this research aims to depict the complexity of ritual and symbolic communication in Balinese traditional ceremonies and its impact on the sustainability of local culture. The ultimate goal is to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how communication plays a key role in preserving and strengthening cultural heritage.

Out of Time: Malfunctioning and Neglected Clocks and Watches in Dickens's Fiction

Abstract: Clocks and watches abound in Dickens's fiction and, oddly, a substantial number either malfunction or are abandoned. What is the significance of these ailing or discarded timepieces? Against a background of the increasing importance of objectively measured time in Victorian lives and business, this paper considers their symbolic roles in relation to the characters with which they are connected. Dickens's malfunctioning or disregarded clocks and watches are usually indicative of mental, physical or financial breakdown and often reveal the psychological state of their owners. Overwhelmingly, they are associated with impending ill fate and frequently with death. Invariably, they represent a challenge to or a disruption of the regular progress of life, whatever that might be. The paper explores in detail how Dickens uses the symbolic potential of these objects through textual analysis of a wide range of instances from the novels.

The Creativity of Ildar Abuzarov Through the Lens of Literary Criticism in the Context of Contemporary Russian-Language Literature

Abstract. This article examines the work of contemporary Russian writer Ildar Abuzarov through the lens of literary criticism. Ildar Abuzarov's writing is distinguished by its originality in narrative strategies, deep philosophical undertones, and symbolism, which allows for an analysis of his works from various literary approaches, such as structuralism, postmodernism, and intertextuality. Special attention is paid to issues of national and cultural identity, which are reflected in the plots and images created by the author. Drawing on the rich cultural traditions of Tatar and Russian literature, Ildar Abuzarov creates a unique literary world where mythological and modern motifs are seamlessly intertwined. The role of symbolism and mythology in his works is explored, along with the distinctive features of his poetics, expressed through the use of archetypes, allusions, and metaphors. The article analyzes key studies on Abuzarov's work, focusing on the genre and stylistic characteristics of his texts. Researchers demonstrate how Abuzarov, through formal experimentation, expands the boundaries of traditional storytelling, creating texts that can be interpreted as postmodern, with their characteristic multiplicity of meanings and openness to interpretation. In addition, the article explores the philosophical and existential aspects of Abuzarov's prose, which are manifested through his characters' search for the meaning of life, self-identification, and confrontation with the metaphysical uncertainty of the world. Based on the analysis conducted, it is concluded that Ildar Abuzarov’s work occupies an important place in contemporary literature due to its multilayered nature and richness of interpretations, making it of significant interest to literary scholars.

Forests, woods and saké: Analysis of constructing premium with terroir

This study focused mainly on the micro-organisms that affect quality in the sake production process and the wooden barrels (Ki-Oke) in which they live, and analysed their potential to achieve economic differentiation, like terroir in wine. The French term terroir is a concept in the world of alcoholic beverages, enabling products to differentiate themselves from mass-products and rise above price competition. High-end French wines leverage terroir for economic differentiation, encouraging competition avoidance. In this paper, historical development of Saké and forests or wood are elucidated. Conventionally, Saké production involves unique elements to local or contexts including ingredients of water, micro-organism of Koji or modus of productions such as Kimoto. Furthermore, forests as surrounding environment and woods in forms of barrels serve both functional and symbolic roles. Frequently, narratives and storytelling of the Saké encompass soil, location, and climate, which parallels wine. The Japanese saké industry, mirroring high-end wine culture, relies on storytelling, distinguishing itself through rice, water, and microorganisms. Water's role, especially the transition from soft to hard water in Nada, holds historical significance. Wooden barrels (Ki-Oke) are vital, emphasizing "microorganism terroir" and region-specific differentiation, aligning saké with wine in understanding terroir. Historically, saké relied on vertical differentiation based on rice polishing ratios, akin to New World wine. Balancing scientific control with tradition presents challenges, risking homogenization of specific names. The future trajectory diverges between luxury, emphasizing microbial terroir, and potential commoditization, questioning strategic utilization of high-quality sectors and the balance between tradition and innovation. The dichotomy lies in emphasizing microbial terroir through wooden barrels or potential homogenization of specific names, raising questions about strategic utilization, balance between tradition and innovation, and unique challenges faced by the saké industry Ongoing research explores contemporary scientific techniques, fermenting wood cellulose into alcohol, potentially introducing new premium sakés celebrating the essence of forests and creating new dimension of terrior. . Such linkages to culture in ancient brewing practices provide authority and legitimacy for the to the sake.

The Missing Pictures: Southern European Catholic Missionaries, Humanitarian Photography and the Fall of the Portuguese Empire in Mozambique

This article contributes to two sets of growing historiographies: one on the role of religious actors in the fall of European Empires; and another one on humanitarian photography. The article’s focus is on the visual campaign organised by a network of Southern European Catholic missionaries to denounce colonial massacres during the war of independence in Mozambique. Whereas the written reports made by the missionaries have been the object of lengthy research, the paper reveals the very specific use the missionaries made of humanitarian photography in a context characterized by the Estado Novo’s fierce censorship. Despite the missionaries’ atrocity pictures failed to persuade the Church hierarchy to publicly condemn the Portuguese crimes, the paper demonstrates how the leap of their images into the public domain had a major rhetorical and symbolic role both in facilitating the fall of the Portuguese Empire and in legitimising FRELIMO’s postcolonial authority. Moreover, given the concurrence of the denunciation campaign with the fall of fascism in Portugal and the global boom of the Human Rights movement in the 1970s, the paper also explores the particularities of the entangled history of decolonisation, humanitarianism and human rights when seen through the eyes of Southern European actors.

IT’S ALWAYS ALREADY TOO LATE FOR WHITE MEN

The animism that infused antebellum US transcendentalism, and the belief everything in the world was alive, provided an unexpected philosophical foundation for the animism that attributes legal and ontological personhood to the corporation, an imitation of life. The transcendental reification of nature, recently evident in Avatar’s fantasies that one could merge with an impersonally conscious nature, turns out to be coterminous with the reification of corporate personhood, and both with the co-option of (fantasies of) white male individuality. The history of the corporation is also the history of the new world: its colonization was facilitated by joint-stock companies. After native populations were subjugated or exterminated, they took on symbolic roles in the colonizing cultures, and the animistic nature with which they are identified has been personified in ways that are transferred to the corporation. As white men began to feel isolated in society, they imagined they could regain connection with a racialized nature; but they could never have access to their conjectured (and ultimately virtual) aboriginal cultures. Transcendentalism also laid the groundwork for merger with the corporation, the dominant manifestation of contemporary capitalist ontology.

A cross-cultural perspective on ornamental serpentine patterns along the Great Silk Road

This article explores the Silk Road, one of history’s most significant trade networks that bridged China and the West. The route fostered a vibrant cultural exchange, visible in the art and ornamental patterns that developed along its path. This study provides a cross-cultural perspective on ornamentation within the Great Steppe, particularly focusing on Kazakh baskur—a decorative band traditionally used in nomadic dwellings. Examining the symbolic and functional roles of baskur, the paper highlights both its artistic legacy and its broader cultural impact across the Silk Road region.

Socio-economic evaluation of human-dog coexistence: A 40,000 years history.

The human-animal relationship and its benefits have been a popular issue in recent decades. This study focuses on the dog as a paradigmatic example of this complex bond. The relationship between human and dog evolved over thousands of years through the domestication process. During this period, climatic, cultural, geographical and social changes have had a direct impact on this bond. Dogs have a remarkable capacity to play a variety of roles that mirror the evolution of human societies. Subsequently, questions arise regarding the important and symbolic roles that canines played in ancient cultures, religions and mythological traditions. Specifically, how have these roles changed through history? This research aimed to explore the socio-economic aspects of the human-dog relationship, spanning from ancient civilizations to modern societies. Through a systematic search methodology, this investigation seeks to provide insights into the dynamics of the complex human-dog relationship, including historical backgrounds, socio-cultural dynamics, economic implications and associated challenges. Additionally, the present study addresses the environmental concerns that emerge alongside rising stray dog populations. This research emphasizes the importance of strategies to balance the benefits of this coexistence that promote human and animal welfare.

Symbolic Meanings in the Social Interaction of <i>Santri</i> in the <i>Pesantren</i> Environment

This study examines the symbolic meaning of students' social interactions with ustadz, teachers, fellow students, and parents at the Muhammadiyah Boarding School Al-Manar South Sumatra. Using a descriptive qualitative approach based on case studies, this study used observation, interviews, and documentation as data collection techniques. Analysis techniques included coding and categorizing the collected data to identify related patterns and themes. This study's findings revealed that students' interactions with ustadz and teachers are symbolized by bowing and kissing the hand, reflecting respect, religious obedience, and social hierarchy. These traditions strengthen the cultural and spiritual bonds between students and their teachers. Among fellow students, calling each other akhi (brother) and ukhti (sister) symbolizes respect, unity, and leadership development. These interactions help strengthen social structures and foster character development. Interactions with parents expressed through hand kissing and santri sambangan (visits) reflect respect, emotional connection, and community support. This symbolic interaction serves as character education for the students, instilling social ethics and cultural continuity. However, the focus of the study on one pesantren limits its generalizability. Future research should explore symbolic interactions in other pesantren to provide a broader perspective. The originality of this study lies in its focus on the role of symbols in shaping hierarchies and social identities in pesantren. By examining the pesantren educational environment, this study offers new insights into how symbols influence the dynamics of power, order, and communal values.

The reform of administrative detention in Italy: A “declaration of war” to irregular migrants and asylum seekers

Dating back to Italy’s first comprehensive immigration law in the 1990s, the practice of detaining irregular migrants has served various explicit and implicit purposes, both practical and symbolic. Two decrees passed in 2023, under the far-right government of Giorgia Meloni, were explicitly framed as responses to the increasing number of migrants arriving at the borders. The aim of these decrees was to prolong the detention of asylum seekers and irregular migrants, with the stated aim of increasing returns. However, despite these measures, available data suggests that the capacity of detention centres has not increased significantly, and the rate of returns has remained stable. Against this backdrop, this article seeks to explore the explicit and implicit functions of detention by examining recent reforms and publicly available quantitative data obtained through a request under Italy’s Freedom of Information Act. It suggests that whilst detention serves practical purposes for a minority of migrants, its symbolic role in conveying state sovereignty and strict border control is equally important.

COMMUNICATION PATTERNS OF WAYANG GOLEK PUPPETEERS IN PROVIDING SOCIAL CRITICISM MESSAGES TO THEIR AUDIENCES IN BANDUNG REGENCY

This study aims to investigate the communication patterns of wayang golek puppeteers in Bandung Regency as they deliver social criticism messages to their audiences. The primary objective is to understand how traditional wayang golek performances can address contemporary social issues while engaging audiences in meaningful dialogue. Employing a qualitative research methodology, this study utilized direct observations and in-depth interviews with key participants, including wayang golek puppeteers and audience members. The data collection involved attending live performances, analyzing the content and delivery of social critiques, and conducting interviews to gain insights into the effectiveness and reception of these performances. The findings reveal that Wayang Golek puppeteers employ interactive techniques to engage their audiences, incorporating contemporary issues into traditional narratives to provoke thought and reflection. The performances demonstrate a successful adaptation of cultural practices to address modern societal challenges, fostering a participatory dialogue between the puppeteers and their audiences. The study highlights the role of cultural symbols and allegories in bridging traditional values with contemporary social critiques and underscores the importance of maintaining cultural heritage while addressing current issues. The results contribute to the broader discourse on participatory communication and the role of traditional art forms in societal change.

NATIONAL CLOTHING IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK CULTURES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE NAMES OF CLOTHING

National clothing plays a significant role in expressing cultural identity, historical legacy, and social norms in both English and Uzbek cultures. This study aims to compare the evolution and cultural importance of traditional attire in these two nations by examining historical records, dictionaries, and modern practices. We utilized explanatory dictionaries in both languages to define key clothing terms and analyze their social and symbolic roles. The results demonstrate how English traditional attire evolved from functional to ceremonial use, while Uzbek clothing retains a strong connection to national identity and craftsmanship. The study highlights the significance of national clothing as a form of cultural expression, emphasizing how it shapes and reflects the identity of both nations.

Transcending Otherness: Exploring Symbolism, Fluid Rejection, and Moral Ambiguity in Anosh Irani's The Parcel

The transgender community's historical roots, as affirmed by scholars like Mildred L. Brown and Chloe Ann Rounsley in "True Selves," persist throughout history. Despite global recognition, transgenders face enduring challenges in societal acceptance. Indian hijras, emblematic of this struggle, endure oppressive prejudice, lacking essentials and oppressed by systemic bias. Literary representations of transgender experiences are limited, but works like Anosh Irani's The Parcel provide insightful portrayals. The research scrutinizes Irani's work, focusing on its symbolism and the protagonist's turbulent journey amidst rejection, marginalisation and ethical dilemmas. Through Irani's narrative, profound insights emerge into the resilient spirit of transgender individuals confronting societal adversity. Despite strides, true equality remains elusive for the community. This article analyses and summarizes the symbolism in The Parcel by analysing static symbols such as characters, objects, occurrences , as well as dynamic symbol such as dialogue, behaviour, and thoughts, in order to further elaborate the role of symbolism in The Parcel in promoting the context of the text. This study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of their struggles, shedding light on the unyielding resilience exhibited by transgender individuals across societal challenges.

Editors' Introduction

This issue of the Interdisciplinary Journal of Signage and Wayfinding underscores the significance of involving end users, including the public, in the design and policy development of signage systems. The issue explores the multifaceted roles of signs and symbols in reflecting community character, supporting business branding, aiding wayfinding, and enhancing placemaking. Emphasizing evidence-based design and research, the articles present diverse methodologies, including stakeholder theory, qualitative studies, and shadowing techniques, to inform signage practices.

Jews, Lordship, and the Experience of Power in Early Eleventh Century France

ABSTRACT The article explores the views of Jews in the early eleventh century on issues of rulership and power through analysis of a Hebrew text known as the ‘1007 Anonymous’. The article opens with a discussion of this work’s account of practices of lordship, showing that its protagonist is presented as a lord. It then turns to examine papal involvement in the power struggles that characterised France, concluding that the protagonist’s appeal to the papacy was at the time a common practice. It moves on to analyse anti-Jewish rhetoric and its underlying political messages, presenting it as a manifestation of power narratives. Finally, the article reframes the Hebrew account as evidence of Jewish attempts to cope with the rise of new practices of rulership in early eleventh century France, and as depicting a Jewish-Christian dispute over the symbolic role (or lack thereof) of the Jews within this political dynamic.

Monkey See, Monkey Eat. Food As an Anthropocentric Culture Element in Albert Helman’s “Mijn Aap schreit” and “Mijn Aap Lacht”

ABSTRACT Considering the questions bound with modern problems of the post-human literature (re)readings, this essay tries to indicate the role of food culture in determining the human-animal relation on the basis of two literary works by the Dutch writer Albert Helman: Mijn aap schreit and Mijn aap lacht. The leading methods are narratological analysis as described by Mieke Bal and William Nelles, as well as some close reading postulates. In the analysis I consider the role of food in both of the stories. I try to answer such questions as: What does a monkey eat? Who decides what a monkey should eat? Is there any symbolic role of food? Are there any food-taboos, especially ones bound with the human-animal relation?

Kültürel Semboller ve Halkla ilişkiler: Yerel ve Küresel Yaklaşımlar

This study has comprehensively examined the critical role of cultural symbols in public relations in creating brand identity, connecting with audiences, and executing successful public relations campaigns. Cultural symbols serve not only as visual or symbolic elements when shaping the identity of brands, but also as an important means of establishing emotional and cultural bonds with target audiences. It was also emphasized in the study that these ties create a feeling of trust, belonging and shared values in consumers, thus having the potential to increase brand loyalty. For public relations professionals, the use of cultural symbols is of critical importance in various areas such as crisis management, consumer relations and social responsibility, beyond creating brand identity. Cultural symbols help a brand connect deeply with its target audience and appeal to their emotional world. Brands that communicate in harmony with local culture and traditions gain deeper acceptance within that community. At the same time, cultural symbols contribute to the brand gaining a competitive advantage in the international arena by managing the way it is perceived in local communities and the global market. With the global access opportunities brought by the digital age, the potential of brands to reach a global audience through cultural symbols has increased. However, this also brings with it the requirements of cultural sensitivity and ethical responsibility. It is critical for a brand to be careful when communicating with cultural symbols to avoid potential misunderstandings and avoid situations that could cause a negative reaction among consumers. Symbols used in harmony with local cultural values enable brands to establish strong ties with local communities and receive support from these ties. Additionally, integrating cultural symbols with universal themes increases the ability of brands to exist in global markets and contributes to effective communication at the international level. The effectiveness of cultural symbols is evaluated through criteria such as audience engagement, brand recall and sentiment analysis. Social listening tools and ethnographic research are critical to understanding how cultural symbols are perceived and resonate. Using these tools together provides a solid framework for evaluating the impact of cultural symbols in public relations. Key Words: Cultural Symbols, Public Relations, Local Approaches, Global Approaches, Brand Identity

About Lexicon, Stylistics, and Semantics of Water in the Novel Most by Jasmina Musabegović

The main subject of this paper is the lexical-semantic classification of water-related lexicon in the novel Most (Bridge) by Jasmina Musabegović. We will explain the stylistic expressiveness of selected water-related lexemes, as well as the way the author constructs her identity and the identities of her characters through the conceptualization of the experience of water. The water lexics are analysed as dominant in relation to other types of words and classified into eleven lexical-semantic fields. Total of 79 water nouns have been registered. As expected, the most common water-related lexemes are ‘voda’ and ‘most’. Three water nouns are described: voda, most and tihanj, and it is concluded that lexeme ‘water’ has an associative and symbolic role; lexeme ‘most’, as a strong position of the text, since it is also a title of the novel, represents change, a path and growing up. The nonce word tihanj has a specific cultural and linguistic meaning in the context of the novel.