During the Three Kingdoms period, shields functioned both as instruments of combat and as symbolic objects. Most shields excavated across the Korean Peninsula were made of organic materials, and traces of lacquer and engraved patterns are occasionally observed on their surfaces. The principal motifs include circular, triangular, serrated, thunder, and swirl patterns. These motifs were composed according to consistent principles of repetition, symmetry, and segmentation, often combining two or three units to form a developed pattern. Such design rules demonstrate that shields were not mere defensive tools but refined craft objects imbued with symbolic meaning. Each motif carried its own significance. Circular and concentric line motifs represented the sun and heavens, sharing meaning with spiral motifs (wa-mun) on lamellar armor. Triangular and serrated motifs simplified spears and arrowheads, expressing both aggression and protection. The swirl motif visualized the “paradox phenomenon” of an arrow’s flight—where linear motion and rotation coexist—and corresponded to the bird motif (jo-mun), symbolizing wind, flight, and transcendence. Developed patterns emerged through repetition and symmetry, embodying order, balance, and unity. Such geometry reflected the collective discipline of warrior groups and the cosmic order of ancient society. The motifs thus served both ritual and social functions—as apotropaic symbols for protection and as emblems of martial hierarchy and elite authority. The shield motifs of the Three Kingdoms period formed a visual symbolic system bridging protection and ornamentation, utility and ritual. This study analyzes their types and compositional principles to explore how weapons embodied the symbolic perception of ancient Korean society.

The cross-fertilization of video games and tourism has expanded in recent years, with digital narratives increasingly shaping real-world travel behavior, yet the mechanisms linking mythological video games to pre-trip travel intention remain underexplored. Using the Chinese mythological game Black Myth: Wukong as a case, this study examines how digital myth narratives relate to overseas audiences’ perceptions of, and travel intentions towards, Chinese tourist destinations in a cross-cultural context. Based on a large corpus of YouTube comments, we integrate topic modeling, sentiment analysis, and interpretable machine learning to identify semantic cues associated with travel intention. The results indicate that multidimensional perceptions elicited by digital myth narratives are associated with a gradual evolution of destination image from cognitive to affective and then intentional. Cultural symbol perception, cross-cultural understanding, aesthetic appreciation, and emotional resonance show positive relationships with travel intention and appear as important predictors in the model. SHAP analysis further suggests a nonlinear threshold effect, whereby the probability that a comment is classified as expressing travel intention increases when overall perception reaches a relatively high level. Embedding the cognition–emotion–intention path within a digital game context, this study provides empirical evidence on destination image and behavioral intention in digital narrative settings and offers implications for cross-cultural communication and sustainable tourism planning.

In the context of globalization and digitalization of the global economy, the transformation of youth spiritual and moral values is particularly important for the sustainable development of society. Dynamic digitalization processes largely determine the formation of not only the moral guidelines and behavioral practices of the younger generation, but also the worldview agenda of young people as a whole. Moreover, content presented in modern social media is becoming a leading channel for influencing young audiences’ attitudes regarding spiritual and moral values. Therefore, the aim of the study was to identify the factors determining how young people perceive spiritual and moral content on social media. The research methodology included a neuroexperimental method, neuroimaging, and a questionnaire. The study was conducted on a sample of Moscow youth (aged 18–35) using modern Tobii Pro Lab equipment. The main results of the study allowed us to describe a three-stage mechanism for perceiving spiritual and moral content: the initial emotional perception of faces and symbols, the subsequent rational study of the central elements, and the comprehension of the image’s content. It was found that the key factors in perception are the human figure and the emotional state of the characters, while additional symbolism is a stronger trigger for repeated attention. The study’s findings demonstrate that young people are highly receptive to spiritual and moral content in the context of global economic transformations, provided that the delivery format is adapted to the specifics of digital perception. Furthermore, social media has been identified as the most effective channel for disseminating this type of content, taking into account the specifics of the target audience. The findings can be used to improve the effectiveness of programs promoting spiritual and moral values in the digital environment.

This study develops and validates a Perception-Engagement-Sustainability (PES) model to assess cultural understanding in digital immersion at vernacular heritage sites. Using Chengzi Yi Village in Yunnan, China as a case study, the model integrates cultural memory, sense of place theory, and system success theory to examine symbolic perception, emotional engagement, and intergenerational transmission. A sequential mixed-methods approach, combining ethnographic observation, expert interviews, and a user survey (n = 270), shows that cultural value perception is strongly associated with user satisfaction (β = 0.65, p < 0.001). Qualitative results further indicate that symbolic fidelity and spatial immersion foster emotional attachment. Unlike earlier models that emphasize usability or aesthetics, the PES model provides a culture-based framework that supports both meaningful interpretation and the long-term sustainability of rural heritage sites. While geographically limited, the study offers a replicable and empirically grounded approach for participatory and community-centered digital heritage design.

The article is devoted to the linguocultural analysis of etiquette formulas expressing wishes for wealth and abundance in Russian and Turkish. The relevance of the study lies in the fact that speech acts of wishing, as a significant element of the linguistic worldview, reflect the mental attitudes, national values, and cultural stereotypes of peoples. Studying wishing formulas provides insight into an ethnic group’s worldview, communicative behavior, and symbolic perception of material prosperity. The research material includes etiquette expressions and paremias that realize the function of wishing for prosperity and well-being. The aim of the study is to identify similarities and differences in the perception and linguistic realization of the concept of wealth in the two cultures. The methodological framework relies on linguocultural, semantic-pragmatic, and comparative methods, as well as elements of the semiotic approach, which allowed for revealing the system of cultural codes shaping the imagery of abundance. The analysis shows that in Russian tradition, attitudes toward wealth are ambivalent and accompanied by moral evaluation, whereas in Turkish culture, wealth is perceived as a manifestation of diligence, good fortune, and divine blessing. The main cultural codes representing the idea of prosperity are agrarian and material in Russian culture, and material, culinary, natural, and religious in Turkish culture. The findings demonstrate that wishing formulas for wealth not only serve a benevolent communicative function but also consolidate key cultural values reflecting the national worldview.

The article analyzes the communicative practices used by humans in communicating with artificial communication systems. The focus is on the unique hybrid nature of the interaction, which is formed at the junction of human expectations and algorithmic constraints. The authors show how traditional communication models are being transformed, adapting to new digital realities, where the interlocutor is deprived of subjectivity in the usual sense, but at the same time provokes complex and sometimes ambivalent forms of communicative behavior. The empirical basis of the study was 24 semistructured interviews, the analysis of which was conducted in accordance with the methodology of sound theory. The consistent use of open, axial, and selective coding allowed the authors to go beyond the simple description of speech tactics and conceptualize communicative practice as a special form of social action. The combination of deep empirical analysis with a theoretical framework made it possible to uncover the deep mechanisms of interaction, including the motivational intentions of users, the features of symbolic perception of artificial intelligence, and the entire spectrum of emotional response — from curiosity and delight to disappointment and frustration. As a result of the research, the key strategies used by users are revealed: from utilitarian query refinement and role-playing programming to emotionally tinged politeness and game experimentation. It is shown that externally technologically mediated communication internally reproduces and simultaneously transforms human communication models, creating a new synthesis of rational and social. Thus, communication with artificial intelligence appears not as a simplified exchange of commands, but as a complex, multidimensional process of constant adaptation, where a person builds a unique relationship with an algorithmically organized partner who occupies the position of an ambivalent pseudo-subject.

Mega-sporting events in China have long been utilized to enhance national identity and regional integration but their symbolic reception is different in different cultural contexts. The 15th National Games, which were co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, offered a rare chance to explore how sports symbols are used as psychosocial mediators of identity in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The purpose of this study was to examine how much the emblems, mascots and slogans contributed to the formation of cultural identity in the three regions. A mixed methods study was used with a stratified survey of 600 residents, factor analysis, multiple regression modeling, and thematic analysis of open ended responses. Results demonstrated that there were also distinct regional variations: Guangdong had the highest symbolic alignment (M = 3.81), Hong Kong the lowest (M = 3.06), and Macao an intermediate score (M = 3.50). The most significant predictors were media exposure (β =.279) and cultural participation (β =.208) whereas the pride in Guangdong, skepticism in Hong Kong and moderate acceptance in Macao were found in qualitative data. The implications of the findings are that although sports symbols provide a sense of cultural cohesion, the effects are not uniform, and culturally sensitive approaches should be used to enhance inclusive identity-building in multi-regional settings.

Architectural heritage, as a highly symbolized medium of cultural expression, plays a vital role in transmitting collective memory and shaping intercultural tourism experiences. Yet, how visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds perceive and emotionally respond to Chinese architectural symbols remains insufficiently understood. This study addresses this gap by integrating architectural semiotics with cross-cultural psychology to examine perceptual differences across three visitor groups—Mainland China and Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan (C), East and Southeast Asia (A), and Europe/North America (UA)—at eleven representative Chinese heritage sites. Drawing on 235 in-depth interviews and 1500 online reviews, a mixed-methods design was employed, combining semantic network analysis, grounded theory coding, and affective clustering. The findings reveal that memory structures and cultural contexts shape symbolic perception, that cultural dimensions and affective orientations drive divergent emotional responses, and that interpretive pathways of architectural symbols vary systematically across groups. Specifically, Group C emphasizes collective memory and identity, and Group A engages through structural analogies and regional resonance, while Group UA favors aesthetic form and immersive experiences. These insights inform culturally adaptive strategies for heritage presentation, including memory-anchored curation, comparative cross-regional interpretation, and immersive digital storytelling. By advancing a micro-level model of “architectural symbol–perceptual theme–emotional response–perceptual mechanism,” this research not only enriches theoretical debates on cross-cultural heritage perception but also offers practical guidance for inclusive and resonant heritage interpretation in a global tourism context.

Introduction. Psychology considers the economic behaviour of personality as result of the interaction of internal socio-psychological factors with the external environment. The psychological approach allows explaining financial decisions not only by the level of income or education but also by the symbolic meaning of money, emotional reactions and cognitive patterns. The article analyzes latest studies on psychological determinants of economic behaviour. Aim. To conduct a psychological analysis of socio-psychological factors in individual economic behavior. Methods. The study employs theoretical analysis, comparative review, systematisation and synthesis of information on psychological factors in economic behaviour. Results. The economic behaviour of an individual was shown to influenced by the indivual’s value orientations, monetary attitudes, and emotional intelligence. These factors acted as predictors of financial self-regulation or risky behaviour, determining the symbolic perception of money, reaction to stress, and strategic choices. Using a sample of students of technical specialities, it was demonstrated that psychological profiles were formed under the influence of personal values and emotional regulation. Conclusions. A comparative analysis of psychological studies on personal economic behaviours found that socio-psychological factors had the greatest effects on economic behaviour at the individual level, particularly at the economic behaviour of technology students.

This article investigates instrumental case comparative constructions involving names of human body parts, aiming to identify their ethnolinguistic foundations and role in representing Ukrainian cultural archetypes. Analysis of the examined material reveals links to archetypal concepts of humans and the environment, rooted in ancient solar and lunar cults. Animal and plant symbols in these constructions stem from traditions of nature worship. All analysed symbols reflect the archetype of the Great Mother, illustrating an ambivalent perception of the environment by ancestors and conveying ideas about the spatiotemporal and existential aspects of life. The study provides a semantic, structural, and cognitive analysis of these comparatives, contributing to a deeper understanding of ethnocultural perceptions of the body as a key element of national identity. The findings indicate that instrumental comparisons involving somatisms contain complex cultural meanings and embody archetypal models of thought. The formation of archetypal images in these constructions is influenced by the landscape, the environment in which ancestors lived, religious beliefs, traits of national mentality, and social development. Words used symbolically in instrumental case comparisons within the comparative agent zone are considered manifestations of the Great Mother archetype, representing the dual nature of ancestral environmental perceptions and encompassing spatiotemporal and existential aspects of human life. The analysis also identified a limited set of conceptual domains within the donor base of such comparisons, with a prevalence of inanimate references in constructing comparative expressions. These findings are significant for further research in the field of ethnolinguistics. Comparative constructions with the instrumental case illuminate the processes of individual symbolic perception of the world’s elements, expanding the potential of conventional perceptual patterns by juxtaposing phenomena from different domains of knowledge, even when they appear incompatible. The instrumental comparative enables the expression of complex thought processes in a concise and precise manner, condensing the text and enhancing its expressiveness. This facilitates the conveyance of subtle semantic nuances while significantly enriching the meaning of words, thereby making textual interpretation more nuanced and multifaceted.

This study examines the role of culturally rooted cuisine in shaping tourist satisfaction and enhancing the perceived attractiveness of destinations within the broader framework of cultural tourism. Based on responses from 289 participants, the research analyzes four core constructs: the culinary encounter, depth of cultural engagement, the symbolic perception of traditional food practices, and the educational dimensions embedded in gastronomic experiences. These variables are evaluated concerning their influence on both emotional resonance (affective response) and rational appraisal (cognitive evaluation) among visitors. Findings demonstrate that culturally rooted cuisine transcends mere sensory enjoyment, serving instead as a potent vehicle for cultural immersion and informal learning. Each hypothesized relationship is statistically significant, with tourist satisfaction emerging as the most critical predictor of destination appeal. Of particular interest is the educational value derived from food-related experiences—framed as the transmission of cultural and historical knowledge through cuisine—which simultaneously reinforces tourist satisfaction and enriches perceptions of the destination. The conceptual framework synthesizes insights from experiential marketing, destination image Theory, and scholarship on cultural consumption—the research positions cuisine as a dynamic and expressive medium of cultural identity. From a managerial perspective, the findings underscore the strategic importance of curating culinary experiences that are narratively rich, participatory in nature, and deeply embedded in local cultural contexts.

BackgroundIn an increasingly digitalized world, the impact of digital technology on sports consumption behavior is a pivotal area of study, particularly among college students who are highly engaged with digital platforms.MethodsThis study investigates how digital technology use shapes college students’ sports consumption behavior, incorporating emotional experience as a mediator and symbolic perception as a moderator. Guided by the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework and Symbolic Consumption Theory (SCT), data from 861 Chinese college students (511 males and 350 females) were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).ResultsResults reveal that digital technology use significantly enhances sports consumption, not only through a direct effect but also indirectly by improving emotional experience. Furthermore, symbolic perception amplifies the effect of emotional experience on consumption behavior. These findings highlight the dual psychological pathways through which technology influences sports-related decisions.ConclusionThe study offers theoretical contributions by integrating emotional and symbolic mechanisms, and provides practical insights for sports marketers and educators aiming to engage college students in digital-era consumption.

The process of developing software for controlling a robotic feed distributor is considered. For this purpose, a layout of the interface for mobile software was developed which will be implemented under the control of the IOS and Android operating systems. The concept of the designed mobile software is the ease of perception of graphic symbols, flexibility and logic of control, ease of use.

The article discusses the role of language in the making of Pavel Florensky’s religious and philosophical concept of an integral worldview. The author focuses on Florensky’s interpretation of religious experience as a result of symbolic perception of the world enabled by language. The article is aimed at systematizing Florensky’s ideas on language as an existential foundation of human spiritual experience. The author critically examines approaches to defining Florensky’s philosophical contributions and concludes that the significance of the linguistic concept in developing the idea of an integral worldview has been expanded.

BackgroundMaternal health remains a significant public health concern globally, including Nigeria. Despite concerted efforts to improve maternal health services, maternal mortality rates in Nigeria remain unacceptably high. Understanding the factors that shape women’s choices in selecting the place of birth could help tailor services and improve quality of care for mothers and infants. Therefore, our study explores the experiences, barriers and facilitators that influence where women choose to access maternal health services in three diverse Nigerian states of Lagos, Oyo and Jigawa.MethodsWe conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with nursing mothers and healthcareworkers (HCWs) in Lagos, Oyo and Jigawa states, and community birth attendants (CBAs) in Lagos and Oyo. We used maximum variation sampling to purposefully recruit nursing mothers in their puerperium who gave birth in different places. HCWs and CBAs were purposively selected from health facilities and birth homes. All interviews were conducted between September - December 2023. We used reflexive thematic analysis to generate themes across participant types and states.ResultsWe recruited 44 participants for this study, 25 nursing mothers and 19 HCWs. We identified five major themes: (1) Preference for safe, comfortable and quality health services; (2) Social diffusion and cultural/religious influences; (3) Physical, geographical and financial inaccessibility; (4) Symbolic perception of health facilities and (5) Misunderstanding of health promoting and preventive care in pregnancy. The main reasons for choosing a particular place of birth were the preference for safe, comfortable, and high-quality healthcare, as well as the perceived convenience and accessibility of birth homes within close proximity to the women’s homes.ConclusionsWe found women’s choice of place of birth is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. Among these are health system inadequacies, socio-economic factors, and the desire for comfortable and quality maternal healthcare. HCWs, CBAs, and nursing mothers emphasised these determinants as critical in shaping women’s decisions regarding where to give birth. This highlights the need for comprehensive interventions across policy, healthcare delivery, community engagement, and individual levels to overcome barriers, improve maternal health outcomes, and support women in making informed childbirth decisions.

PurposeThis study aims to shed new light on the effect of gift packaging shape, specifically the distinction between horizontal and vertical orientations, on the face consciousness of both gift givers and recipients. The underlying mechanism of the main effect is examined, focusing on the perception of social status symbols. In addition, downstream outcome variables were included in the study to explore the effects of gift package shape on willingness to buy (WTB) and word-of-mouth (WOM) in the giver and receiver contexts, respectively. Furthermore, these effects were repeatedly verified in both China and the USA, revealing the significance of cultural differences. The study also investigated the moderating effects of an individual’s power state (low or high power) on the giver’s face consciousness.Design/methodology/approachSix studies were conducted to address the research objectives. Study 1 compared the gift givers’ face consciousness of a gift when presented with vertical package shapes versus horizontal. Subsequently, Study 2 investigated whether consumers’ perception of social status symbols mediates the effect of gift package shape on gift givers’ face consciousness. Study 3a expanded the conceptual model to include the downstream outcome variable of WTB in the context of gift-giving. Study 3b was validated with American participants, revealing the influence of cultural background differences on face consciousness. Study 4 introduced a gift-receiving context to investigate the chain-mediated effects of gift package shapes on consumer WOM. Lastly, Study 5 critically examined the boundary effect of personal power states on the interaction between the gift givers’ face consciousness and WTB.FindingsThe results indicate that gift givers and recipients attribute higher face consciousness to gifts with vertical package shapes compared to horizontal ones. In addition, consumers’ perception of gifts as status symbols was the underlying mechanism driving the impact of gift packaging shape on face consciousness. Furthermore, the face consciousness for gift packages of vertical shape was enhanced when people were in lower-power states as opposed to higher-power states, subsequently leading to an increase in the WTB.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited to an online virtual brand study; future field studies could be conducted to enhance the authenticity of the participants’ gift-giving experience and the overall external validity of the studies. In addition, gender-based stereotypes and the relationship between the giver and the receiver (transactional or intimate) may also influence the relationship between gift package shapes and face consciousness.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of this research focus on three points. First, gift brand managers should strategically employ vertical package shapes to signal high-end attributes and evoke face consciousness among consumers, aligning with the psychology of both givers and recipients. Second, managers must consider consumers’ power states in gift-giving scenarios, tailoring packaging recommendations to the dynamics between givers and recipients to maximize market share. Last, cultural differences in face consciousness, particularly between Asian and Western cultures, necessitate that managers adapt packaging designs to respect and enhance the social status of both givers and recipients in culturally sensitive ways. These findings underscore the importance of understanding and integrating consumer psychology, power dynamics, and cultural nuances into gift packaging strategies to boost market share.Originality/valueThe research contributes to understanding the impact of gift packaging shape on the perception of face consciousness among both gift givers and recipients. It highlights the mediating role of social status symbols and extends its scope by examining downstream effects such as WTB and WOM. It explores individual power states as a moderating factor, revealing how personal dynamics influence perceptions of face-saving consciousness. Also, the cross-cultural validation of these effects in China and the USA underscores the importance of considering cultural differences.

Background. In the context of globalization and cultural transformation, state symbols play a crucial role in strengthening national identity and uniting citizens. Modern challenges, including information wars and political instability, necessitate research into the attitudes of young people toward state symbols. The article aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the perception of state symbols by Russian and international students, identifying factors that determine national pride and the level of patriotic consciousness. Materials and methods. The study is based on data from a questionnaire survey conducted among Russian and international students. Quantitative and qualitative analysis methods were used, including statistical processing of results and interpretation of data within the framework of theoretical approaches to national identity. Results. The analysis revealed that state symbols evoke a sense of pride in the majority of respondents, but international students demonstrate a higher level of attachment to national symbols. For both groups, the key factor of national pride remains the country's history; however, international students more often associate pride with national symbols, while Russian students link it to historical victories. State institutions are not a significant source of pride in either group, indicating a critical attitude of youth toward political structures. Conclusions. National pride is shaped by universal factors (history, culture, nature), but the cultural and political context of a country influences the perception of state symbols. In the Russian context, patriotism is oriented toward historical achievements, while in foreign countries, it is focused on national symbols and territorial belonging. To enhance the significance of state symbols among youth, it is advisable to use interactive educational projects and modern media formats.

With the rise of social media platforms, the traditional symbols of gender binary have been frequently challenged and subverted in the daily fashion choices of the Post 00s, with the emergence of a new trend of diversified gender expression and genderless fashion. This change not only reflects the gradual deconstruction of gender concepts, but also prompts more people to accept gender fluidity and express diverse gender identities through clothing through the dissemination of opinion leaders such as KOLs and KOCs. Based on collecting the history of the formation and evolution of gender symbols in clothing and collecting existing related research literature and analyzing it, this paper investigates how social media shapes the perception of gender symbols in clothing of Post-00s and the impact it has. It is found that the gender perception of the Post-90s is undergoing a profound change, and in the future, their gender expression will be more free and flexible, which will promote the development of the fashion industry and have a far-reaching impact on the gender culture of the society.

The paper examines which rhetorical codes are implemented by periphrases in the poetry of Joseph Brodsky. The understanding of the rhetorical code is connected with the symbolic perception of artistic images created in a poetic text. The study of the rhetorical code involves the analysis of the influencing potential of stylistic means, taking into account the genre features of the text material. The expressive and pictorial possibilities that rhetorical techniques possess are also due to a thematic factor, a communicative situation – a political event, a love twist, a historical action. The interpretation of the code contributes to the establishment of communicative relations between the addressee and the addressee, the author and the reader, thereby comprehending the pragmatic meaning of the work of speech. In the lyrics of Joseph Brodsky, saturated with allusions and reminiscences, the periphrasis becomes a semantic, transmission and transformative buffer that expands the cultural space of the work. The rhetorical codes of reinforcement, substitution and isolation help to understand the emotional state of the lyrical hero, the decryption of these codes explains the causes of frustration, loss and feelings of orphanhood. The article emphasises that the basis of the rhetorical code is the national mentality and linguistic personality of the author of the work; therefore, when interpreting the code, the context of history was taken into account when the poems were created. The rhetorical code is part of the cultural code. Free periphrases, which are often used in the poems of Joseph Brodsky, allow the reader to see a unique, special picture of the poet’s world.

In Ghanaian culture, our predecessors' perception of symbols and meanings hold profound significance, reflecting the rich cultural traditions and beliefs embedded in the society's heritage. The perception of symbols in Ghana's cultural traditions depicts the visual language communicating history, values, and identity. Symbols in Ghana are generally perceived to be merely decorative and not recognized as carriers of deep meanings, handed down through generations, encapsulating stories, proverbs, and spiritual beliefs. There is a need for indigenous communities to be involved in the creation and interpretation of cultural symbols, especially those inspired by Adinkra symbols in Ghana. This study aims to describe the meaning of symbols rooted in Ghana's rich cultural traditions by creating designs and meanings based on inspirations from Adinkra symbols. The study employed phenomenology and creative arts-based research methods under the qualitative research design. Personal interviews and focus group discussions were used in data collection, and participants were purposively sampled based on their experiences with the newly created Ghanaian cultural symbols. The study results showed the perceptual gap between the actual meanings of the symbols and what the respondents meant by interpreting these symbols through the lens of their cultural upbringing, historical knowledge, societal values and the new symbols as a continuation of Ghana's rich cultural heritage, bridging the past with the present.