Symbolic Elements Research Articles

Teotihuacan, analysis of the city from an ethnohistorical approach

Teotihuacan, located in the present-day State of Mexico, is an archaeological zone famous for its architectural complexes and pyramids. The city is known for sites such as La Ventilla, Tetitla, Tepantitla, Teopanzolco and the Palace of Quetzalpapálotl, as well as for its three main pyramids: the Pyramid of the Moon, the Pyramid of the Sun and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent. The history of Teotihuacán is complex due to the scarcity of information about its original inhabitants, which has led to various theories about its evolution. The paper examines three key periods: the rise of the city (200 BC - 250 AD), the rise of the second power group (250 - 450 AD) and the apogee of the city (450 - 550 AD). During these periods, the institutionalization of workers and military power stand out, with symbols such as the jaguar representing the ruling power. The planning of the city suggests a meticulous design, aligned with natural and symbolic elements, such as Cerro Gordo. The city reached its maximum splendor with a population of close to 100,000 inhabitants and an influence that extended throughout Mesoamerica. However, its decline between 550 and 650 A.D. is attributed to a fire and internal conflicts, especially between artisans and rulers. Finally, the paper explores the Mexica interpretation of Teotihuacán, who saw the city as a sacred place where gods were created. This legacy has contributed to maintain the importance and mystery of Teotihuacán in Mesoamerican history

Analysis of Satisfaction and Characteristics of Using University Campus Gardens for Enhancing the Mental Well-Being of University Students

Background and objective: Recently, mental health problems of university students have emerged due to low employment rates and increased unemployment. Therefore, this study attempted to examine the effect of the characteristics of and satisfaction with university campus gardens on mental well-being and to suggest ways to create and utilize campus gardens as a means of promoting mental health for university students.Methods: A survey was conducted on university students and graduate students attending G University located in J City, Gyeongsangnam-do. The survey was conducted from July 1 to December 10, 2019. The survey results of 516 subjects were ultimately used, and the survey items consisted of general characteristics, satisfaction with garden use, garden use characteristics, and mental well-being. The survey results were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.Results: In the case of garden use characteristics, 'simple travel path' was the most common purpose of use, and the highest frequency of use was 1-2 times a week. The factor that had the strongest positive correlation with overall satisfaction was satisfaction with using the garden as a leisure and recreation space, and the frequency of use also had a positive correlation. As a result of examining the effect of satisfaction and frequency of use on mental well-being, it was found that symbolism, visual beauty, and frequency of garden use had a positive effect.Conclusion: In order for university students to use campus gardens as a tool to improve their mental well-being and as a place for leisure and recreation, efforts must be made to adequately arrange the characteristics of the region where each university campus is located and the symbolic elements of each university, to enhance the scenic beauty so that students can experience visual beauty, and to fulfill visual satisfaction by arranging plants or facilities with distinct characteristics for each season.

Territorial aspects and temporality on the distribution of monuments of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul

This study’s objective is to analyze cultural, material and immovable goods that are a part of the Cultural Heritage of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. In order to do that, a document and bibliographical review about the city’s cultural heritage was made. This study refers to monuments that, aside from being cultural, material and immovable goods, bearers of their particular immateriality, are characterized by their functions of guiding the community in the urban fabric, enhancing the city landscape, concentrating symbolic elements, and disseminating memory, which stimulate inhabitants and dwellers of a certain place in a way or another. Considering the stated content, it was possible to identify the existence of an irregular distribution of the 66 monuments in Campo Grande’s territorial space and, in what pertains to creation of new monuments, to observe that, over time, their production can be divided into six distinct periods, by taking under consideration factors of production, historical context and themes addressed.

Un burattino elastico fra illustrazione e animazione. Il corpo di Pinocchio nelle pratiche artistiche di Gianluigi Toccafondo

The essay investigates the representation of Pinocchio in Gianluigi Toccafondo’s artistic practices, mainly analyzing the figurative motifs. Collodi’s puppet is, indeed, explicitly at the center of several works by Toccafondo, which are interested in painting, illustration and animated cinema. Using his distinctive visual style, Toccafondo contaminates drawings and animations with cinematographic references. This is how the puppet takes the form of Totò while the Cat and the Fox take those of Laurel and Hardy. Through the analysis of the representation of Pinocchio’s body, the essay wants to capture and interpret a significant update of the symbolic elements inherent in the imaginary of Pinocchio in contemporary age.

Research on effective communication forms and characteristics of public service advertisements for nurturing parenting skills in China

This study is part of a larger research aimed at enhancing effective communication of parenting skills knowledge to Chinese parents. The purpose is to explore how to transform public service advertisements into effective training methods for Chinese parents by studying the media form, content expression, symbolic elements and other aspects of public service advertisements in China. This study documents the identification of effective communication characteristics of PSAs, in which advertisements in the form of cold and hot media have different sensory experience characteristics, their expressions of the central processing path, and the expression of the peripheral processing path of advertisements, which could be transformed to improve information transmission and are attractive to observers. The results found different characteristics in terms of language and nonverbal advertising content, which could create different effects on observers. This article mainly studies the different roles of different media forms, content expression, and symbolic elements in public service advertisements, as well as the communication effects of different forms of public service advertisements under different themes. The results have significant implications for developing a theoretical framework for the efficient dissemination of public service commercials and, consequently, for promoting happier families for developing children by improving parents' parenting knowledge.

Batavia Canal Segregation: Introspection for Jakarta’s Urban Space

This research investigates the segregation phenomenon that occurs in Jakarta through the lens of the Batavia Canal, exploring its historical and urbanistic role in shaping the social structure and spatial planning of the city. By focusing on developments over time, this study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of how the canals in Batavia, which characterized the city during colonial times, played a role in establishing the segregation patterns that can be observed today. The research methodology involves historical analysis of canals, literature research, and postcolonial discourse analysis to reveal the correlation between canal structures and segregation patterns in Jakarta's urban space. These findings were integrated with interviews and a participatory approach to understand local community perspectives on the perceived impacts of segregation. The research results highlight how the canals in Batavia are not only physical but also symbolic elements in the formation of urban space. Over time, these canals can become associated with social and economic divisions, creating inequalities in access to city resources and services. The implications of these findings provide a basis for deep introspection into Jakarta's current urban spatial challenges, demonstrating the need for inclusiveness-oriented urban planning to overcome persistent segregation. Thus, this research encourages awareness of the complexity of interactions between physical and social elements in Jakarta's urban space. Directed towards solutions based on an understanding of history and contemporary reality, this study is expected to provide valuable insights for more holistic, equitable and sustainable urban planning in the future.

Hicvi Ortaya Çıkarmak: D. M. Andrews’ün Pied and Prodigious Romanında Parodiyi İncelemek

In Pied and Prodigious, D. M. Andrews explicitly highlights that his novel is a parody of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and even apologizes to her for crafting such a novel. The author occasionally changes a few words in Jane Austen’s sentences while retaining the same syntax, thereby changing the meaning. He further adds symbolic elements, like pied coats and tall hats, to satirize the values of the Regency era in British history, thus both mocking the era and adding comedic elements into his narrative through stock characters, whose exaggerated characteristics are ridiculed. By exaggerating the basic characteristics of Austen’s characters, such as turning Elizabeth into Lizzy, a prodigy with extraordinary abilities and Mr Darcy into Mr Dicey, whose arrogance is magnified with his sense of fashion, Andrews takes a humorous approach. Although the literary genre of parody was historically disregarded due to doubts related to its value and originality, parody has recently been recognized as a unique genre that can offer fresh insights into the original works.

Between Colonial and Revolutionary Heritage: Contemporary Political Urban Landscape of São Tomé

This article tackles the subject of political urban landscape of São Tomé, the capital city of São Tomé and Príncipe. Its aim is to characterise the urban landscape of this city, which has not been previously extensively explored in international literature, in terms of political and historical aspects. As demonstrated by the results of the conducted field research, the contemporary landscape of São Tomé is a system of intertwined components, related to various eras in the islands’ history. On one hand, there are still many traces of Portuguese colonial heritage; on the other hand, there are also plenty of symbolic elements associated with the period of Marxist dictatorship of 1975–1991.

An Analysis of Moral Message in Movie “LUCA” Using Semiotic Approach by Roland Barthes

This research explores the moral messages embedded in the animated movie "Luca" by Disney Pixar through a semiotic lens. Literary works, including films, serve as a medium to convey messages that entertain and impart moral values. In a world where reading rates are low, movies become a popular means of storytelling. The study draws on Roland Barthes' semiotic science to analyse signs and symbols within the movie, emphasizing the moral messages they convey. The chosen movie, "Luca," not only garnered critical acclaim and awards but also offers an entertaining narrative with positive messages about coexistence between different beings. The research methodology involves qualitative analysis, specifically descriptive qualitative methods, focusing on scenes and conversations to unveil moral messages. Thomas Lickona's moral education theory complements the analysis, emphasizing the importance of knowing, desiring, and doing good. The findings reveal seven types of moral messages: honesty, a helping attitude, kindness and caring, courage and self-confidence, self-control, teamwork, and hard work. The study contributes to understanding how animated movies, such as "Luca," convey essential moral values. While prior research has explored moral values in movies, this study uniquely integrates semiotics, enriching the understanding of the visual and symbolic elements conveying moral messages. The identified moral messages provide valuable insights for individuals seeking positive behavior models in their daily lives. Future research could expand the dataset and explore additional films to validate and extend these findings.

ALCHEMICAL SYMBOLISM OF THE NOVELLA “THE GOLDEN POT: A MODERN FAIRY TALE” BY E. T. A. HOFFMANN

The aim of this study is to analyse the symbolism of E.T.A. Hoffman’s novella “The Golden Pot” within the framework of the alchemical discourse. The researchers employed historical-genetic, structural-semantic methods and the method of motivic analysis to explore the elements of medieval alchemical symbolism in the novella, namely: the motif of the hero’s initiation and his subsequent spiritual transformation, the symbols of snake, elemental spirits (salamander and dragon), manuscripts, blood, apples, garden, four elements, palm and cypress, as well as the symbolism of colour – red, black, white, gold and bronze. Results of the research suggest that the medieval theory of alchemy corresponded to the image of achieving creative harmony and spiritual transformation in German Romanticism.

Kinesic Component of Etiquette Formulas in the Communication System of Modern Society

The purpose of the research is to reveal the peculiarities of the kinesic component of non-verbal etiquette formulas in the context of the specifics of the communication system of modern society. Research methodology. The method of semantic and pragmatic interpretation, system analysis and synthesis, the method of cultural analysis, the typological method were applied. Scientific novelty. Peculiarities of the kinesic component of non-verbal etiquette formulas in the context of the specifics of the communication system of modern society were studied; kinesic elements were analysed according to the specifics of traditional label formulas; a significant load of facial and gestural behaviour, movements, poses, and features of their use in communication processes were revealed. Conclusions. The system of etiquette forms of communication is determined by the specificity of verbal and non-verbal, primarily kinesic elements of each cultural community. Kinetic elements of etiquette - a system of standard, stereotyped gestures, movements, facial expressions, etc. formulas used in the communicative process. They can include elements of etiquette symbols that appear both independently and in combination with verbal communication. The semantic load of kinesic elements varies significantly according to the cultural and social context. Kinesic elements of etiquette formulas among representatives of a specific nationality can be determined by the requirements of traditional culture of behaviour, national etiquette.
 Keywords: kinesics, etiquette, etiquette formulas, gestures, movements, postures, communication, cultural context.

Spectacular Latin

Abstract This article explores the role of the Latin language in the context of political performance and spectacle under Italian Fascism. We investigate the different ways in which Latin words, phrases, and texts are used as visual and symbolic elements of Fascist performances and how they are staged in contemporary media coverage. Specifically, this article focuses on three case studies: first, human mosaics of the word DVX; second, the use of a tapestry bearing a Latin motto in the context the fourteenth anniversary of Fascism; and finally, the role of a Latin foundation deposit in an inauguration ceremony for building works at the Esposizione Universale di Roma. Two main arguments connect the three case studies. First, we argue that the Latin language does not simply gesture towards Roman antiquity, but that it is used to evoke several different pasts at the same time. Second, we show that the Latin language has a range of affordances for diverse audiences, which are tied closely to the visuality, materiality, and symbolism of Latin during the ventennio fascista.

Semiotic Exploration

The research focuses on understanding the procedural intricacies and symbolic meanings embedded in the Nosafiraka Ngana Ri Toya tradition within the Kaili Doi Tribe. The primary objective is to comprehend the ritualistic nuances of the Nosafiraka Ri Toya tradition and articulate the significance of its symbolic elements. This qualitative study adopts a descriptive approach, employing methods such as observation, interviews, and documentation for data collection. Analysis involves data reduction, presentation, and drawing conclusions for data verification. The research reveals a five-stage process in the Nosafiraka Ngana Ri Toya tradition, elucidating the meanings associated with symbols at each stage.

Exploring Feminism In John Steinbeck's East Of Eden

East of Eden, a notably controversial novel by John Steinbeck, has been subject to diverse critical discussions across various approaches since its publication. The extensive range of themes and symbolic elements within the work contributes significantly to its critical acclaim. Steinbeck skillfully challenges universal principles by constructing a world rich with them. This analysis focuses on examining East of Eden through a feminist lens. By exploring key female characters, notably casting Cathy Ames as the embodiment of evil, and scrutinizing the dynamics between male and female characters, the aim is to delve into the novel's prevailing perspective on the expected roles of women in society and family.

Comprehension of international safety signs: A prospective technical workers context

An effective method for educating workers about occupational hazards is the use of safety signs in the workplace. However, workers' understanding may vary due to factors such as cultural background, familiarity, and training. This study aimed to assess the comprehension of international safety signs among participants representing the prospective technical workforce in Indonesian industries. Two groups of participants (n = 71), comprising vocational high school students and college-level engineering students, were involved to assess their comprehension of symbol elements, comprehension of complete signs, compliance intention, and familiarity towards a selected set of international safety signs. The study revealed that the complete signs significantly increased the comprehension and compliance intention of the prospective technical workers regarding the selected signs (p < .001). However, most safety signs under the fire equipment and safe condition categories investigated in the study had low comprehension and compliance intention scores (<67%). Conversely, signs under the mandatory and warning categories generally exhibited better comprehension and compliance intention scores. Additionally, participants in the study were generally not familiar with the investigated signs (<50%). The familiarity with the signs was strongly correlated with the comprehension and compliance intention of the participants (p < .001). Relevance to industryUnderstanding the findings, which revealed that the comprehension, compliance intention, and familiarity of the prospective technical worker participants with some international safety signs generally did not meet the standards, interventions such as training and redesigning the safety signs are highly recommended to minimize future adverse safety outcomes when they enter the workforce.

Crystal field, electronegativity and magnetic behavior of Mn-, Fe-, Co- and Ni-doped LiMgN half-Heusler: KKR-CPA approximation

This paper aims to investigate the behavior of LiMgN half-Heusler (HH) semiconductor doped by transition metals (TM [Formula: see text] Mn, Fe, Co and Ni). HHs belong to the [Formula: see text] space group (No. 216) and have a zinc blende structure that can be described by the chemical symbol XYZ. The research methodology utilized in this investigation involves theoretical analysis based on the principles of density functional theory (DFT). The studied LiMg[Formula: see text]TM[Formula: see text]N alloy displayed the half-metallicity behavior when TM [Formula: see text] Fe, Co and Ni. Hence, these systems could be a promising candidate in spintronic application thanks to their ferromagnetism. The principal contribution to magnetism in the full LiMg[Formula: see text]TM[Formula: see text]N alloys comes from the Mn, Fe, Co and Ni doping. The partial magnetic moments of these elements are significantly greater than the combined partial magnetic moments of Li, Mg and N. When comparing LiMg[Formula: see text]Mn[Formula: see text]N to LiMg[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text]N, 5Co[Formula: see text]N and LiMg[Formula: see text]Ni[Formula: see text]N, it is important to note that the exchange splitting energy [Formula: see text] associated to their spin up and spin down were discussed. The variation of Mn(3d) in relation to ([Formula: see text]) is larger than that of Fe, Co and Ni. Therefore, [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, there is a correlation between the magnetic moment and electronegativity trend of the TM dopant. Specially, the electronegativity trend ([Formula: see text] is well matched with the total spin moment trend, where [Formula: see text].

Cognitive neural responses in the semantic comprehension of sound symbolic words and pseudowords.

Sound symbolism is the phenomenon of sounds having non-arbitrary meaning, and it has been demonstrated that pseudowords with sound symbolic elements have similar meaning to lexical words. It is unclear how the impression given by the sound symbolic elements is semantically processed, in contrast to lexical words with definite meanings. In event-related potential (ERP) studies, phonological mapping negativity (PMN) and N400 are often used as measures of phonological and semantic processing, respectively. Therefore, in this study, we analyze PMN and N400 to clarify the differences between existing sound symbolic words (onomatopoeia or ideophones) and pseudowords in terms of semantic and phonological processing. An existing sound symbolic word and pseudowords were presented as an auditory stimulus in combination with a picture of an event, and PMN and N400 were measured while the subjects determined whether the sound stimuli and pictures match or mismatch. In both the existing word and pseudoword tasks, the amplitude of PMN and N400 increased when the picture of an event and the speech sound did not match. Additionally, compared to the existing words, the pseudowords elicited a greater amplitude for PMN and N400. In addition, PMN latency was delayed in the mismatch condition relative to the match condition for both existing sound symbolic words and pseudowords. We concluded that established sound symbolic words and sound symbolic pseudowords undergo similar semantic processing. This finding suggests that sound symbolism pseudowords are not judged on a simple impression level (e.g., spiky/round) or activated by other words with similar spellings (phonological structures) in the lexicon, but are judged on a similar contextual basis as actual words.

Adoption of Ritual and Poetry of Aláwòrò-Ẹkùn Deity in Combating Regional Instability in Nigeria

The paper examines the Adoption of ritual and poetry of Aláwòrò-Ẹkùn deity in combating regional instability in Nigeria. This was done with a view of projecting deity and its rituals as a means of resolving conflicts and instability in the society. The study makes use of in-depth interviews with four selected participants from Aláwòrò-Ẹkùn worshippers (one priests and three followers). These participants were selected from Arárọ̀mí-Ale one of the Àwórì communities in Lagos State. Audio-visual and photographic recordings were used for documentation of symbolic elements and oral performances at the shrines. The findings showed that ritual and poetry is an effective method to combat regional instability in Nigeria. It increases cooperation, trust and foster a sense of solidarity among neighboring communities. Also, it showed this deity as a savior that rescued people of Ọ̀jọ́ community in Lagos State and its environment from robbers, kidnapers, terrorist and the epidemic of 1935. The poetry becomes the means of communicating with the deity to fish out traitors and the aggrieved ones before sacrifices. The study concluded that Aláwòrò-Ẹkùn deity had played crucial roles right from the ancestral period by ensuring safety of Ọ̀jọ́ and Arárọ̀mí-Ale community. It also pointed to the fact that Aláwòrò-Ẹkùn deity is the pillar of peaceful co-existence and unity in Arárọ̀mí-Ale and Ọ̀jọ́ community. The followers were compelled to settle their grievance and grudges before appearing in Aláwòrò-Ẹkùn shine. If this is generally accepted, prolonged grudges or disagreement that may lead to instability in the community will be resolved and instability will be prevented. The findings showed that the adoption of ritual and poetry is an effective method to combat regional instability in Nigeria.

The Analysis of Food Symbols in the ‘Pakan’ Ritual of the Penan Saoh in Ulu Jelalong Community, Bintulu Sarawak

The Pakan ritual is a performance performed in the Penan Saoh Ulu Jelalong community to be presented to Baleik. The presentation consists of symbolic elements based on each type of food served. These symbolic elements are involved with the belief and cosmological system that surround the lives of Penan Saoh community. The main focus of this research is to analyse the symbol of food in the Pakan ritual from the viewpoint of non-verbal communication. This research used an ethnographic approach, and the researchers also participated in the ritual. The data was collected through an in-depth interview with the main informant, Vaie Jau’u, and other ritual practitioners. The research was conducted in Kampung Julaihi Penan Saoh Ulu Jelalong, Bintulu, Sarawak. The data analysis found that the food delivered to Baleik had its own meaning and could be interpreted through shape, colour, and the way it was presented. The food in the Pakan tray means love, gratitude, prayer, and hope for more sustenance in the upcoming year. The research also found that the ritual is still practiced to this day by the Penan Saoh Ulu Jelalong community and becomes the identity of its existence in the state of Sarawak.

얀 마텔의 『포르투갈의 높은 산』

The present study delves into Yann Martel’s The High Mountains of Portugal, a narrative that intricately weaves the journey of three individuals, each from different eras and age groups, as they grapple with loss and subsequently seek to overcome the resulting grief. While on the surface, their shared experience of family loss may seem unique, it echoes the universal sentiment of grief - a sentiment all too familiar to every individual. This analysis unpacks the three protagonists’ sequential emotional healing, illustrating the universality of the recovery process. Martel’s masterful narrative doesn’t just lay out their individual stories; it intricately divides a single overarching narrative among them, culminating in a meta-narrative that reveals the larger picture towards the end. Rich in symbolic elements, the novel extends a multifaceted canvas, inviting readers to delve into myriad themes and subjects. The layered narrative, combined with Martel’s impeccable story-telling skills, sets this work apart. By showcasing the intertwined stories of loss, recovery, and introspection, The High Mountains of Portugal emerges as a paramount literary piece, holding immense academic value.