Vol. 1 No. 1 (2024)

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 1913

Chu culture-related romanticism and shamanism in Zhuangzi: A translation perspective

by Peihang Li, Chuanmao Tian

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

Zhuangzi is a representative philosophical classic of Chu culture, which contains many Chu cultural elements. This article selects some Chu culture-specific items, such as Kun 鲲, Peng 鹏, Wu Zhu 巫祝, Shenwu Jixian 神巫季咸, and Wu Xianshao 巫咸袑 from Zhuangzi to explore the romanticism and shamanism in the canon from the perspective of Chu culture, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of their rendering in the translations of the canon by sinologists such as James Legge, Herbert Giles, and Burton Watson. A new translation is proposed for them in this study to promote the cross-cultural dissemination of Chu culture.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 2306

From national park to cultural park an Algerian experience

by Mourad Betrouni

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

The status of National park was adopted in Algeria in 1921, during French colonisation, within the framework of the forestry law in force. It was renewed as is, after 1962 by independent Algeria and placed under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, in its general forestry directorate. In 1983, it was redefined in the first national law on the environment, then, from 2011, in that of protected areas, within the framework of sustainable development. All Algerian national parks are created under the forestry regime and agricultural administration, with the exception of a single case where they are attached to the cultural sector: that of Tassili and Ahaggar, both located in the extreme south of the Sahara, including the Tuareg customary domain of Kel Ajjer and Kel Ahaggar. A particular case, linked to the process of administrative construction of the Saharan space. It is following the adoption of  paradigm of sustainable development and a new law on the protection of cultural heritage , that this particularism has disappeared, with the introduction of a new legal category of protection, called “parc culturel”, based on the principle of “indissociability” between culture and nature, an innovative notion which has not yet acquired the conceptual force necessary to achieve the required stabilization and social appropriation, hence the difficulty of its translation into operational tools.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 2275

Ideal personality of Confucian thoughts and its contemporary relevance for education

by Yinuo Zhou, Tengteng Zhuang

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

Amidst significant transformations in both domestic and international contexts, as well as profound changes in China’s economy and society, numerous challenges persist in the realm of social morality, with social values becoming increasingly pluralistic. This paper seeks to examine the historical evolution of the connotation of the Confucian ideal of personality, explore its contemporary relevance and practical applications, and provide theoretical support for the creative transformation and innovative development of China’s rich traditional culture. By doing so, it aims to contribute to the enrichment and refinement of the core socialist values with Chinese characteristics, offer a cultural foundation for these endeavors, and propose an ideal personality model aligned with contemporary requirements to strengthen the moral construction of citizens. Drawing from the theories of Confucius, Mencius, and Xunzi on the ideal of personality, this paper delves into the historical evolution of the Confucian concept of ideal personality, with a particular focus on the theoretical interpretation of the principle of being “inner sagehood and outer kingship”. It systematically traces the historical development of Confucian personality theory, highlights the alignment between traditional Chinese cultural values and the core values of socialism, and investigates the integration of Confucian ideals of personality with the practical demands of contemporary civic morality.

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.