Abstract: Dwarfism is a rare genetic condition characterised by short stature. In many countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, anecdotal evidence indicates the employment of persons with dwarfism as actors and actresses in movies. However, there are limited studies on the experiences of persons with dwarfism within an African context. The current study attempted to fill this knowledge gap by exploring the portrayal of persons with dwarfism in African... [...] Read more

Abstract: The portrayal of migrants in the media is frequently shaped by a variety of discursive strategies aimed at influencing public perception. This study examines the discursive strategies employed by two prominent Turkish newspapers, Daily Sabah and Duvar , and the underlying ideologies that drive the selection and utilization of such strategies. The theoretical framework guiding this study draws upon Reisigl’s (2017) model, providing a... [...] Read more

Abstract: This article explores the role of various media in shaping public opinion during martial law in Ukraine. The study aims to evaluate the extent to which media influences public perception, unity, and societal response under the conditions of military conflict. The research methods employed include content analysis of mass media materials, sociological surveys, and graphic and comparative analyses to measure media impact. The study is based on... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study investigates the ideologies and strategies used in the news discourse on Arab women. Initially, it aims to analyze the macro strategies and then highlights the micro strategies used to achieve the macro strategies proposed by van Dijk. It also identifies the ideologies of the selected newspapers regarding Arab women. Four newspapers were selected: the Washington Post, Daily Mail, Arab newspaper, and Gulf Times. The findings reveal... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study examines Sulayman Al Bassam’s adaptations of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Richard III, and Twelfth Night, analyzing how his reworkings critique political leadership in the contemporary Arab world and deconstruct the Western discourse on Islamic terrorism. Al Bassam utilizes the disruptive elements in Shakespeare’s original works to engage with issues of religious extremism, Western opportunism, and authoritarianism in Arab/Muslim... [...] Read more

Abstract: In the ever-smaller contemporary world, intercultural communication plays an increasingly important role. This paper discusses how to set the contents of a relevant package of university courses, which, while giving appropriate attention to practical solutions of intercultural communication problems, at the same time strongly emphasizes the final limitations of all human philosophical, religious, ideological, and even scientific... [...] Read more

Abstract: This article examines the coverage of migration topics in a selection of Russian newspapers with nationwide circulations in the first six months of 2005 and tries to answer to the question: how does the Russian national press represent people and features which are significantly different from so-called Russian character and national identity? The analysis is based on three main themes: immigration, the national project, and Russians... [...] Read more

Abstract: In this article the discourse of immigrants at different authorities is studied. I have collected data from different authorities, the police authorities, the employment office, the social welfare service and the social insurance office in a medium-sized municipality in Sweden. Persons, who in their working as professionals meet immigrants, have answered an inquiry about feelings and thoughts about their meetings. With the data from these... [...] Read more

Abstract: In this paper, I put into question the idea that there is an essential difference between intercultural communication and intracultural communication. After considering dominating assumptions and ideas leading to this dichotomy, I argue that communication should be explored in terms of particular instances of human action and reaction that are embedded in concrete life situation, and that culture should not be taken as a seamless whole which... [...] Read more

Abstract: Communication apprehension is defined as “an individual's level of fear or anxiety associated with either real or anticipated communication with another person or persons” (McCroskey 1984: 279). While many prior studies have investigated oral communication apprehension among undergraduate students, there has been little research exploring this phenomenon among doctoral students. This study applied qualitative methodology via observation and... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study examines audience interaction under a Finnish news article on Facebook, scrutinizing the influence of clickbait headlines and their contribution to Intercultural divisions. Utilizing positioning theory and the concept of ‘othering,’ the research enriches our comprehension of media framing, post-publication gatekeeping, and audience conduct in the digital realm. The comment analysis indicates that the audience primarily reacts to... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study examines Pearl S. Buck’s English translation of Shui Hu Zhuan (All Men Are Brothers) through a contextual, paratextual, and textual lens, with particular focus on her ideological positioning as a Western female translator depicting Chinese women. Grounded in postcolonial feminist theory, the research aims to explore how Buck’s bicultural identity and ideological stance influenced her translation choices, especially in the... [...] Read more

Abstract: Occidentalism has traditionally been regarded as a theoretical perspective through which the Arab “self” represents the Western “other.” Scholars who have made critical and insightful contributions to the development of the concept of Occidentalism within Arab literary traditions include Hasan Hanafi, Rasheed El-Enany, Zahia Smail Salhi, and most recently, Ahmed Shalabi and  Yousef Abu Amrieh. Shalabi and Abu Amrieh have proposed a new... [...] Read more

Abstract: Despite extensive scholarship on colonial propaganda, the use of postage stamps as tools of imperial messaging remains underexplored. This study aims to examine how Belgium employed postage stamps to construct and disseminate propagandistic narratives about its African colony, the Belgian Congo. Using quantitative content analysis, the research analyses a corpus of 149 stamps issued between 1894 and 1960, tracing how visual themes evolved... [...] Read more

Abstract: In the contemporary landscape of new media, social media platforms, particularly exemplified by TikTok, offer female users accessible and cost-effective means for self-expression and communication. However, this study reveals that such platforms, despite their apparent openness and liberality, have not effectively challenged or changed the persistent and deep-rooted issue of gender discrimination that women face. This research adopts a... [...] Read more

Abstract: Recent research on Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) has focused on the identity construction of agents within discourse. This study delves into intercultural communication through the lens of multiculturality and interraciality. Employing the CDA framework, the research investigates how online Filipino Chinese writers construct their identities and those of their readers, examining the dynamics of dominance and subordination in selected... [...] Read more

Abstract: The western Balkans are persistently grappling with its unfavorable inter-ethnic reputation. Although political toleration has been consistently proposed as a solution for inter-ethnic tensions, this paper argues for the adoption of the Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM) framework, offering a fresh perspective to an old problem. Rooted in the 'communication perspective', CMM provides a crucial platform for stakeholders to interact... [...] Read more

Abstract: This paper aims to examine how the Arab-British novelist Leila Aboulela portrays the distinctive relationship between her protagonist, Akuany, and the Nile in her recent novel, River Spirit (2023), set during the Mahdist Revolution (1881–1898). This study employs the geocritical approach to examine the interaction between physical spaces and human experiences, highlighting how landscapes influence identity and memory. It analyzes the river... [...] Read more

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to lay its prime focus on the support for creativity that defines the self-analysis of creative capabilities and potential among men and women. Benefitting from the cross-level interactionist perspective, social role theory, and role congruity theory, this research developed an integrated multilevel model to examine gender differences in risk-taking behavior and determine how the contextual factor of support for... [...] Read more

Abstract: Technology and society have been interconnected since the dawn of civilization. Literature has always served as an active medium to represent the interaction between these two fields. Fiction often utilizes technology as a backdrop for exploring societal conflicts. Science fiction, in particular, frequently depicts the complex interactions between technology and civilization. Nanopunk emerges as a significant genre within the realm of... [...] Read more

Abstract: This research paper, based on Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), aimed to uncover how the opinion articles published on Pravda.ru discursively depicted the war in Ukraine and the parties involved. To achieve this, two elements of CDA analysis, namely presupposition and structural opposition, were examined. The first element was scrutinized to determine how Pravda.ru depicted the war in Ukraine (RQ1), while the second element was analyzed to... [...] Read more

Abstract: Hall's encoding/decoding model has been widely used in mass media, but its potential in social media studies has not been explored thoroughly. To this end, this paper aims to broaden the fundamental principles and assumptions of the model and apply them to audience engagement and interaction in constructing cultural meaning through social media. By analysing the YouTube channel of Liziqi (Vlogger), this study adopts a two-stage content... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study investigates the framing of the Gaza conflict on social media in Jordan and its impact on public opinion. By employing qualitative methods, it explores the emotional, political, and ideological underpinnings of digital discourse through in-depth interviews with Jordanian social media users, journalists, and political analysts. The findings reveal that online conversations predominantly center on humanitarian and moral matters;... [...] Read more

Abstract: This sociolinguistic study explored the significance of language preservation through the use of indigenous forms of address by the Vhavenḓa in South Africa.  Indigenous forms of address are integral to the language and cultural identity of a society. Furthermore, they are indispensable in the preservation of the language and culture of any society. Ignoring the use of these forms of address can lead to language shift or even extinction. This... [...] Read more

Abstract: The practice of telecollaboration has gained traction since the early 2000s as a means of facilitating intercultural communication across distant locations. However, its potential to enhance learning motivation and the acquisition of intercultural mediation competence remains underexplored. This study investigated the motivational components influenced by telecollaboration and examined the potential of lingua franca telecollaboration to... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study aims to explain the participative actions of researchers (ethnographers) in synergising culture and values between Public Relations Officers from the Bogor City Government, West Java, Indonesia, and Islamic religious leaders in handling the Covid-19 pandemic through integrated communication. The research method used is organisational ethnography to identify and find sociocultural barriers between informants (public relations... [...] Read more

Abstract: This article explores the experiences of Chinese postgraduate students in a UK university using the lens of rhythmanalysis. This study goes beyond intercultural interactional moments and examines how intercultural experience is organised through temporal, spatial, and emotional rhythms. The data were generated through narrative interviews with four students, and narrative rhythmanalysis was employed for analysis. Findings show that students’... [...] Read more

Abstract: Among the animated series that became very popular and witnessed tremendous success in the Arab world is the Japanese Detective Conan, which was first dubbed in 1998 and redubbed in 2013 to convey Islamic values. However, the re-dub did not attract wide viewership and remained infamous among the Arabic anime community. This study is an attempt to investigate the differences between the two versions with a particular emphasis on technical... [...] Read more

Abstract: The collaboration between art and science provides a powerful avenue for addressing complex scientific challenges and fostering intercultural communication. However, the intersection of paleontology, surrealism, and paleoart remains underexplored, presenting a critical gap in art-science scholarship. This study investigates how paleontological inquiry can be inspired by intercultural surrealistic representations, focusing on the works of... [...] Read more

Abstract: The distinction between the Self and the Other is a foundational concept across disciplines such as sociology, philosophy, cultural studies, anthropology, and psychology. This study examines the dynamic processes by which individuals position the Self and the Other in intercultural communication, with particular focus on how people interpret artistic works from unfamiliar cultures through processes of categorization and identity assignment.... [...] Read more

Abstract: Pragmalinguistic (PML) failure complicates intercultural communication in both productive and receptive modes. This paper attempts to unravel the persuasive strategies used by Albanians writing in Greek and further record the overall suitability score they received when assessed by Greek teachers (n=176). A protocol sample of extracted persuasive strategies was created to be used for further investigation, with respect to their suitability.... [...] Read more

Abstract: Americans, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese ( N =250) rated 57 random proposed conversation topics on a five-point scale (i.e., very good, good, neutral, bad, very bad) to a same-culture, same-sex school friend. Five factors emerge and are characterized as:  Familial Biographical Data ,  Skeletons in the Family Closet ,  Small Talk Topics ,  Personal Information Topics , and  Intimate Relations Topics . For the... [...] Read more

Abstract: Traditional theories of intercultural communication often overlook the multiplicity of interpretations and the influence of power, materiality, and institutional structures on everyday interactions. In high-stakes environments such as asylum reception, communication is shaped by broader political, economic, and social systems that structure both professional practices and interpersonal relations. This study examines how intercultural... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study explores the perceptions of teacher educators at a public higher education institution in Alicante, Spain, regarding the implementation of gender mainstreaming (GM) in university teaching. Addressing a historically under-researched area, the research examines the impact of GM policies on teacher education programs and identifies barriers to the effective integration of a gender-responsive approach. Using qualitative methods,... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study aimed to obtain data from previous studies on the relevance culture of Islamic economic principles and democracy and welfare based on the Pancasila ideology. Our data search was conducted electronically on many international and national publications between 2010 and 2021. Furthermore, our data has been analyzed involving several techniques such as data analysis, interpretation, in-depth analysis of critical evaluation, and drawing... [...] Read more

Abstract: Effective intercultural communication is one possible way of improving intercultural competency and ultimately assisting an organisation to achieve success. Employees from different cultural backgrounds are required to adapt and accommodate each other in intercultural communication interactions. Therefore, this article sought to establish the effects of biographical variables on employees at a university of technology. An online... [...] Read more

Abstract: The study sought to elicit the perceptions of teachers and subject advisors towards the use of Khelobedu, which is a dialect, as a medium of instruction. This study followed a qualitative approach, through which data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 8 Foundation Phase teachers and 2 subject advisors in Mopani District. The study revealed that teachers and subject advisors are of the view that Khelobedu would benefit the... [...] Read more

Abstract: This paper investigates the interplay between language and intercultural communication with a special focus on the importance of working knowledge of foreign languages other than English for a satisfactory experience during longer sojourns abroad. Its authors present a revised understanding of the role of lingua franca English and a local language (here Polish) in intercultural relationships, especially the crucial influence of local... [...] Read more

Abstract: This paper investigates how foreign nationals living and working in Poland evaluate Polish colleagues’ communication in English and its effectiveness in international business. It identifies features of linguistic behaviour attributed to Polish business interactions. Five dimensions of cultural variability (directness, emotionality, power distance, confrontation, critical evaluation) are used as benchmarks and offer an observational framework... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study aims to examine the intercultural sensitivity (IS) of in-service teachers in Greece by providing a nationwide profile across the five dimensions of the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS). Addressing a gap in previous Greek research, which has largely focused on pre-service teachers, specific specializations, or geographically limited samples, the study investigates whether Greek teachers’ intercultural sensitivity is balanced... [...] Read more

Abstract: For a long time, Maluku civilization has been heterogeneous. It can be seen in differences in ethnicity, beliefs, language, and culture, creating conflicts. This research intends to identify and resolve conflicts utilizing local wisdom, particularly regional language, and cultural viewpoints. It is a descriptive qualitative study that adopts an ethnolinguistic perspective to analyze data. Data was collected through participatory observation... [...] Read more

Abstract: Drug abuse has been proven to be a mental disorder because of the heavy intake of substances usage controlled by the environment. Environmental factors play a significant role in drug addiction and recovery. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding environmental factors contributing to relapse and hinder motivation for recovery among drug addicts in Malaysia. Therefore, the objective of this research is to find out the impact of the... [...] Read more

Abstract: The purpose of the study is to examine opportunities in terms of the ethics of political campaigns based on the philosophy of local ethnic Bugis during the 2018 election of the Governor of South Sulawesi on Twitter. The study used a quantitative research design using a survey method. In the study, descriptive content analysis was applied to define the narrative of political campaign ethics based on Bugis's Philosophy on Twitter. The research... [...] Read more

Abstract: The enabling and constraining roles of social media in crises motivate a dynamic approach to examining digital resilience, inherent in the interplay between technological properties and enabling conditions. To expand the literature on how migrant groups navigate digital resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study uses the concept of affordances as an analytical lens to examine how high-skilled international migrants in China used... [...] Read more

Abstract: Culturally and linguistically diverse patients face an increased risk of developing mental health disorders due to pre- and post-migration stress and are more likely to experience unequal medical treatment and higher rates of misdiagnosis, contributing to a persistent treatment gap. Cultural competence training has been shown to improve the quality of care for these patient populations. This study aimed to develop and implement a... [...] Read more

Abstract: This article seeks to highlight the experiences and agency of KwaZulu-Natal women through the theoretical lenses of African Feminism and the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA), foregrounding intersectional dynamics of gender, class, and rurality. The paper explores how rural women negotiate structural poverty, climate vulnerability, gender inequality, and socio-cultural constraints while exercising agency in livelihood strategies. Hence,... [...] Read more

Abstract: Certain typical elements of ancient Egyptian culture have already become particularly symbolically charged. Even today, this sort of fascination for ancient Egypt and its relevant things still exists. Many different showing examples about ancient Egyptian culture in a variety of domains around the world demonstrate people’s continued interest in it. This article discusses a song which was composed by Jay Chou, titled “Snake Dance”, and as a... [...] Read more

Abstract: Rural broadcasting is an important tool for providing development-focused messages to rural populations. Research on this topic is necessary for creating informed proposals for rural broadcasting legislation. According to a bibliometric study by Evangelos M. Pallis of Hellenic Mediterranean University, the most common sources of research on rural broadcasting are M/C Journal, IEEE Transactions on Broadcasting, and Media Culture & Society... [...] Read more

Abstract: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are questionnaires used in clinical settings to provide information of a patient’s health status. In encounters with ethnic minority patients, translations of these are needed. However, producing linguistically correct and culturally congruent translations of PROMs is complicated. The aim of the study was to investigate the challenges of translating PROMs according to standard translatory rules. The... [...] Read more

Abstract: The number of immigrants living in Finland has significantly increased since the 1990s. It can be challenging to live and integrate into a new society. This study explores the challenges immigrants face living and integrating into Finnish society. Drawing on data collected from 103 immigrants living in Finland, this study shows that the challenges immigrants face integrating into Finnish society can be classified into four main categories:... [...] Read more

Abstract: The present study investigates how positive and negative intergroup contact experiences relate to attitudes toward multiculturalism and assimilation, and examines whether these relationships are mediated by intergroup anxiety, intergroup threat, and pro-diversity beliefs. A secondary analysis was conducted using cross-sectional survey data from a sample of German university students. Structural equation modeling was applied to test the... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study examines the negotiation of cultural values in Lombok Islamic boarding schools through an intercultural perspective. Its main focus is to analyze how pesantren become an intercultural space for negotiating cultural diversity amid modernization, using Bourdieu's theory. A qualitative approach with critical ethnographic methods was used. Data were collected from 36 participants, in-depth interviews with key informants, and document... [...] Read more