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Analysing the Japanese Indirect Communication Culture

Author(s): Irina-Ana Drobot / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2021

The purpose of this paper is to analyse Japanese indirect communication culture focusing on the importance of context. The paper will use the theory of pragmatics to understand differences between direct and indirect communication cultures.Issues discussed will include speech acts, politeness theory and face-saving acts.Verbal and non-verbal language aspects will also be taken into account. The analysis will also take into account historical aspects leading to this type of communication in Japanese culture, and will raise awareness regarding communication related to business culture and consequences of misunderstandings at this level if one of the businessmen is part of a direct communication culture.

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Providing Linguistic Hospitality through Cultural Awareness: Some Case Studies

Author(s): Marina-Cristiana Rotaru / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2020

Culture is a particular construction, with its own values and idiosyncrasies. Culture-bound terms carry these idiosyncrasies, which make such terms difficult to translate. Transferring the original meaning into the target language often proves a challenge, especially when the translator is little aware of the peculiarities of the source culture. Hence, developing cultural awareness is essential for developing linguistic awareness. Both types of awareness contribute to extending linguistic hospitality to a source-language term, making it as transparent as possible in the target language.

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Strategii de persuasiune în discursul președintelui României din perioada stării de urgență. Studiu de caz

Author(s): Andreea Nicoleta Soare / Language(s): Romanian Issue: 2/2020

Crises, as the one provoked by the COVID-19 pandemic, are events created by the society and mediatized through speech. These are unexpected moments which destabilize social norms. The importance of political speech is essential during crisis times, as it represents the only available tool to control the masses. During the state of emergency in Romania, in 2020, the political leaders realized that only through speech they can convince the entire society to follow the rules imposed by WHO to limit the spread of what was then called ` the invisible enemy`: the coronavirus. In this paper, I will analyse the persuasion strategies in the Romanian president’s speeches, between March 16th and May 15th 2020. I will show that the speeches of president Iohannis were mostly marked by arguments based on logos, at the beginning of the state of emergency period, followed quickly by speeches based on emotion (pathos), using mechanisms such as: the call on people’s collective memory, the exploitation of people’s fears through exaggerated cause-effect relations, the use of words belonging to the catastrophe language, false analogy, the claim of an equal position to Romanian citizens or the use of empathy.

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The role of motivation in the learning of Spanish by Romanian university students

Author(s): Anda Lucia Ciltan,Victor-Emanuel Ciuciuc / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2020

Lately, student’s motivation in the classroom has been marked as a prominent topic within the field of linguistics, due to its impact on the overall performance of the learner. The motivational framework proposed by Dörnyei (1994) represents one of the main models that included this affective learning factor and stands as foundation of the present paper. According to him, there are three dimensions of motivation: the social one that encompasses integrative and instrumental motivation, the personal one that includes the need for achievement and self-confidence and the educational one that integrates the teacher-specific and the course-specific motivation. Hence, since motivation is considered an important factor in learning a foreign language, the present paper intends to observe these dimensions in Romanian university students who are learning Spanish gender-wise and to construe relevant teaching implications. Overall, the study corroborates previous research, which proved that female students show higher motivation levels than males.

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Condiționări culturale în managementul românesc

Author(s): Roxana Bîrsanu / Language(s): Romanian Issue: 2/2019

It is already known that world economy is continuously moving, generated and supported by the changes produced rapidly in all fields of activity. Thus, management practices and strategies should comply with the continuously changing requirements of the main actors and aspects such as motivation of employees, more and more diverse communicative situations and engagement of the civil society should be considered. In this study we will try to determine the way in which today’s Romanian approach of organizational management has been modelled by geographical positioning of the country and by the influences of the Communist regime. At the same time, we will enumerate the most important management styles practiced in Romania during the present times.

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Necropolitics and The Biafran War in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Half of a Yellow Sun

Author(s): Roxana Elena Doncu / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2019

After Nigeria became independent in 1960, the divisions engendered by the long history of colonialism as well as the artificiality of borders imposed by the British led to a three-year civil war following the Igbo-led military coup in 1966. In her novel Half of a Yellow Sun, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie depicts the events leading to the Biafran war and the horrors of the "war of starvation" through a polyphony of voices from different social backgrounds as well as through a metatext, a book called The World Was Silent When We Died, excerpts from which are inserted at the end of certain chapters as a comment on colonial and postcolonial politics. Thus, the novel turns into a large-scale historiographic metafiction that documents the transition from the early postcolonial state to what philosopher and political theorist Achille Mbembe called “necropolitical” systems of domination.

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“From Japan, With Love”: Frozen and Baymax in Cross-Cultural Perspective

Author(s): Maria Grajdian / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2019

Based on a decade-long fieldwork in the volatile and convoluted area of mass-media in Japan, this paper draws on empirical data and ethnographic research combined in hermeneutic interpretation and contributes with fresh insights into the impact Japanese popular culture has been providing on Western products of similar caliber. In this case, the animation movies Frozen (2013) and Baymax (2014), both released by Walt Disney Productions and hugely popular in Japan, are carefully scrutinized in their cross-cultural significance, on the background of an increasing awareness on the identity crisis faced by the concepts of “femininity” and “masculinity” nowadays and inspite of repeated waves of feminism, public outrage and legislative progress. By proposing the concept of “empowered, enlightened human being”, the current paper seeks to foster a more profound alternative to the ongoing debate, while taking into account the fundamental human needs to belong and to be free – an apparent contradiction, though nevertheless, an essential precondition on the path to becoming a responsible, self-confident citizen in late modernity.

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Changing Images of Gender in Sports: Comparative Gender Images in Romania and Japan

Author(s): Eiko Hara / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2019

This study is based on a questionnaire to explore sports images associated with men and with women. Small groups of men and women in Romania and in Japan were asked what sports men liked to play, and what sports women liked to play. The study compares the differences among male and female Romanian and Japanese respondents. The top 3 sports named occupy over 50% of the data among male and female Romanians, and male and female Japanese. The top 2 sports named for women are same between the Romanians and the Japanese. Three of the top 4 sports named for men are same for Romanians and the Japanese. Some sports are associated with gender, however they are more strongly associated images for women or for men. Finally, I will consider some possible influences on people’s gender images associated with women or with men, especially for sports for Japanese cases.

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Pragmatics and Psychology

Author(s): Irina-Ana Drobot / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2018

The purpose of this paper is to explore the connection between Pragmatics and Psychology, focusing on Speech Acts Theory and intonation, as well as the language of gestures, which give clues about the intention of the speaker to the hearer. In today’s world, we are told that image counts, that personal image is a brand. The field of dealing with working with the public in a polite way is also expanding. Therefore, pragmatic competence matters, as we live in the culture of communication, and psychology is a field that can help in understanding context of communication in various social relations.

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Četrdeseta konjanica uzvišenog viteškog odreda duhovnosti s početka 20. stoljeća

Author(s): Meliha Teparić / Language(s): Bosnian Issue: 65-68/2024

In this paper, I will reconstruct the life of a (un)ordinary woman, Fata (Fatima born Serdarević) Ljubović, who, according to the tradition of her great-grandchildren, experienced a revelation affirming her belonging to a group of ‘forty good ones,’. This story has recently resurfaced after a hundred years of complete obscurity. Drawing on a limited biographical details and oral traditions, her life will be examined within the historical and spiritual context of the time in which she lived. Through Fata’s example, which serves as a ‘case study,’ the paper will illustrate the concept of holiness associated with the ‘forty good ones’ based on interpretations from several sources that address this phenomenon, such as Ibn Arabi and Hujwiri. It will explore the role and significance of belonging to such a group. In conclusion, the paper will trace Fata Ljubović’s tradition and analyze her spiritual experience as reflected through the lens of the aforementioned interpretations.

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Hermeneutika (su)života u Bosni i Hercegovini - o konfiguraciji demosa

Author(s): Esma Kučukalić / Language(s): Bosnian Issue: 65-68/2024

This article examines the configuration of the demos of Bosnia and Herzegovina (understood in the modern sense of a sovereign political subject) from a historicist and political perspective, countering the idea of ethnic identification that is assumed to be inherent in today‘s institutional system - as formally modern, but in practice highly segregated - with elements of hermeneutics through different historical periods. A Sufi component is introduced as a notorious key to the construction of spaces for (co-)living in different periods, but especially in the post-war phase. It is presented here through four variables of analysis derived from academic literature, and the approach of qualitative methodology is separated from theology in order to to allow the case studied to be treated through the prism of the social sciences.

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Lichwa, prawo i emocje w Kupcu weneckim Williama Szekspira i polskiej adaptacji Krystyna Ostrowskiego Lichwiarz (1861)

Author(s): Katarzyna Jaworska-Biskup / Language(s): Polish Issue: 51 (5)/2024

The paper discusses the representation of usury in William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice and the Polish adaptation Lichwiarz by Krystyn Ostrowski. This research aims to show how Shakespeare presented usury in his play and how Ostrowski modified it in 1861. As it is demonstrated, usury is a legal term that has always generated many feelings and provoked debates. This is reflected in the literature, Shakespeare’s play being the most illustrative example. Krystyn Ostrowski developed the theme of usury and emotions in his adaptation, introducing many additions and alterations all to criticise the Jewish community vehemently.

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The Rape of Lucrece and the History of Shame

Author(s): Anna Czarnowus / Language(s): English Issue: 15/2024

Shakespeare’s Rape of Lucrece can be discussed in the context of interpreting shame in antiquity, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. In this poem shame has legal and political consequences, since its social context matters and the external world is transformed by the emotion in question. Communal justice is a response to this shame and death. From the feminist perspective, which radically differs from St Augustine’s blaming Lucrece, she gains control by feeling shame and committing suicide. There is also a humoral background to the female shame she feels.

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Evaluation of a Training Program Aimed At Young Lawbreakers to Prevent Gender-Based Cyber Violence

Author(s): Maria José RUBIO HURTADO,Ruth Vilà Baños,Trinidad DONOSO VAZQUEZ / Language(s): English Issue: 88/2025

This study focuses on the evaluation of a training program aimed at young lawbreakers designed to prevent Gender-Based Cyber Violence (GBCV). The program was implemented in five European countries (Spain, Finland, Italy, Portugal and Romania), and the training materials were developed by expert researchers, and then reviewed and discussed by the trainers and young people for their improvement and adaptation to the target group. A mixed research methodology combining quantitative and qualitative approaches was used. On the quantitative side, a survey was implemented with a pre-post design without a control group to examine changes in the youths’ responses before and after the training. For the qualitative approach, open-ended interviews were conducted to gather participants' viewpoints. The results showed significant differences pre and post, with their conceptions of GBCV and sexism particularly improving after the training, while Internet safety actions also increased. The main lessons learned by young people were related to gender stereotypes, types of GBCV, discrimination and its forms, and recognizing themselves as perpetrators and/or victims. The trainers’ evaluations of the group’s knowledge, their participation in the training activities, and their development of emotional and digital competencies to cope with GBCV, were all positive.

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Beauty as an Investment: The Relationship between Physical Appearance, Social Status, and Mental Well-Being

Author(s): Svetlana NIKSON,Stefan COJOCARU / Language(s): English Issue: 88/2025

Throughout history, additional dimensions have been ascribed to the human body, reflecting both individuals’ self-perception and the way they are viewed by others. As a result, the body has constantly been influenced by rituals, customs, and treatments aimed at enhancing, modifying, displaying, adorning, or concealing certain features. The advancement of medicine in general and aesthetic medicine in particular, has made the pursuit of beauty more accessible. With the growing tendency to perceive the body as an evolving process and a “project”, modern society increasingly treats it as a long-term investment, intended to confer advantages, prestige, and recognition. Researchers and sociologists have explored the connection between physical appearance and social or personal status, revealing a strong correlation between one’s external look and societal standing. Their studies indicate that individuals actively strive to present themselves in the best possible way, aligning with social norms and class expectations. This pursuit involves maintaining a proper diet, engaging in physical activities, and undergoing various medical and cosmetic procedures. Aesthetic clinics serve as hubs for these services, helping individuals align their physical appearance with their personal and social aspirations. As a result, such clinics have witnessed a significant rise in popularity in recent years. This paper describes the effect of outer appearance s on the individuals’ social position, what people are willing to do in order to change their appearance due to a social motive, and how this effect can be explained by theories and paradigms in the field of social sciences.

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Impact of Infertility on the Institution of Marriage in Modern Society

Author(s): Farida ASHIRBAYEVA,Bayan SMAGAMBET,Almash TLESPAYEVA / Language(s): English Issue: 88/2025

The research relevance is determined by the demographic issues and psychological studies that have recently attracted the attention of specialists and the public, which highlight various problems of families with reproductive health disorders, and the reaction of society to infertility is one of the problems bothering people diagnosed with infertility. However, the issue of the psychological and reproductive characteristics of such families requires further study and elaboration. The research aims to study the impact of infertility problems in marriages of urban and rural women in Kazakhstan and the reaction of society to infertile couples. The study examines the main factors of impact on reproductive health, the causes of female and male infertility, and society’s assessment of childless couples. The experimental research was conducted in the central part of Kazakhstan: in the clinic of reproductive medicine and women’s consultation of a rural hospital. A total of 198 women from among the patients diagnosed with infertility were interviewed. The research showed that due to childlessness, women face stigmatisation in society: 21% of urban women and 78% of rural women. According to the medical anamneses studied, 154 infertile women were registered with the diagnosis of primary infertility. According to examination data, 44 women were found to have congenital or hereditary infertility. Almost all the women interviewed are satisfied with their family life. The method of comparative, systemic, logical, and content analysis, as well as the method of synthesis and analogy, were used in the study of this topic. The practical value of this article lies in the fact that the main provisions and obtained conclusions of the analysed material can be used in conducting classes in sociology, and psychology, used by students specialising in the field of infertility, conception, and reproductive health.

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ПРОДОВОЛСТВЕНАТА СИГУРНОСТ И НЕЙНОТО ИНСТИТУЦИОНАЛИЗИРАНЕ НА ГЛОБАЛНО РАВНИЩЕ

Author(s): Dragomir Petkov / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2024

The present manuscript examines important problems of the institutionalization of activities aimed at overcoming the food crisis at the global, regional and national level. The modern priorities and principles for the interaction of models for efficient management are derived. The specific features of the formation of a modern conceptual attitude based on the understanding that food security has a high socio-cultural value are examined.

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STRATEGIC GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS FOR IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND ACCESSIBILITY OF SERVICES FOR OLDER PEOPLE AND ELDERLY PEOPLE

Author(s): Tanya Vazova / Language(s): English Issue: 5/2024

This paper examines international and national legal frameworks, policy documents and initiatives that aim to improve the quality and accessibility of social services for older people. It focuses on the importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Social Charter, which lay the foundations for the protection of the rights and dignity of this group. At the national level, Bulgaria implements numerous laws, including the Social Services Act and the Disability Act, which guarantee legal protection and access to social services. Despite the established legal framework, challenges have been identified such as fragmented legislation, insufficient resources and lack of coordination between institutions. The study highlights the need for an integrated approach to provide quality services, including active living, deinstitutionalisation and social integration measures. Guidelines for policy improvement and adaptation to demographic and socio-economic changes are proposed.

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ACCESSIBILITY AND QUALITY OF SOCIAL SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN BULGARIA: IMPACT OF DECENTRALIZATION AND DEINSTITUTIONALIZATION

Author(s): Tanya Vazova / Language(s): English Issue: 5/2024

This article examines the development of social services in Bulgaria after 2002, with an emphasis on decentralization and deinstitutionalization as key processes for the transformation of the system. It analyses the main reforms introduced through new legislation, including the Social Services Act (2019), and their impact on the accessibility, quality and efficiency of services provided. Special attention is paid to the role of municipalities and private providers in providing social support, as well as the transition from institutional care to home- and community-based services. The study highlights the significant progress in increasing the number and capacity of day and residential care units, but also identifies critical challenges such as uneven distribution of services, lack of resources and lack of sustainability of project-based initiatives. It also discusses good practices related to the integrated approach and the need for more effective collaboration between the public and private sectors. In conclusion, the paper offers recommendations for the future development of social services, including expanding capacity, improving the quality of care and introducing innovative models of support. This study provides valuable insights for improving the social system in Bulgaria in order to more effectively meet the needs of vulnerable groups and improve quality of life.

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APICULTURE AS A LIVELIHOOD ACTIVITY IN MAYO DARLE, CAMEROON: A SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD FRAMEWORK ANALYSIS

Author(s): William Shu William Shu Neba,Peter N. Shillie,Ernestine Leikeki Sevidzem,Pius Tangwe Tanga / Language(s): English Issue: 5/2024

Beekeepers in Mayo Darle consider beekeeping to diversify their income sources. Nonetheless, this agricultural sub-sector is confronted with so many challenges ranging from limited knowledge and skills in production, pests and diseases, the dominance of informal sales channels, and poor-quality products are key challenges in production and marketing that affect the livelihoods of beekeepers. The main objective of this study was to explore the impact of beekeeping on people's livelihoods in the Mayo Darle Sub-Division of Cameroon. Specifically, the goal was to analyzed the financial benefits of beekeeping alongside its impact on the human, natural, social, and physical capital of beekeepers in Mayo Darle. The explanatory-sequential method was employed. Fundamental information was collected using a structured questionnaire and comprehensive interviews. A total of 175 surveys were conducted using stratified simple random sampling. The information was supplemented by secondary sources from both published and unpublished resources. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized. The research results regarding the effects of beekeeping on livelihoods indicated an increase in financial, human, natural, social, and physical capital. The results from Spearman's Product Moment Correlation indicate a notable positive association between the number of bee hives owned by a farmer and the age of a farmer (r(n= 175) = 0.25, p = 0.001), the number of bee hives held by a farmer and the household size (r(n= 175) = 0.308, p = 0.000), as well as the number of bee hives held by a farmer and monthly income (r(n= 175) = 0.248, p = 0.001). The empirical research findings show that beekeeping has beneficial effects on the lives of beekeepers and should therefore be encouraged as a livelihood option in the Mayo Darle Subdivision. Essentially, the results of this research will offer valuable knowledge regarding the impact of beekeeping on livelihoods in Mayo Darle Sub-Division for groups advocating beekeeping and environmental conservation, beekeepers, and other farmers, and will guide policy to enhance management of these impacts, leading to better beekeeping methods.

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