Open Access

Article

Article ID: 3178

The concept of the universal folk culture by M.M. Bakhtin in the optics of modern times

by Olga V. Malyukova, Irina A. Martynenko

Cultural Forum , Vol.2, No.1, 2025;

M. M. Bakhtin, a 20th-century Russian philosopher and literary critic, brought his ideas about carnival and polyphony to the analysis of literature and art. And one of the unexpected examples in which the influence of his thought can be seen is the novel “The Life and Extraordinary Adventures of Private Ivan Chonkin” by V. N. Voinovich. The story of Ivan Chonkin’s life and his prodigious adventures presents an interesting and multifaceted image that can be viewed through the prism of some ideas of M.M. Bakhtin. The reader watches the miraculous transformation of the hero—from an ordinary soldier to a lieutenant colonel. The paper analyzes Bakhtin’s famous concept of the universal folk culture originating from the folk laughter culture of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The authors trace parallels between the ideas of M.M. Bakhtin and the ongoing adventures of V. N. Voinovich’s hero and illustrate their theses with examples showing active interaction between culture and society of different time periods. The lack of controversial discussions on the concept of ‘folk culture’ in the 21st century has weakened the depth of its theoretical application; thus, the article contributes to elaborating on this vector of study.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 3035

Human-divine communication in “The Nine Songs”: A symbolic anthropological perspective

by Chuni Zhang, Chuanmao Tian

Cultural Forum , Vol.2, No.1, 2025;

This paper focuses on the theme of human-divine communication in the shamanic rites in Chu ci, uses “The Nine Songs” as the object of study, and discusses the functions and cultural connotations of four types of symbols in the process of human-divine communication, namely natural symbols, animal symbols, artifact symbols, and behavioral symbols. Natural symbols, such as thunder and lightning, as well as the sun and the moon, reflect the reverence and worship of the Chu people for the natural world. Animal symbols, such as dragons and phoenixes, symbolize sanctity and dignity. Artifact symbols, such as sacrificial vessels and musical instruments, serve as mediums in the rituals and strengthen the connection between humans and divinities. Behavioral symbols, such as dances and singing, embody the ways in which shamans interact with divinities. These symbols not only enrich the artistic expression of Chu ci, but also profoundly embody the unique religious beliefs, cultural concepts, and social structure of Chu.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 2875

Neuroplastic narratives under scrutiny: A critical medical humanities investigation of brain adaptation, psychosocial stressors, and gendered subjectivities in contemporary speculative fiction

by Hamed Jamalpour, Zahra Jamalpour, Manzar Feiz

Cultural Forum , Vol.2, No.1, 2025;

This article examines the intersection of neuroscience and literature through a critical medical humanities lens, focusing on how contemporary speculative fiction depicts neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt, in relation to psychosocial stressors and gendered experiences. By exploring narratives that critique neuroscientific perspectives, highlight structural inequalities, and reimagine gendered experiences of neurological resilience and vulnerability, the study underscores speculative fiction’s ability to challenge dominant biomedical frameworks. It emphasizes the genre’s role in bringing sociocultural dimensions of brain adaptation to the forefront, fostering connections between scientific exploration and humanistic critique, and opening pathways for interdisciplinary dialogue.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 2787

Integrating topic-based and cause-and-effect approaches in geography education: A psycholinguistic perspective on cultural learning

by Nataliia Tokareva, Maryna Tsehelska

Cultural Forum , Vol.2, No.1, 2025;

This article explores the integration of topic-based and cause-and-effect approaches in teaching culture through geography at Interclass, a bilingual school in Ukraine. By combining these methods, students develop a deeper understanding of how geography influences cultural development while enhancing their cognitive and linguistic skills. The psycholinguistic perspective highlights how structured knowledge delivery supports students in processing complex information, fostering critical thinking, and strengthening bilingual literacy. The study demonstrates that integrating thematic exploration with causal reasoning enriches students’ learning experiences, making geography more engaging and meaningful, leading to a deeper understanding of culture through metacognitive schemes.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 2248

Digitized identities: A feminist examination of female authorship in China’s online literary sphere

by Yunyi Hu

Cultural Forum , Vol.1, No.1, 2024;

This study critically examines the identity construction of female writers within China’s burgeoning digital literary sphere through a Feminist Media Studies lens, with an emphasis on Postmodern Feminist Theory. Drawing from semi-structured interviews with 26 female online literature writers and thematic analysis of their narratives, the findings reveal that identity construction in this context is a diverse, dynamic, and interactive process. Key factors influencing this process include personal experiences, societal expectations, gender norms, audience feedback, and the affordances of digital platforms. The study highlights how female writers actively shape their identities, often challenging traditional gender norms and leveraging the interactive nature of digital platforms to negotiate their self-representation. Furthermore, it uncovers the pivotal role of reader-writer interactions and platform algorithms in shaping both their creative practices and their professional identities. These findings contribute to the understanding of gender dynamics within digital literature, offering insights into strategies for promoting gender equality and diversity in the online literary space.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 3155

The role of culture in mindfulness practice: A brief review

by Ioanna Tsatsou

Cultural Forum , Vol.1, No.1, 2024;

Mindfulness has seen a worldwide increase in popularity, especially within Western psychological and health frameworks. Originally grounded in Eastern traditions, mindfulness is frequently utilized in various settings such as psychotherapy, education, and workplace training. As mindfulness crosses cultural borders, its interpretation, manifestation, and effectiveness are affected by the cultural context in which it is situated. This review examines the ways in which culture influences mindfulness practice. A systematic review was conducted between the years 2000 and 2024 and 34 studies were included. Studies from diverse regions, including Asia, North America, and Europe, examined both indigenous practices and Western secular adaptations. Cultural factors influence individual receptiveness to mindfulness, the tailoring of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), and the diverse philosophical underpinnings of mindfulness across various cultural settings. Cultural values such as collectivism versus individualism, religiosity, spirituality and language profoundly influence the experience of mindfulness. Also, cultural competence in mindfulness enhances effectiveness and engagement. Nevertheless, risks exist regarding the appropriation of culture, misinterpretation, and the removal of context from traditional mindfulness practices, while promoting approaches that are culturally sensitive and respect both the historical origins and modern requirements. Indeed more cross-cultural research is needed as well as development of culturally adaptive models of mindfulness that balance authenticity with accessibility.