Journal of Arts and Humanities (JAH) is a peer-reviewed and leading open access journal in the academic discipline of arts and humanities. The scope of the Journal focuses on theoretical and empirical research in the broader fields of Arts and Humanities areas. JAH publishes original research, creative work, and critical discourse on traditional, contemporary, and popular issues in arts and issues in the field of humanities studies. Contributions in the field of arts may include artists’ writings, critical essays, historical documentation, interviews, performance texts and plays and book review. The journal welcomes the submission from the theoretical or empirical aspects of ... view the full scope Besides English, this journal publishes papers in French and Spanish language. JAH publishes 12 Issues per year in print and online versions.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms: Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
Screening the Vernacular: Algorithmic Empathy, Co-presence, and Publicness on Chinese Social Media
The proliferation of digital vernacular creativity on Chinese social media signifies a radical paradigm shift from elite institutional art to screen-based visual practices. This paper interrogates the construction of 'aesthetic publicness' through the dual, interlocking mechanisms of 'empathy' and 'co-presence'. Utilizing empirical visual case studies and longitudinal content analysis tracked to 2026, it investigates how ordinary users and digital creators transform individualized, lived experiences into shared affective symbols. The findings demonstrate that while empathy renders personal narratives universally perceptible, technological co-presence consolidates these individual affects into collective rituals via real-time algorithmic interaction. Concurrently, the study critiques systemic frictions within this ecosystem, notably algorithmic polarization, interface-driven flattening, and datafied aesthetic alienation. Ultimately, this research offers a culturally situated critical framework for understanding how grassroots agency negotiates power asymmetries and reclaims visibility within contemporary 'Digital China'.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zhaoshang Wang https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Arts Education as Epistemic Intervention: A Three-Level Model for Structural Integration in Higher Education
Arts education plays a fundamental role as a key factor in the cognitive, social, and professional development of individuals. Despite extensive evidence highlighting its transformative potential - particularly regarding the development of transversal skills - arts education remains largely absent from the curricula of non-arts higher education programmes. Drawing on Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences and Donald Schön’s model of reflective practice, this article examines the relevance of arts education in fostering students’ holistic development, creativity, and social engagement. The study adopts a critical conceptual analysis informed by narrative literature synthesis to move beyond mere advocacy toward theoretical clarification and institutional feasibility. It evaluates empirical evidence and institutional exemplars, such as the MIT Media Lab and Orquestra Geração, to discuss the possibilities and limitations of integrating the arts into broader curricula. The analysis interrogates the tensions between intrinsic humanistic values and instrumental justifications centered on employability and innovation. To provide analytical precision for future reform, the article proposes a three-level model of arts integration encompassing curricular, institutional, and societal dimensions. It argues that arts education should be understood not merely as a tool for creativity, but as a legitimate mode of knowledge production and an epistemic intervention that reshapes the university’s knowledge architecture. The article concludes with specific, actionable institutional recommendations, emphasizing that structural commitments - such as assessment reform and sustainable resource allocation - are essential for addressing the multiple challenges of the contemporary world.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ricardo Pinheiro https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Love, Confinement, and Structural Violence: An Intersectional and Decolonial Reading of Guillermo Arriaga’s Salvar el fuego
This article offers a critical reading of Salvar el fuego (2020) by Guillermo Arriaga through the lenses of intersectional feminist theory, decolonial feminism, and structural violence. Winner of the Alfaguara Prize, the novel exposes the deep entanglement of gender, class, and race in contemporary Mexican society. Drawing on the work of Kimberlé Crenshaw, Rita Segato, and Gloria Anzaldúa, the analysis examines how the narrative reveals institutionalized forms of racism, classism, and sexism that normalize femicide and domestic violence. The study also interrogates the ideology of mestizaje, demonstrating how national narratives of racial integration obscure persistent hierarchies of pigmentocracy and social exclusion. Furthermore, it explores constructions of masculinity within contexts of state abandonment and systemic oppression, highlighting how violence emerges as both learned behavior and structural condition. Through its polyphonic structure, the novel becomes a testimonial space where love and survival unfold within a necropolitical order. Ultimately, this article argues that Salvar el fuego articulates a decolonial critique of the Mexican nation-state by exposing how affect, confinement, and punishment are shaped by enduring colonial power structures.
Copyright (c) 2026 Maria Calatayud https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evolution of Bas-Relief Techniques from Classical Traditions to Modern Residential Space Design
The article examines the historical evolution of bas-relief techniques from classical stone and plaster traditions to their contemporary applications in modern residential interiors. The study clarifies how technical solutions from heritage conservation, digital modeling, and additive manufacturing expand the possibilities for sculptural wall decoration in living spaces. Within the research, approaches to cleaning and stabilizing historical gypsum and concrete reliefs are examined, as well as recent developments in digital bas-relief generation, ultra-high-resolution laser fabrication, and sustainable casting materials. Particular attention is paid to integrating these technologies into contemporary interior design, where bas-reliefs serve as decorative, acoustic, optical, and zoning elements. The aim is to develop a coherent model of continuity between historical practices and contemporary residential design. The article relies on comparative analysis of international case studies, technical reports, and design-oriented publications. The conclusions systematize practical recommendations for artists, designers, and conservators who integrate bas-relief into contemporary domestic environments as a durable, tactile, and individualized surface solution.
Copyright (c) 2026 Bohdan Bovt https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Cooperative Learning as Pedagogical Praxis in Ghanaian Theatre for Development
Theatre for Development (TfD) has emerged as a powerful pedagogical tool in African educational contexts, combining performance arts with community engagement to facilitate transformative learning experiences. This paper examines the intersection of cooperative learning principles and Theatre for Development methodologies through selected case studies from Ghana. Drawing on practitioner-led fieldwork from two community-based TfD interventions—Empowering Women to Reduce Child Trafficking in Senya Beraku (47 participants) and Promoting the Branding of Local Rice through Community Theatre Advocacy in Gomoa Okyereko (38 participants)—the study reframes TfD not merely as participatory performance but as a culturally grounded social learning system. Across both cases, learning emerged through shared inquiry, collaborative performance-making, reflective dialogue, and collective problem-solving, demonstrating that TfD functions most powerfully as an organized learning process rather than merely a tool for message delivery. The study also surfaces productive tensions: moments of resistance, uneven participation, and gender dynamics that complicate idealized accounts of cooperative harmony. The findings indicate that cooperative learning in Ghanaian TfD is culturally congruent with indigenous communal epistemologies, while acknowledging that those epistemologies themselves contain internal hierarchies that practitioners must critically navigate. This paper contributes to the growing body of literature on participatory pedagogies in African contexts and offers both theoretical implications and practical recommendations for enhancing cooperative learning outcomes in Theatre for Development initiatives.
Cooperative learning, participation, Theatre for Development
Copyright (c) 2026 DR EVANS ASANTE https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Attitudes to the Use of Artificial Intelligence in English Writing
This paper explores the attitudes of 192 non-English major graduate students towards the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in an English writing course in a Chinese university. Mixed method of a questionnaire and semi-structured interview was used in this study. The result of a questionnaires reveals that the 91% of the graduate students have used AI in their writing assignment. 93.22% of the students thought using AI had helped them to improve the accuracy, fluency and logic of writing. More than 70% of the students thought AI tools had helped them to accurately use grammar and expand their vocabulary. A significant portion of students, precisely 87.5%, believed that AI had improved the efficacy of writing. 86.93% of them held that AI tools had helped them to improve their overall writing abilities. In addition, the interview of 20 students shows that they all considered AI tools could give them timely feedback and assisted them to boost their confidence of writing in English. They could deal with more complicated writing assignments, such as research papers. However, they also encountered challenges of using AI. These challenges as well as the implication of this study in English writing teaching were also discussed.
Attitudes, AI application, English Writing
Copyright (c) 2026 Hongguo Xue, Ziyan Zhang https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Game of Gender: Dismantling liminality of religious identity in Alderman's The Power
This study aims at dismantling Naomi Alderman’s The Power in terms of the internal and external deconstructive liminality. This liminality is represented through two focal points. The first is the dialectics between the pseudo-religious identity of the rising feminine power portrayed by Allie/ Mother Eve in its binary relationship with the declining secular pragmatic masculine image depicted by Tunde. The second is represented via the narrative in the paratextual elements: the epilogue, and the correspondence between the fictional author and editor of the novel. This multilayered investigation tackles the text from novel and thorough perspectives not previously explored. The analysis reveals that the spiritual manipulation is viciously exploited to achieve Allie’s machiavellian end of ultimate power. Addressing women’s pains around the world -of different religious doctrines- accelerates the rise and success of the Day of the Girls. However, it turns to be of worse nature than that of men dominance. This is revealed and discussed through the editorial correspondence between the author and the editor. In all, Alderman, through her dystopian novel, is not against women rights, but she provides a critique of the harmful use of power and that it is not a matter of male or female; it is not a gender issue, but a matter of balance between sources of power and dialectics of complementation not conflict; an end which echoes not only the gist of previous enquiries of the novel, but also the premises of reality.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Rasha Saeed Abdullah Badurais https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
When Formal Criteria Fail: Judgment and Validity in Arts Assessment
Assessment in the arts increasingly relies on formalized criteria and rubrics to ensure transparency and consistency. However, in judgment-based disciplines, this reliance raises persistent questions about validity. This short comment examines the epistemic limits of formal assessment instruments in contexts in which evaluative judgment is central to disciplinary expertise. Drawing on assessment theory and humanities perspectives on judgment, the article argues that formalization can misrecognize expert judgment as error rather than capacity, producing validity failures that cannot be resolved through improved specification or calibration. The analysis reframes validity as an inferential problem rather than a procedural one and clarifies why judgment must be understood as an assessment instrument rather than a methodological weakness. The article contributes a conceptual account of assessment formalism that helps explain recurring tensions in arts evaluation and opens space for more defensible approaches to judgment-based assessment.
Copyright (c) 2026 Eugene Seow https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Kurdish-Iranian Tribal Carpet with Stylized Dragon MotifsIconographic Ambiguity and Cultural Transmission between the Caucasus and Western Iran
This paper examines a late nineteenth-century Kurdish-Iranian tribal carpet from western Iran, characterized by a Kharaghan-type border and a field composed of repeated highly abstract motifs traditionally interpreted as dragons. Through an integrated methodology combining structural analysis, microscopic examination, knot density measurement, and iconographic comparison, the study demonstrates that the carpet represents a hybrid product of cultural transmission rather than a typological anomaly. The analysis identifies a symmetric (Ghiordes) knot, hand-spun wool pile, and a relatively low knot density consistent with tribal or semi-tribal production. Iconographically, the field motifs show clear structural affinities with Caucasian dragon imagery and the tradition of Caucasian dragon carpets; however, when considered in relation to weaving orientation and compositional logic, the same motifs may also be plausibly read as highly stylized vegetal forms, such as calices or inflorescences. This semantic ambiguity, rather than weakening the interpretation, is understood as a meaningful feature of the symbolic continuum characteristic of Caucasian–Iranian and Kurdish tribal traditions, where zoomorphic and phytomorphic imagery often overlap. By situating the carpet within the Hamadan–Kurdistan cultural corridor (Fig. 7), the paper argues for a shift from rigid geographic attribution toward a model emphasizing iconographic transmission, transformation, and function.
Kurdish carpet; tribal weaving; dragon motif; vegetal symbolism; iconographic transmission; western Iran
Copyright (c) 2026 Gianpaolo Rosati https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Embodied Histories: Foodways, Gendered Inequality, and Decolonial Memory in Dream Count
This paper examines how Dream Count employs food and foodways as central narrative strategies for interrogating memory, gendered labor, class hierarchy, and African diasporic identity. Rather than treating the COVID-19 pandemic as its thematic anchor, the novel uses lockdown stillness as a sensory frame through which long-silenced emotions and intergenerational memories emerge (Adichie, 2025). Drawing on Fanon’s (1963) theories regarding the preservation of historical trauma in everyday life and Avakian’s (1997) feminist analysis of food as emotional labor, this study explores seven interconnected dimensions: sensory memory and colonial echoes; gendered domestic labor; classed taste and refinement; food as control and spiritual anxiety; pandemic-sharpened introspection; intra-African culinary difference; and communal meals as defiant acts of healing. Across these layers, food emerges as both an archive and a battleground—preserving colonial memory, exposing social inequities, and revealing the emotional cost of navigating diasporic belonging (Bogues, 2010; Sharpe, 2016). Yet the novel also highlights food’s restorative potential, showing how shared meals can facilitate the recovery of voice and community. Ultimately, this paper argues that Dream Count transforms everyday food practices into powerful narrative tools that illuminate structures of inequality while modeling subtle forms of resistance and renewal. Keywords: foodways, Dream Count, African diasporic identity, Adichie
Copyright (c) 2026 Afaf Mohsen Alhumaidi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Between Faith, Fear, and Survival: Syncretistic Protective Practices among Nigerian Christians under Violent Persecution
The escalation of violent attacks against Christian communities in Nigeria has generated profound theological, pastoral, and ethical dilemmas. The intensification of these violent attacks against Christian communities in Nigeria especially in the Middle Belt, North West and North Eastern regions has generated serious concern among the citizens who sees the government as helpless or deliberately complicit in the attacks, which already has a profound religious, social, and theological challenges in recent times. In response to persistent insecurity, displacement, kidnapping for ransom and targeted killings, some church leaders and members have increasingly resorted to traditional protective practices—often believed to confer immunity against gunshots or physical harm and also encouraged Christians to fortify themselves traditionally. This phenomenon raises critical questions about syncretism, Christian identity, and survival theology within African Christianity. This paper examines the turn to indigenous protective rituals among Nigerian Christians as a contextual response to incessant insecurity, persecution and fear. Drawing on African theological frameworks, the study employs qualitative theological analysis to explore the tension between Christian doctrine and indigenous cosmologies of protection. The paper argues that syncretism in this context is not merely theological deviation but a survival strategy shaped by existential insecurity and perceived pastoral failure. The study concludes by proposing contextual theological responses that integrate biblical faith, African worldview, and pastoral responsibility without collapsing into doctrinal compromise.
Syncretism, Christian persecution, African theology, Nigeria, insecurity, survival theology, contextual Christianity
Copyright (c) 2026 Olugbenga Olagunju https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Artistic Constitution and Viewer Experience: An Experience-Centred Framework for Contemporary Art
Contemporary art theory has long been divided over the conditions under which art can be said to come into being, oscillating between formal completion, institutional recognition, and viewer experience. In response to a growing body of contemporary practices that are conceptually intelligible yet fail to sustain meaningful engagement, this article examines how art acquires significance within concrete situations. Employing qualitative analysis and historical comparison, the study integrates canonical theoretical accounts with contested contemporary cases in order to identify the limitations of existing approaches when artistic experience fails to materialise. It argues that the constitution of art depends not merely on conceptual clarity or institutional validation, but on whether a work establishes an effective experiential orientation within a specific context—one that enables viewers to perceive its relevance. The article’s contribution lies in proposing an experience-centred comparative framework that foregrounds the role of experiential responsiveness in art’s constitution. This framework offers an operational perspective for analysing contemporary and public art practices, particularly in relation to questions of artistic responsibility and situational impact.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tong Bowei https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Mr. Rockefeller's Village at 100: Reflections on the First Century of Colonial Williamsburg
John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s restoration of Williamsburg, Virginia to its appearance in the eighteenth century was a major undertaking that promoted the values and ideals of democracy and representative government. Colonial Williamsburg is now one hundred years old, and it has set the standard for much of the work done in historical preservation and restoration done during that time. For the first time, a major benefactor sought to devote significant resources to promoting the architecture and cultural and political beliefs of the eighteenth century. Over the years, Colonial Williamsburg has changed from being a shrine to American values to a social history museum, dedicated to a broader understanding of life in the eighteenth-century capital of Virginia. This broader interpretation, which now includes women, African Americans, Native Americans and laborers, provides a more complete picture of life in the 1700s. Even with this new interpretation, Colonial Williamsburg still retains many aspects of its previous incarnation, and this previous interpretation inevitably shapes its presentation today.
Copyright (c) 2026 Anders Greenspan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Craftsmanship and the teleology of mastery: An interview with an Austrian luthier
This article investigates core professional and philosophical tensions within contemporary craftsmanship through a critically framed interview with Anna Wagner, an Austrian luthier. By situating lutherie within a theoretical framework that engages Richard Sennett’s humanist praxis, David Pye’s “workmanship of risk,” and Tim Ingold’s concept of material “correspondence,” the study explores the teleology of artisanal practice amidst technological proliferation. The dialogue reveals a definition of mastery grounded in holistic process-comprehension and ethical restraint—specifically through the “less is more” axiom in restoration. The article argues that the luthier’s work serves as a cultural intermediary, preserving the “soul” of historical instruments through embodied, non-replicable expertise that resists the accelerated logic of digital production. It concludes by identifying systemic challenges for material culture, particularly the validation of qualitative value and the pedagogy of tacit knowledge transfer in a market-driven environment.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mei-Hsin Chen https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Influence of Community on Identity Construction in Our Missing Hearts
In contemporary multicultural societies, ethnic minorities frequently face cultural marginalization, structural inequality, and selective silence, and such factors continually undermine their identity and sense of belonging. Our Missing Hearts, written by Chinese-American author Celeste Ng, dramatically portrays this predicament against the backdrop of a dystopian America: cultural suppression and state surveillance tear apart the identity construction of individuals and communities. This study employs community theory as its framework to explore how identity can be reconstructed through community within an unequal multicultural context. This paper aims to analyze community construction and its impact on identity reconstruction. Through close textual analysis, the study reveals differences between institutionalized communities and spontaneous communities in terms of normative control and creative participation; altruism manifests not only in material actions but also exerts influence at cultural and spiritual levels; and a sense of belonging is reconstructed through the interaction between individuals and cultural communities, all of which make a difference for identity reconstruction. This paper reveals that individual identity is profoundly shaped by multi-cultures, particularly mainstream culture, yet community provides crucial ethical spaces for minority groups to reconstruct their identities.
Copyright (c) 2025 Chonglin Yan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploration of the Social Development Priorities of Urban People in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Understanding the social development priorities of urban residents has been a focus of both national and international agendas for many years. However, this agenda is often overlooked in many developing countries, where numerous individuals remain poorly connected and marginalised. The study aimed to investigate the social development priorities of urban dwellers in Zanzibar. An exploratory qualitative approach, including interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs), was employed. The sample consisted of 203 key informants selected from five groups: religious leaders, politicians, urban traders, public servants, and youths. The research utilised thematic and content analysis to identify the social development priorities of each group. Findings indicate that social development priorities vary among religious leaders, political leaders, urban traders, public servants, and youths. These differences depend on their respective cultural, economic, and political contexts. The study's findings significantly contribute to the literature by deepening the understanding of people’s social development priorities in urban areas and add value to the existing knowledge of perceived social development priorities. Specifically, the study's results will serve as a roadmap for political, social, and economic development policies that accommodate the diverse cultures present in urban areas.
Copyright (c) 2026 nassir nassor https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Gender, Agriculture, and Rural Development: Empowering Women through Tomato Farming in Agortime-Ziope District, Volta Region
This study explores the role of rural women in tomato farming as a strategy for economic empowerment and community development in the Agortime-Ziope District of Ghana. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving structured questionnaires with 90 women farmers, focus group discussions, and interviews with agricultural extension officers. The findings revealed that tomato farming contributes significantly to household income, food security, and women’s participation in local decision-making. However, challenges such as limited access to land, credit, and markets constrain productivity. Statistical analysis, including Chi-Square tests, showed a strong association between land ownership and income levels, as well as between cooperative membership and leadership participation. The study concludes that empowering women through secure land access and cooperative engagement enhances both individual livelihoods and community transformation. Policy recommendations include gender-responsive land reforms and support for women-led agricultural cooperatives.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mr. Richard, Mr. Delali https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Examining the Relationships Between Emotional Well-Being, Social Well-being, Self-Esteem, and Home Environment in a Sample of Children and Adolescents with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Emotional well-being (EWB), self-esteem, social well-being, and home environment are closely interconnected concepts in child development literature, yet these relationships remain understudied among children and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The present study examined the extent to which self-esteem, social well-being (friends), and home environment (parents) predicted EWB in a sample of 43 children and adolescents with IDD, ages 5–21. Data were collected at two time points during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of multiple regression analyses revealed that at Time 1 and Time 2, both self-esteem and home environment were significant positive predictors of EWB. More importantly, home environment emerged as the strongest predictor of EWB, controlling for self-esteem, friends, age, and gender at Time 2. These findings underscore the crucial role of family functioning in fostering EWB among individuals with IDD. Contrary to theoretical expectations, friends were not predictive of EWB, suggesting that the social experiences of children with IDD may differ from those of their neurotypical peers. The results highlight the importance of strengthening family bonds to support the emotional well-being of individuals with IDD, also underscoring the need for future research in this area.
intellectual and developmental disabilities
Copyright (c) 2026 Hannah Lydiatt, Shaghayegh Sheri McVay, Dr. Jonathan Santo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Negotiating boundaries: Tanztheater, DV8 and the politics of embodied risk in Physical Theatre
This article examines the legacy of Pina Bausch’s Tanztheater in shaping DV8 Physical Theatre and argues that DV8 developed a politics of embodied risk that has been central to the development of physical theatre in the United Kingdom. The establishment of DV8 in 1986 brought public recognition to the form and defined it as a distinctive practice within contemporary performance. Methodologically, the study combines historiographic research into Ausdruckstanz and Tanztheater, performance analysis of works such as Dead Dreams of Monochrome Men (1988), Enter Achilles (1995), and MSM (Men who have Sex with Men) (1993), and practice-based reflection on rehearsal processes and improvisation. The analysis shows how DV8 inherited and extended Bausch’s innovations: risk-taking in both physical expression and thematic content, the conception of the performer as a thinking and feeling subject, and the integration of spoken language with movement. By redefining choreography around individuality, everyday gesture and socially engaged themes, DV8 advanced physical theatre as an intellectually provocative and politically resonant form that clarifies the term’s genealogical and aesthetic stakes.
Copyright (c) 2025 YOU LYU https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Socio-Semiotic Aspects of Jordanian Identity in Prince Hussein's RoyalWedding Festivities
This sociolinguistic-oriented paper is primarily intended to explore major aspects of Jordanian identity as represented in Crown Prince Hussein's wedding festivities, as they were best exemplified in several culturally encoded genres such as traditional folk songs, dances, and costumes. The population of the Kingdom of Jordan, spread over twelve governorates, boosts cultural diversity as a sign of sociocultural unity and solidarity on the one hand, as well as having some unique local sub-identities on the other hand. The wedding celebrations for Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa lasted over three weeks. These events highlighted a clear effort to bring together Jordanian folklore. They embodied the nation’s rich and united heritage during this significant occasion. Also,this study addresses three core questions, how do traditional performances at the royal wedding symbolize Jordanian identity? What meanings do these cultural elements hold within Jordanian heritage? And finally, how are they perceived across different demographics. In this research, a mixed-method approach was implemented, combining qualitative observational research with quantitative survey techniques to examine the role of folklore in shaping national identity in Jordan, focusing on the royal wedding of Crown Prince Hussein. Furthermore, The researchers adopt Peirce’s Triadic model (1960) and Fishman’s Domain theory (1971). to analyze the symbolic and linguistic dimensions of the festivities. The sociolinguistic dimensions of Jordanian identity that emerged during these royal celebrations were analyzed by collecting scenes, observing the prominent cultural features of these events, and analyzing them contextually. Findings demonstrates that traditional songs, dances, and costumes were served as powerful tools for expressing national identity, fostering unity, and supporting cultural pride. This research paper primarily aimed to examine the symbolic meanings that were associated with songs, dances, and costumes at royal weddings, with a particular focus on the manifestations of identity during these celebrations. It also analyzed the visual elements that reinforced these cultural components, how these celebrations combined modernity with traditional rituals, and how they reflected national identity, unity, and the preservation of heritage.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rand AlBzour, Marina Beiruty https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Designing a Dynamic Institutional Identity System: The Arab Open University–Jordan Across Nine Countries
As universities expand across regions and platforms, the demand for flexible and culturally adaptive visual identities continues to grow. This study aims to develop a dynamic logo system for the Arab Open University (AOU), which operates across nine countries. The objective is to create a unified yet culturally responsive design framework that enhances institutional branding and visibility at the faculty level. The scope of the research centers on the faculties within AOU, with particular emphasis on balancing coherence and localization in visual identity. The study targets faculty-level visual branding needs across nine AOU country branches, recognizing the importance of both unity and cultural distinction in institutional image-making. Employing a design-based research methodology, the study analyzed cultural symbols, academic disciplines, and national elements to guide the creation of a dynamic visual identity system. Logos were developed in both Arabic and English, and in horizontal and vertical formats, ensuring usability across digital, print, and physical applications. Implementation began with the Graphic and Multimedia Design Department at AOU’s Jordan branch, which piloted the system through branded social media platforms. Findings show that dynamic logo systems effectively enhance institutional identity, accommodate cultural diversity, and reinforce cohesion across decentralized academic environments. This research is the first documented academic initiative in the Arab world to develop and implement a comprehensive faculty-level dynamic logo system, making it a pioneering contribution to the field of higher education branding. It also provides a scalable model for multi-national universities seeking to modernize and unify their visual identity systems..
Dynamic identity systems, visual communication, modular branding, multinational institutions, institutional identity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shahd Humaid , Bahaa Mustafa, Reham Al Dokhi , Abeer Ibrahim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Examining the Impact of Bullying on West African Adolescents' Mental Health: The Role of Peers and Parental Support
Bullying presents a substantial threat to adolescents’ mental health. Yet, despite its status as a major global health issue, research in this area has largely been limited to Western cultures. This is unfortunate since approximately 90% of children and adolescents live in nations classified as low- and middle-income. To increase global representation, the current study utilized cross-sectional data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) and examined the relationship between being bullied, number of friends, and the association with vulnerability to mental health issues. Additionally, the moderating effect of parental support on the relationship between peer help and vulnerability to mental health issues was assessed. The participants were 2,536 adolescents from Benin, West Africa. The results of structural equation modeling suggested that being bullied was associated with increased vulnerability to mental health problems, whereas having more friends was associated with less vulnerability. Furthermore, the model depicting the buffering effect of parental support explained a significant portion of variability in vulnerability to mental health issues. Such that, at low levels of peer help, parental support was associated with a decrease in vulnerability to mental health issues. The discussion section offers future directions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sheri McVay, Jon Santo, Oluronke Ajayi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Study of Morphological, Structure of Art and DNA of Antique Carved Rhinoceros Horns
This article aimed to study the art history to analyze antique carved rhinoceros horns combined with the morphology and DNA testing cytochrome b DNA barcoding using the PCR technique. The hypothesis is that DNA extracted from ancient rhinoceros horn tissue has complete DNA strand integrity and could be amplified to create a DNA profile. The results of the study found that art history and morphology analysis can be examined in antique carved rhinoceros horn considering, the structure of art such as lines, form, color, and space, because the carvings are designed and the shape of the artwork is adjusted according to the rhinoceros horn morphology. Meanwhile, the symbolic interpretations of antique carved rhinoceros horn can explain the lifestyles of the people at the time they were created. Including being able to explain changes and developments in culture, traditions, and beliefs in each era. Next, the DNA analysis of antique rhinoceros horns carved using DNA barcode techniques from 8 samples was able to confirm only 1 sample as white rhinoceros DNA, which is 12.5% of the total sample. Therefore, the research results can be concluded to reject the hypothesis because the tissue from the ancient carved rhinoceros horn could not be tested for DNA.
Copyright (c) 2025 Teeputai Saengas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Promoting positive youth development in Hong Kong: A participatory action approach to youth-led and art-based learning
In this study, the effect of positive youth development on collaborative fashion design programmes was examined through the example of the ‘Stitchable Chinese Art’ fashion design competition and fashion show 2024, co-organised by the Arts Education Section of Hong Kong Education Bureau’s Curriculum Development Institute and the School of Fashion and Textiles of Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Student attitudes were quantitatively evaluated before and after participating in the competition’s workshops and fashion show. The results indicated that collaborative fashion design activities had a positive impact on youth development, particularly by enhancing the confidence and caring domains of the 5Cs framework.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Jin Lam, Dr. Chupo Ho, Miss Yunqiu Liu, Dr. Joe Au https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Gender-Based Perspectives on the Effectiveness of Instructional Methods in Teaching Social Studies for National Development in Ghanaian Senior High Schools
This study examines gender-based perspectives on the effectiveness of instructional methods employed in teaching Social Studies for national development in Ghanaian Senior High Schools. Anchored in Social Constructivism and the Pedagogical Effectiveness Theory, the research adopts a quantitative, descriptive survey design involving 245 teachers (163 males and 82 females) in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana. Results indicate a shared perception among both male and female teachers that current instructional methods such as group work, discussions, and inquiry-based strategies are generally effective in fostering critical thinking and aligning with national development goals. Nonetheless, a majority of respondents expressed low confidence in integrating technology into instruction, revealing significant gaps in digital competence. Chi-square tests showed no statistically significant gender differences across the research variables. The study concludes that while instructional approaches promote civic learning and curriculum alignment, challenges in digital pedagogy and teacher confidence remain. It recommends ICT-focused professional development, gender-sensitive training, and curriculum reforms to enhance teaching quality and digital integration. The findings contribute to ongoing discourse on gender and pedagogy by highlighting the complex interplay between instructional practices, teacher agency, and educational outcomes in the context of national development.
Copyright (c) 2025 DAVID ADJEI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Confidence-Adaptive AI-Instructor Feedback Fusion for Enhanced Engagement in Online Latin Dance Learning
Online dance training has significant challenges in providing personalized feedback, particularly in culturally nuanced styles such as Latin dance. The paper introduces a confidence-adaptive feedback system that integrates AI-generated corrections with real-time input from human instructors to enhance the accuracy and engagement of the learning process. The method uses real-time pose estimation to figure up a composite confidence score by combining how accurate the movement is with how hard the person thinks it is. A motion analyzer based on Transformers can pick up on changes in rhythm, posture, and coordination. A multi-armed bandit system improves feedback allocation by putting more weight on human instruction when confidence is low. The system enhanced movement accuracy by 40% and practice repetitions by 19.1% compared to systems that just used AI. This was shown in a 12-week study with 120 participants. This mixed approach gives online dance teachers a flexible plan that works with people from many different cultures. It finds a balance between technical accuracy and personal intuition.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zheng Lin, Dr. Leng Poh Gee https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Color-Coded BOPPPS: A culturally Augmented AR Framework for Chinese Ballroom Dance Education
Background: The Chinese ballroom dancing curriculum struggles to integrate Western technical methods with Eastern cultural principles, often overlooking aesthetic harmony and symbolic significance inherent in Chinese traditions. Intervention: This study introduces Color-Coded BOPPPS, a pedagogical framework that incorporates Chinese color symbolism (rooted in Wuxing theory) into the BOPPPS model, enhanced by augmented reality (AR) for real-time feedback. The Color-Step Mapping Matrix (CSMM) associates dance movements with culturally meaningful colors, dynamically adjusting AR overlays based on dancer performance. Key Results: A 12-week experiment with 120 college students compared three approaches: traditional, Western color-coded, and culturally augmented. The culturally augmented group exhibited a 32.7% reduction in positional errors and 87.3% accuracy in color-step recall. Significance: This framework enhances technical proficiency and cultural awareness, promoting culturally sensitive teaching practices with implications for arts education policy in China.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yuanxin Li, Dr. Leng Poh Gee https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Integrating research into art and design curricula: A case study from the scientific college of design
Traditionally, the art and design education system follows a studio-based learning approach. However, integrating research in art and design curricula supports students in enhancing intellectual development and creative ideas, as it equips them with a deep understanding by investigating and applying it in practice. The paper focuses on integrating research into art and design curricula. For this purpose, data were collected from internal stakeholders of the college using a questionnaire that was specifically designed for the purpose. The findings reveal that research helps students understand the precedence and value of art and design research methodologies in contextualizing and developing artworks and designs. Embedding research approaches, such as experimentation, inquiry, practice-based analysis, and reflection, enhances the curriculum and supports students in making artistic and creative decisions. Furthermore, the study reveals that a research-based approach provides students with the opportunity to examine evidence from the theoretical framework, historical facts, and address cultural and societal issues. A research-based learning approach enables students to think innovatively by fostering the development of original ideas and concepts. This also supports the development of interdisciplinary applications that integrate science, technology, and the humanities. Thereby bridges the gap between theory and practice, enabling graduates from the art and design fields to enter diverse roles in the creative industries and beyond in the rapidly developing global landscape.
Copyright (c) 2025 Harini Methuku, Dr. Mona Ismail, Dr. Mona Ismail https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE CHURCH IN AFRICA: COMMUNITY AROUND THE FIRE
The paper highlights the significance of traditional African life and its impact on Christian presence, as noted by N. C. Egbulem. It is based solely on library research. It emphasizes the communal experience of gathering around the fire, symbolizing biblical fellowship in African culture. This gathering promotes mutual support, relationship-building, storytelling, and worship, which reflect essential African values of community and hospitality. By embracing this metaphor, the church can cultivate a nurturing environment that encourages faith, love, and solidarity. Ultimately, this approach fosters a vibrant community that strengthens individual connections and spiritual journeys.
Copyright (c) 2025 Marcel Mukadi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Codeswitching in Ukrainian Media: Social Meaning of Ukrainian-Russian Bilingualism in Ukraine
In contemporary Ukraine, the linguistic landscape reflects a complex interplay between Ukrainian and Russian, influenced by historical policies, geography, social identities, and current political dynamics. Through the analysis of Mykhailo Podolyak, Yulia Tymoshenko, and Roman Svitan, this study illuminates various facets of bilingualism, code-switching, and language interference. Podolyak exemplifies "elite bilingualism," blending languages seamlessly in formal contexts, contrasting with Timoshenko's politically motivated acquisition of Ukrainian, marked by pronounced structural borrowings from Russian. Svitan's bilingual media discourse underscores Ukraine's pragmatic bidialectalism, where language choice reflects both personal identity and societal norms. Beyond political elites, the prevalence of Surzhyk highlights a broader sociolinguistic reality, blurring distinctions between Ukrainian standards and hybrid forms. Zelensky's linguistic transition symbolizes Ukraine's evolving national identity, affirming Ukrainian as the predominant state language amid persistent Russian influence in private, media, and regional domains. This fluid diglossic environment redefines bilingual norms, emphasizing language use as a nuanced marker of identity and political allegiance in post-2014 Ukraine.
Copyright (c) 2025 Maria Mikolchak https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0