Socio-cultural Significance Research Articles

EcoLinguistic Insights in Nias Village Name: Unravelling the Dynamic Bond Between Language and Environment

Ecological structures hold profound significance in the identification and naming of localities within Nias villages. This significance underscores the dynamic bond between language and the environment, forming a foundational aspect of the local ethnicity. This study endeavors to delve into the ecological significance that underpins the naming of Nias villages, elucidating the intricate connection between language and the environment upon which village names are founded. In pursuit of this objective, the research engages with a purposive sample of 20 informants, representing 151 localities within Nias. Through in-depth interviews, valuable insights are gathered and transcribed to constitute the research data. Employing a descriptive qualitative design, the study leverages a semantic representation protocol to categorize data according to the ecological units embedded in the village names. The investigation's findings reveal that the Nias villages predominantly employ the Nias language lexicon. Notably, 55 villages incorporate the lexicon "hili" denoting 'hill or mountain,' such as "Hilimbana" ('hill-kapuk tree') and "Hiliweto Gela" ('hill-bees'). Additionally, the names incorporate ecological elements such as vegetation, rivers, animals, equipment, events, supernatural objects, and numbers. These names reflect the deep integration of ecological elements into the local community's cultural identity and highlight the rich ecological diversity of the region. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural and ecological connections in village names for the preservation of Nias Regency's heritage and the promotion of ecological awareness. Further research avenues include exploring the socio-cultural significance of village names and investigating the impact of language on environmental conservation efforts. Understanding the intricate relationship between language, culture, and the environment is crucial for sustainable development and the preservation of cultural and ecological heritage in Nias Regency.

Investigating Discursive Gender Representation in Pakistani English Newspaper ‘The Express Tribune’s Headlines: A Critical Discourse Analysis

Researchers have spent a lot of time analysing how western media discursively represent gender roles in their audiences. The purpose of this research is to provide some insight on the current state of affairs regarding the portrayal of women in Pakistani entertainment print media. It seeks to explore the discursive methods for the formation of gender discourse, to analyse the language devices used for maintaining gender inequality, and to determine the socio-cultural consequences of gender discourse in the headlines of Pakistani English newspapers. These goals will be accomplished by looking at the headlines of Pakistani English newspapers. The approach taken in this investigation was qualitative. The information was gathered from the headlines of "The Express Tribune," a newspaper published in English in Pakistan. Applying Van Dijk's CDA model of media text to the analysis of the data that was obtained was done. After analysis, it was found that gendered discourse was constructed by employing discursive strategies like semantic macro structure, local meaning and coherence, global superstructure, social cognition and relation between discourse and society. The findings of analysis also revealed that words were manipulated to create negative image of women in society. The discourse also attempted to propagate feelings of insecurity and gender inequality. The socio-cultural implications of gender inequality may be resulted in economic insecurity, domestic disturbance and imbalance in society. This study may be very helpful for the newspaper readers to understand implications of gender discourse in national English newspapers. It may also motivate future researchers to employ the framework of CDA to explore gender representation in news discourses of distinct socio-cultural significance.

Liminal strategies in literary studies based on the development stages in contemporary Ukrainian dramaturgy

This article explores the potential integration of liminal strategies into literary studies research, focusing on the stages of development in contemporary Ukrainian dramaturgy. The purpose of this study is to examine how the application of liminal strategies can enhance literary studies research, specifically within the context of contemporary Ukrainian dramaturgy. The methodology employed involves an analysis of various works and critical perspectives in the field, with a particular emphasis on identifying and understanding the liminal aspects and transitions present in the development of Ukrainian drama. The accent is made on the conceptual framework of "rites of passage" by A. van Gennep and V. Turner, any innovations in an individual's life and society require the navigation of three stages of transition – separation, liminality, and incorporation. Findings from this research indicate that integrating liminal strategies into literary studies research offers valuable insights and a richer understanding of the dynamics and transformations within contemporary Ukrainian dramaturgy. By examining the liminal phases of separation and incorporation in the works of Ukrainian playwrights, this study sheds light on the intricate processes of transition and the social and cultural implications associated with them. The practical implications of this research lie in the potential for scholars and researchers to employ liminal strategies as a conceptual framework for studying other literary traditions and exploring the transformative nature of artistic expression. This study contributes to expanding the methodological toolkit in literary studies, encouraging a deeper engagement with the liminal dimensions of literary works and their socio-cultural significance.

An intralinguodidactic reform of STEM English curricular design: a case study of scientific literature reading

To match the teaching demands of STEM talents with global competence, an innovative intralinguodidactic methodological approach has been designed and experimented in curricular constructions of STEM English education. In this research project, the construction of English reading course is focused on achieving the training aim of global competence. The aim of this paper is to develop a practical curricular framework of Scientific Literature Reading on the methodological base of intralinguodidactics. The object of this paper is to evaluate the intralinguodidactic curricular framework of STEM English course. The subject is to examine the effectiveness of employing intralinguodidactics as a methodological basis for curricular design. The relevance of this project has been proven by the teaching practice in three aspects: interconnection, decentration, and compatibility. The teaching practice proves that global competence is a set of knowledge, skills, competencies and personal qualities allowing STEM talents to develop communicative competence of a foreign language. And global competence is shaped by future careers of a graduate. Hence, the educational process of STEM English acquires a new meaning, that is, it becomes a process of the autonomous cognition and digestion of English information literacy materials entertaining professional and sociocultural significance.

Современная женская поэзия Петербурга: творчество Т. С. Царьковой

The aim of the study is to identify the themes, techniques, features and sociocultural significance of T. S. Tsarkova’s poetry. Several determining factors have been established for the analysis of T. S. Tsarkova’s creative work: this is a woman poet, a poet from St. Petersburg, a poet-philologist (not only by training, but also by profession). The paper is novel in that it is the first to introduce into scientific use previously unexplored materials, i.e. T. S. Tsarkova’s poems demonstrating a harmonious combination of the traditions of St. Petersburg poetry and the motifs of female lyric poetry. It was shown that the author’s poetic system is distinguished by a wide range of themes concerning timeless and topical issues, as well as the variation of stylistic registers. As a result, the main themes of T. S. Tsarkova’s poetic works were highlighted and characterised: lyric poetry related to purely women’s themes; philosophical lyrics; poems imbued with St. Petersburg themes; poems that emotionally capture the events of the era contemporary to the poet.

Apuntes para una representación político-escolar de la infancia en el chile del siglo xix

In this paper, we propose to investigate one common adult representation of childhood that will serve both to reflect on and to problematize current and varied representations. As such, our object of study will always be a representation and not a substantialist definition. We propose to analyze the adult concept “child” from a critical perspective by reviewing it through a historical lens—that is, as it is expressed in the political and educational world of 19th century Chile, which, in turn, we can glimpse in the historical writings of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento. To carry out this journey, we propose three guiding thematic axes: 1) how all school apparatuses embody, configure and assume a certain identifiable representation of “child’ and childhood; 2) an analysis of the characteristics and objectives of the 19th century Chilean school apparatus, particularly in its function as a government device, or dispositif; 3) just how that dispositif becomes visible to inquiry in the historical record, particularly in what it can reveal to us about the image or images of childhood held by adults. To be understood by adults as a boy or a girl in Chile during that period is communicated in the historical record through a myriad of diverse sources, each requiring consideration in its context. Magazines, syllabaries, school textbooks and children's stories configure different perspectives on and attitudes toward childhood, which in turn are associated with the social origin of these documents and the purposes they embody. The images, ideas and signs of interaction that appear in these school documents act cumulatively to reveal a cultural image of “child” and aid us in understanding the political and socio-cultural significance attributed to that period in the human life-cycle. And while we cannot claim to have identified how all adults of 19th century Chile understood and represented childhood, such documents do offer insights into the beliefs and assumptions of the political and ruling classes

The Bench - exploring exclusionary design through arts practices

ABSTRACT This paper takes point of departure in ongoing research into exclusionary design. Through design interventions such as leaning benches, steel spikes, water sprinklers, and barbed wire socially vulnerable and homeless people are kept from occupying and staying in public spaces in the cities around the world. Such exclusion by design contributes to “atmospheres of rejection” and affords new patterns of human mobility in the city. As the leaning (or otherwise modified) bench is one of the most predominant dark design interventions, this paper will single out the bench as one exemplary artefact to be explored. The bench carries both symbolic meaning, as well as it is a material artefact affording rest and occupancy. The design of benches and the positioning (or removal) of them are micro-installations that together with other urban furniture, makes-up the urban spaces as sites of congregation, exchange, and experience. The paper explores the bench on a background of three key terms: affordance, atmosphere, and material interpellation. The paper then turns to art practices in public spaces and illustrate how the socio-cultural significance of benches has been made visible by art interventions such as the “socially modified” benches by the artist Jeppe Hein. In the conclusion the paper draws out lines of enquiry for further research.

Celebrating the Past, Present, and Future: The Case of Odumu Music and Dance Among the Idoma People

Odumu music among the Idoma people in Nigeria has served historical, sociological and entertainment functions. Performed predominantly by male members of the society, female community members are allowed to participate in the dance as a mark of collective cultural identity and responsibility. Communality is a core community ethos among the Idoma which promotes individual expression within a wider communal space. This paper, therefore, examines Odumu musical performance from the angle of its socio-cultural significance as well as its reflection of anthropocentric impact in shaping the environment. In a specific sense, the paper aims to highlight the musical narrative of how the people have encountered and impacted their environment, and how such experience have shaped their cultural expressions using the instrumentality of traditional music and dance. The research adopted observations and interviews as field methods among the Idoma people as well as Odumu performers to obtain data for the research. Analysis of data obtained reveals that Odumu musical performance provides a space for socio-cultural identity, transmission of culture and re-enacting historical facts that promote communal bonding. Hence, it reinforces the larger social sense of belonging. This paper will be of benefit to environmental and cultural scholars by providing knowledge on the intersection of music, culture and the environment among less visible indigenous groups like the Idoma people.

REFLECTION GOOD NAME AND CORRUPTION BEHAVIOR IN INDONESIA FROM PROVERBS 22:1

This study investigates the relationship between maintaining a good name and the prevalence of corruption behavior in Indonesia. By conducting an exegetical analysis of Proverbs 22:1, which emphasizes the value of a good name, the research explores its relevance to the issue of corruption in the Indonesian context. The research explores the socio-cultural significance of a good name in Indonesian society and its impact on individual and collective behavior. It examines the perception of integrity and the role of reputation in shaping ethical conduct among public officials, business leaders, and citizens. The study also reviews existing literature, case studies, and empirical evidence related to corruption in Indonesia. Drawing insights from Proverbs 22:1, which states that "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold," the research highlights the moral and spiritual dimensions of reputation and their potential influence on mitigating corruption. The findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between a good name, ethical behavior, and the prevalence of corruption in Indonesia. The study emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and transparency to effectively combat corruption. It also offers recommendations and strategies for individuals, institutions, and policymakers to promote and uphold a good name in the Indonesian context, to reduce corruption and its detrimental effects on society. This study contributes to the existing literature on corruption and ethics by examining the significance of a good name in addressing corruption behavior in Indonesia. It serves as a foundation for further research, policy development, and initiatives aimed at promoting integrity and combating corruption in the country.

From soundscapes to societies: investigating gamelan's cultural impact through the socio-karawitanology paradigm

This article investigates the auditory environment, known as "soundscapes," created by Gamelan, which comprises a distinctive combination of instruments, melodies, rhythms, and timbres that collectively shape the sonic experience. Recognizing the significance of understanding the auditory dimension of Gamelan and its influence on Indonesian society's cultural and social fabric, we explore the socio-karawitanology paradigm as the primary research topic. Our objective is to establish a novel gamelan research paradigm by integrating insights from sociology and karawitanology. The research methodology incorporates data from international journal articles and proceedings while also incorporating additional sources like field observations, expert interviews, and active engagement with the local community to ensure a comprehensive understanding of karawitan and its socio-cultural significance. Our analysis reveals that the socio-karawitanology paradigm provides a valuable framework for exploring the intricate and dynamic social dimensions prevalent in contemporary societal issues. The research contributes significantly by introducing the socio-karawitanology paradigm, opening avenues for fresh perspectives and insights in the field of karawitanology. It fosters a broader understanding of the socio-cultural impact of karawitan and stimulates further investigations into the interplay between music, society, and culture.

The Persistence of Memory. Exploring the Significance of Glass from Materiality to Intangible Values

As a material, glass has been linked with knowledge and skill mastery for at least three millennia, reflecting the use of traditional tools and technologies inherited from the past. The history of glass speaks of know-how, technological transitions, and contaminations among preferences and raw materials. An increase in the awareness of traditional knowledge underlying the tradition of glass manufacturing has recently been observed with the inscription of the art of Venetian glass beads on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which has been recognized as a repository of knowledge and mastery of skills, reflecting the use of traditional tools and technologies inherited from the past. However, the potential that glass holds to rediscover the flows and exchanges of technological knowledge in the past has only been explored marginally, and issues linked to the intangible values and the socio-cultural significance of glass are still only sporadically addressed. This review aims to stimulate reflection on the diversity of the significance underlying glass as a material that has marked the cultural and technological history of man. This study will establish the foundation for a methodological reflection in the approach to the study of ancient glass that is intended to help uncover the intangible values that it is an embodiment for.

The Game as an Ontological Practice

The ontological status of the game, according to the authors, today needs a particularly thorough analysis, and traditional approaches to game research require a deeper methodological justification. The growing importance of game culture in modern social dynamics sharply raises questions about the essence of games, to which the previous paradigm, based on an activity approach, did not give clear answers. The hypothesis of the study is that the game is one of the oldest ontological practices and serves to identify the ethical, semantic, existential boundaries of certain everyday situations in which a person develops acceptable or possible behavioral strategies for himself. In this status, game is comparable to ritual and performs similar functions in social dynamics. The study used phenomenological and systemic methods with elements of the structural-functional approach and the method of logical reconstruction, as an auxiliary toolkit of sociological research was used, in particular, the focus group method. As a result of the study, the authors came to the conclusion that modern computer, virtual games act as tools for self-knowledge for users, and also serve to mark socially acceptable and unacceptable behavior patterns. Social reality plays a double role here. On the one hand, it forms a dichotomous relationship with virtual reality, which allows the player to form their own ethical principles related to behavior in various environments. On the other hand, social reality is a source for game plots, implicitly offering the player to treat it contemplatively and detachedly. Thus, the study revealed a new socio-cultural significance of the game in social and personal development. The proposed methodology for the interpretation of games is a universal method, with the help of which previously difficult to resolve issues, in particular, the phenomenon of ludomania, can be clearly verified.

Sociocultural significance of costumes in performances of traditional Yoruba Alarinjo theatre and their relationship to Egungun ritual

As an active force in the rich cultural ecosystem of performance in Africa, the Yoruba traditional Alarinjo travelling theatre itinerant masked performance is historically entangled with ritual practices that are specifically situated within communities and families through dress, ceremony and performance. Ancestors manifest themselves as enveloped masqueraders in familial and community relationships, through specially constructed material assemblages. These are charged spatial, movement-based forms, marked by their energetic performances in which the individual body of the wearer disappears into layers of fabric. Such practices are embedded in Yoruba everyday life and culture and nurture Alarinjo expressive theatre making. Rather than creating paradigmatic or canonical characters, the exchange between situated ritual and travelling performance has enabled a shared fertile environment of invention in which the fabric of the performance can provide a sociocultural weaving together of the community as performance and ritual reinforce one another. This study is aimed at examining the criticality of costumes to the performance of Alarinjo performance through the analysis of the sociocultural meanings in Egungun ritual from a cultural and situated perspective. Exposing how Alarinjo and Egungun ritual performances intersect in colourful displays of traditional fabrics and attires, their material performativity points to a role in the survival of this ancient performance practice at the core of Yoruba civilization.

"Consumer Society" as an object of Philosophy study: essence and social context

The subject of the study is the characteristic of the essence of the social phenomenon "consumer society" through the prism of the views of foreign thinkers of the second half of the XX-early XXI centuries. The philosophical and socio-humanitarian theories of the "consumer society" proposed by European thinkers are considered in detail, their classification is carried out and the conceptual apparatus is characterized. The author substantiates the thesis that, representing a dynamic and self-developing system, the "consumer society" invariably finds its reflection in various, often contradictory conceptual models. These contradictions serve as the basis for the development of alternative philosophical methods and approaches to the development of modern societies and the resolution of problems related to consumption. It is shown that modern theories of "consumer society" make it possible to comprehend not only consumer behavior itself, but also the diverse problems of society fixed by this concept, such as manipulation of consciousness, identity construction, the functioning of mass communication media, the socio-cultural significance of social reality. The author analyzed the evolution of the concept of "consumption" using socio-cultural, socio-economic, socio-philosophical approaches. An attempt is being made to define terms such as "consumer society" and "consumerism" more clearly and to trace the interaction of these terms within the boundaries of socio-economic transformations taking place in the modern world. It is important to conclude that modern concepts of "consumer society" make it possible to comprehend not only consumer behavior itself, but also the variety of social problems that are fixed with the help of this concept: manipulation of consciousness, identity construction, socio-cultural significance of social reality, the functioning of mass communication media, and others.

Use of deformation in the translation of a literary text: the diachronic aspect and interpretation approaches (on the material of the novel «Jane Eyre» by Сh. Bronte)

The purpose of this article is to consider deformation as a translation strategy, to study the classifications of translation deformations and to represent the motives for their use and approaches to interpretation. The diachronic aspect of the study is to compare two versions of the translation made in different eras. When perceiving Russian-language translations of novels, there is a sense of fragmentation, which is explained by extralinguistic factors. The relevance of the study is due to the high socio-cultural significance of deformation when creating a translated text. The scientific novelty lies in considering the deformation as a linguoculturological strategy, expanding the classification of translation deformations and studying approaches to interpreting this linguistic phenomenon. The material for the study was the work of Charlotte Bronte Jane Eyre and its translations into Russian, made by I.I. Vvedensky, V.O. Stanevich and I.G. Gurova.

Menarca, pubertà e riti di passaggio: la ri-definizione del (S)oggetto femminile in La ragazza di nome Giulio di Milena Milani (1964)

The article offers a study of the novel La ragazza di nome Giulio (A Girl Called Jules) by Milena Milani, which caused a scandal due to its alleged obscenity following its publication in 1964, by examining one of the central and most provocative themes addressed in the text, namely the menstrual cycle of the protagonist. Through her first menstruation and the related intratextual references, as well as considering the theoretical framework on puberty and the sociocultural significance of menarche provided by Simone de Beauvoir in Le deuxième sexe, the narrator’s search for identity leads to the definition of an autonomous Subject that distances itself from the socially defined female role as the ‘Other’ through the rejection of traditional patriarchal constructs and gender roles. By narrating the formation of a female Subject who rebels against the socially and culturally constructed role of woman-as-Other, Milani deconstructs the biological moment that determines the assignment of this role. By advancing a strong critique of patriarchy, the author stands out as an innovative feminist voice capable of assigning literary dignity to the menstrual cycle and its evident but unspoken socio-cultural and discursive significance.

Сomparative analysis of the development of world capitals

Knowledge of the history and future of the capital, the attitude of young people to the phenomenality of Astana, the role of Astana in the life of citizens of the kazakh country, its importance in the state are determined as an important indicator of the socio-cultural significance of Astana. Interest in the capital brought new genres and directions (philosophical, cultural, demographic, political science, sociological, historical and architectural) in the study of the city. The article presents a scientific concept of the formation and development of world metropolitan cities in domesticcultural studies (by types of world metropolitan cities, by economic indicators of capitals, by geographical location of metropolitan cities, by multicultural, architectural appearance, cultural cities). Also, on the basis of comparativist analysis, a description of the common important parameters in the development of capitals at the present stage (their structure as a capital, cultural and economic development, architecture, science and education, religious features) was given. In domestic and foreign studies, a critical analysis of the characteristics given to the socio-cultural phenomenon of the city by various branches of the humanities was carried out and new methodological directions in the study of the city (urbanistic, socio-cultural, social ecology, philosophical, existentialist, metaphysical, semiotic) were revealed. In the presented work, the first comprehensive analysis was made in the fields of humanitarian sciences related to the issue of cultural and civilizational formation and development of Astana.

Socio-philosophical analysis of the phenomenon of the capital in the national picture of modern Kazakhstan

The culture of cities is undergoing major changes in the global world space. The number of urban residents is growing rapidly in world history. Such circumstances lead to an increase in the interest of representatives of various fields of science. Despite the diversity of scientific research in the urban area, from our point of view, there is also not much information about the prospects of the modern city. The study of the phenomenon of Astana has an important scientific significance, as it increases the relevance of a number of theoretical issues necessary for the study: the importance of capitals in the historical destinies of peoples, the importance of Astana in the socio-economic, cultural and spiritual development of the country. Astana as a multifaceted phenomenon requires a choice of many directions in the research process. The capital is the center of attention of the world's financial capital and the power of foreign countries to our country, as well as a factor that can respond to them from the national interest. The article defines knowledge about the history and future of the capital, the attitude of young people to the phenomenality of Astana, the role of Astana in the life of citizens of the Kazakh cаuntry, its importance in the state as an important indicator of the socio-cultural significance of Astana

PETRO YATSYK − ENTREPRENEUR, PHILANTHROPIST, STATESMAN

Abstract. This article aims to popularize the ideas and practices of social responsibility of business, whose representatives are guided by the social values of culture, education, science as the main factors in the development of a strong democratic state. Petro Yatsyk, a Canadian entrepreneur of Ukrainian origin, is an example of such a representative. The article reflects the most important projects of scientific, economic and socio-cultural significance, the initiative and financing of which was joined by Petro Yatsik. According to researchers, Petro Yatsyk has funded projects aimed at developing Ukrainian institutions in the world and other charitable purposes in the amount of more than $30 million. Among them are the «Encyclopedia of Ukrainian Studies», created under the auspices of the Taras Shevchenko Scientific Society, the Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard University (USA), Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies at the University of Alberta, the International Ukrainian Language Competition (now the Petro Yatsyk Competition), the “History of Ukraine-Rus” by Mykhaylo Hrushevsʹkyy translated into English, other monographs on history, economics, political science, medicine, ethnography. Petro Yatsyk was awarded the President of Ukraine and other state awards for personal merits in building a sovereign democratic state, developing the economy, science, culture, active charitable and civic activities. Keywords: Petro Yatsyk, entrepreneurship, social values, philanthropy, Ukrainian studies, Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard University, Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies at the University of Alberta, Ukraine.

From values to valuing: an ethnographic approach to get a grip on the implicit disclosure of built heritage

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to map the process of (social) valuing by people encountering built heritage in their daily environments. Value-based approaches are not well researched and formalized in Flemish policy context. New questions and issues are emerging in relation to values-based heritage management and the (adaptive) reuse of heritage within a context of spatial development and urban renewal practices. This paper firstly focus on what factors influence the process of (social) valuing, secondly on the hybrid character of the process and finally at the conflicts between the values frames of the different actors. This way it also inquires the potentials of participatory design supporting alternative regimes of care.Design/methodology/approachWithin the research trajectory, the authors approached built heritage as a social construction and a social product, where there are as many stories as users. What heritage is and how heritage is dealt with, forms the basis of negotiation and valuation processes. An ethnographic approach was embarked on to get a grip on the socio-cultural significance of immovable property heritage in Flanders.FindingsThis paper describes the process of (social) valuing of by people encountering built heritage in their daily environments and offers an integrated conceptual framework for this kind of dynamic processes.Originality/valueNew questions and issues are emerging in relation to values-based heritage management and the (adaptive) reuse of heritage within a context of spatial development and urban renewal practices. This paper firstly focuses on what factors influence the process of (social) valuing, secondly on the hybrid character of the process and finally at the conflicts between the values frames of the different actors.