This exploratory study utilized qualitative methods to approach regional language abilities of local respondents and how it affects their regional identity. The theoretical framework of this study explored some of the tenets of symbolic interaction emphasizing on identity theory and how the flexible aspect of face-to-face interaction can define the self and someone's regional identity as it relates to their regional language use. Data for this study were collected in a small Occitan village in Southern France. In particular, the study explored the link between an individual residential setting, his/her age and his/her ability to speak the regional language. The results indicate that the ability to speak the specific regional or even sub regional language does not greatly affect an individual's regional identity, thus potentially contributing to the continuing decline of that language in the region. Furthermore, that future studies are merited to explore whether these results are specific or if they can more broadly be applied to other Occitan regions or elsewhere where regional languages are spoken.

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Environmentally-constructed, regional culture as defined by geographic place is not generally included in family therapy research and training concerning race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and other contextual factors. This grounded theory research project explores how practitioners working with families acknowledge, access, and use region as a cultural context in their service delivery, specifically in the New River Valley region of Southwest Virginia. Ecological theory, social construction theory, family systems theory, and cultural competency perspectives were used to frame the research questions, to develop the interview protocol, and to support the analysis of the properties and dimensions of the concepts and categories that emerged from the data analysis. The resulting grounded theory revealed that clinicians working with regionally distinct clients combine a client-centered approach with multiple-layers of regional knowledge and self-awareness. / Ph. D.

The identities of people residing in the vicinity of national borders are complex and affected by many factors, especially by narratives imposed by national governments through the national education system. The European Union, as a supranational organization, also provides narratives that expose individuals to globalized, versus national, ideals. This ethnographic case study asks how individuals living along the Macedonian-Bulgarian border, sharing strong ethnic and cultural ties, view their regional, national and European identities. The study finds that individuals have developed a strong attachment to their national identity. Many Bulgarians hold a strong vision based on historic claims to the Bulgarian Kingdom. Many Bulgarians see Macedonian as having been carved out of the ancient territory and therefore refer to the people as Bulgarians, thus denying their right to self-identify. Macedonians, on the other hand, choose not to refer to the 'other' as part of their own population, but rather as neighbors. They view their national identity is based on the idea of the country being 'attacked' by its neighbors and having to struggle for recognition in the world. The E.U. does not currently offer an alternative, as individuals have little attachment to their European identity related to E.U. membership. / Ph. D.

This Thesis called "Amenity migration and regional identity in the Prachatice region" looks into comparing the strenght of regional identity of inhabitants and amenity migrants in the field of interest area ORP Prachatice. Amenity migration is quite new term that can be translated as "pleasure migration". This specific type of migration stems from the hum desire to live in areas with high quality environment. This usualy includes the transition of population from urban to countryside environment. For the use of this Thesis the area of interest was chosen area of ORP Prachatice that consist of three executive offices - PÚ Netolice, PÚ Prachatice and PÚ Volary. The whole area of interest offers on a quite narrow territory three different environments. The aim of this Thesis is the comparison of the level of regional identity among inhabitants in relation to the diverse environment and also the comparison of the strenght of regional identity between the group of permanent inhabitants and amenity migrants. The results of the Thesis which are being evaluated from the questionare research are aiming at the mobility of the population, evaluating the quality of elements of surrounding environment, regional symbolism, the positive and negative side of the region, inhabitant awareness and the subject of...

KOVÁRNOVÁ, P. (2015): Regional identity of the inhabitants of the Šumava foothills: comparison of towns Klatovy, Sušice, and Vimperk. Master thesis. Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Social Geography and Regional Development, Prague, pp. 98. The thesis deals with the regional identity of the inhabitants of the Šumava foothills. The main goal of the thesis is to identify and evaluate the factors forming regional identity in the Šumava foothills which could be considered as a base for discussions on the possibilities of future regional development of this region. The thesis is based on general assumptions of study of territorial identities and border peripheries, which are based on heuristics of literature discussing the process of forming regional identity, polarization of space, and the problematics of the areas of peripheral and border regions. The assessment of differences of regional identity in continuously inhabited, partly relocated, and resettled areas is component objective which is focused on the definition and assessment categories determining the potential formation of regional identity. The object of the research are the three places with extremely complicated historical development, the towns Klatovy, Sušice, and Vimperk. The achievement of this objective...

Master of Architecture / Department of Architecture / David R. Seamon / This thesis examines the notion of regional identity and connection to place as a means for developing countries to use their cultural heritage, traditional construction methods, and everyday life patterns to create a built environment appropriate for contemporary needs. Regional identity expressed through architectural form not only establishes a connection between people and the space they inhabit but also contributes to conserving the natural environment and strengthening people’s attachment to place. To support this claim, the thesis focuses on two design thinkers who have examined placemaking from a regional perspective: Architectural theorist Kenneth Frampton and his theory of critical regionalism (Frampton 1983, 1987); and architectural theorist William J.R. Curtis and his theory of authentic regionalism (1986). Using criteria derived from Frampton’s and Curtis’s theories, this thesis analyses two Mexico City houses designed by Mexican architect Luis Barragan: his home and studio, built in 1947; and the Eduardo Prieto Lopez house, built in 1950. Using contrasting criteria from Frampton and Curtis, I examine these two houses' relative success in evoking a sense of regional identity. I argue that my analysis of the two houses, first, offers possibilities for clarifying Curtis´s and Frampton’s understandings of good regional architecture; and second, indicates how local tradition might be adequately integrated with global modernity, while at the same time providing a unique sense of place.

This thesis examines the influence of the cross-border cooperation on the inhabitant's regional identity in Euroregion Šumava. Although this form of cooperation in the countries of Western Europe's long tradition in the Czech Republic formed and the first Euro-regions until the early 90 years. Such example is the Euroregion Šumava. To what extent are the residents of this Euroregion informed of its activities? It is already possible to speak of so called Euro-regional cross-border identity of the population? If so, it is possible to find the Euroregion its spatial differentiation? There are also present on the territory of Euroregion some barriers, which have a negative impact on the greater integrity? These and other questions seeking answers submitted work. To this end, it was realized the questionnaire, the main results are discussed and compared with the conclusions of other specialized publications. Key words: regional identity, cross-border cooperation, euroregion Šumava

Diploma thesis deals with relict land border between Bohemia and Moravia in the context of Moravistic movement which appeared in Czechia after 1989. Aim of the thesis is to assess the existence of relict land border in the minds of people and to reflect the role of the land border in relation to the revival of regionalism and nationalism. The first part of the thesis discusses the theory of relict border, regional identity and nation in the literature. The second part compares the course of the land border with territorial reach of declaring Moravian nationality by inhabitants of the districts adjacent to the border in contemporary censuses and also with the range of the success of Moravistic politic parties in elections. The objective is to compare the border with one of the possible contemporary zones which could delimitate Moravia. The third part of the thesis analyzes the forms and contexts of Moravian identity in two selected municipalities adjacent to the land border. These municipalities represent distinct types of the Czech-Moravian borderland which differ by declaring the nationality, achievements of Moravistic parties in elections, population change after 1945 and inclusion to administrative units in Bohemia or in Moravia. Finally, awareness of the course of the land border in these...

Role of culturally important places in reproduction of territorial identities: an example of pilgrimage sites The thesis deals with the discussion of existing effects and meanings selected pilgrimage sites in Czechia (Stara Boleslav, Svaty Kopecek u Olomouce and Filipov) in terms of shaping identity of the region, depending on the different historical development and social and cultural conditions in different areas representing two dichotomies (borderland vs. inland region, Bohemia and Moravia region). Further, a position pilgrimage sites in terms of the major pilgrimages and pilgrimage sites in the consciousness of believers and non-believers population. It was found that people can be identified with pilgrimage sites, but it's a long process which is related to the historical and socio-cultural development of the region. In the dichotomy borderland vs. inland was observed different meanings of pilgrimage sites which are reflected in identification with the territory, while in the dichotomy Bohemia vs. Moravia those meanings are not significantly different. Keywords: pilgrimage sites; regional identity; cultural heritage; Czechia