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Wings 7 blue and cultural understandingLarsson, Annah, Karlsson, Lucia January 2009 (has links)
The aim of this dissertation is to investigate how culture is represented in the Wings 7 blue textbook and workbook and what implications this may have on learners’ cultural understanding. The research questions are: How is culture represented in the textbook and workbook Wings 7 blue?, and What cultural understanding is promoted through the task design of the learning material Wings 7 blue?The analysis of the learning material draws on the theoretical framework of the Swedish researcher Ulrika Tornberg. The result of our analysis, and first research question, displays that the main focus of the cultural content in the Wings 7 blue textbook is on the mainstream national culture of Britain, typical British behavior, and linguistic readiness.Cultural understanding may be seen as either general cultural understanding, based on Tornberg’s two first perspectives, or as intercultural understanding which can be found in Tornberg’s third and final perspective. The result of the analysis of the tasks shows that both types of cultural understanding are promoted in the workbook, but the possibility for learners to develop their own intercultural understanding is limited, which is the answer to our second research question. This leads to the conclusion that the learning material, by itself, does not cover the complete aim for cultural understanding in the National Syllabus.One might argue that the material should only be seen as a complement to the other tools of the teacher, who can compensate for any missing information in his or her communication with the class. However, according to the large National survey for English, teachers of English mostly use published learning materials and tend to trust that these correspond to the aims of the steering documents.
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Exploring neglected elements of cultural competence in social work practice. Promoting and developing understanding of religion, belief and cultureGilligan, Philip A. January 2013 (has links)
This PhD by published work consists of:
five single authored articles in refereed journals;
two main author articles in refereed journals;
four jointly authored articles in refereed journals;
a single authored article in a non-refereed journal;
one jointly authored book, including five single authored chapters;
two single authored chapters in edited books.
They were published in the period 2003-2013. None has been submitted for
any other degree or diploma by me or any other person.
The theme running through these publications is the need for social workers
to pay significant attention to issues arising from religion, belief and culture.
The research reported highlights the impact of such issues on the lives,
experiences, resources and responses of individuals, groups and
communities for whom they are important. The work emphasises the
importance of developing such understanding and of enhancing knowledge
of different ways in which religion, belief and culture impact on the issues
that social workers deal with. I suggest that these are essential aspects of
culturally competent social work practice which have too often been
neglected in both research and professional training. The publications are listed in Appendix 1 (pp 56 - 59). They demonstrate
how my thinking has developed over the past decade. They reflect and are,
in part, a response to the developing professional, theoretical and political
ii
context within which I have operated as a social work practitioner, manager
and academic over a longer period. The majority are solo-authored.
However, I remain committed to collaborative work and recognise that
discussions with those researched, my collaborators, and others remain
invaluable to the ongoing development of my thinking. Joint authorship
declaration forms have been completed, in respect of all relevant
publications, and are appended. Eight publications (Art.12, Art.11, Art.10, Art.9, Art.8, Art.6, Art.5 and Art.3)
are based on findings from primary research, while Art.1 and Art.2 explore
published data or data supplied by others to provide original analyses of
particular issues. The remaining publications, notably book chapters, are
primarily conceptual in their approach. They are underpinned by findings
from both the primary research reported elsewhere and the use of case
examples collected from semi-structured interviews with social work
practitioners. / PhD by published work. The published articles are not displayed in full text with the online version of the PhD due to publisher copyright restristrictions.
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AN ANALYSIS OF THE CONCEPT OF CULTURAL COMPETENCE IN ACROSS-CULTURAL PRIESTLY CONTEXT: IMPLICATIONS FOR PRIESTLY FORMATION [IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOR SERVICE ABROADOwan, Victor A. 13 May 2014 (has links)
No description available.
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The role of cultural understanding and language training in unconventional warfareBeleagaÌ, Constantin Emilian 12 1900 (has links)
Approved for public release; distribution in unlimited. / The level of violence has not only increased constantly over the last decades, but has also shifted in nature from conventional to unconventional. Given these circumstances, Romania's national interests call for the development of unconventional capabilities that are necessary in order to deal with current and future low intensity conflicts. This thesis analyzes the influence of language training and cultural understanding on the overall success of counterinsurgency campaigns. Examining some situations where the U.S. and British forces carried out counterinsurgency operations, this project reveals that ground troops with foreign language skills and cultural training were able to work more efficient with the local population. Cultural awareness facilitated communication and developed interpersonal trust. Additionally, language and cultural training enhanced military personnel's ability to understand the operational environment and to make a more selective use of force. The purpose of this thesis is not to promote a departure from conventional military training, but rather to propose the development of new Romanian military capabilities, the performance of which will increase through a better exploitation of language and cultural resources. / Captain, Romanian Army
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Exploring neglected elements of cultural competence in social work practice : promoting and developing understanding of religion, belief and cultureGilligan, Philip Anthony January 2013 (has links)
This PhD by published work consists of: • five single authored articles in refereed journals; • two main author articles in refereed journals; • four jointly authored articles in refereed journals; • a single authored article in a non-refereed journal; • one jointly authored book, including five single authored chapters; • two single authored chapters in edited books. They were published in the period 2003-2013. None has been submitted for any other degree or diploma by me or any other person. The theme running through these publications is the need for social workers to pay significant attention to issues arising from religion, belief and culture. The research reported highlights the impact of such issues on the lives, experiences, resources and responses of individuals, groups and communities for whom they are important. The work emphasises the importance of developing such understanding and of enhancing knowledge of different ways in which religion, belief and culture impact on the issues that social workers deal with. I suggest that these are essential aspects of culturally competent social work practice which have too often been neglected in both research and professional training. The publications are listed in Appendix 1 (pp 56-59). They demonstrate how my thinking has developed over the past decade. They reflect and are, in part, a response to the developing professional, theoretical and political context within which I have operated as a social work practitioner, manager and academic over a longer period. The majority are solo-authored. However, I remain committed to collaborative work and recognise that discussions with those researched, my collaborators, and others remain invaluable to the ongoing development of my thinking. Joint authorship declaration forms have been completed, in respect of all relevant publications, and are appended. Eight publications (Art.12, Art.11, Art.10, Art.9, Art.8, Art.6, Art.5 and Art.3) are based on findings from primary research, while Art.1 and Art.2 explore published data or data supplied by others to provide original analyses of particular issues. The remaining publications, notably book chapters, are primarily conceptual in their approach. They are underpinned by findings from both the primary research reported elsewhere and the use of case examples collected from semi-structured interviews with social work practitioners.
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Students’ Perspectives on Extensive Literature : Using Literature to Enhance Communicative Competence and Cultural Understanding in the EFL-ClassroomLeckie, Falina January 2016 (has links)
The aim of this thesis is to investigate the use of literature within the Swedish Upper Secondary EFL-classroom from the students’ perspective. How do the students in the study relate to literature and its use to enhance and enable their communicative competence and cultural understanding? Also, how do their answers compare with their teacher’s and the adult perspectives and findings from previous international research? The empirical data obtained from the study has been analysed from the perspectives of sociocultural and motivational theory, and the findings show that the participating students believe literature to be a good didactic tool to apply in the EFL-classroom, both in order to enhance their communicative competence and their cultural understanding. The students prefer to have a sociocultural approach to their literature-learning, with group-discussions of various sizes. The key for the students in this respect is interesting, relevant and engaging subject-matter, as well as a positive and motivational teacher. The responses given by the students correlate with those given by their teacher as well as previous international research. The students regard literature as a way of gaining new perspectives, as well as experiencing language in use. Where they diverge somewhat from the international research is in regard to literature’s use for enhancing their competence to speak in class, and that some students seem to think that communication and cultural understanding are separable. Future studies within this field might include the conducting of a larger and more in-depth survey regarding the students’ ideas about literature, culture and communication. Why do so many of the student respondents neither agree nor disagree with the statement concerning communication and cultural understanding being inseparable? This can be an important issue to investigate in today’s global climate of cross-cultural and intercultural experiences, especially in view of the political climate of diverse attitudes towards refugees, immigrants and emigration
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Optimal Portfolio Allocation in the Middle East Real Estate Market: A Comparative Study of the UAE and Qatar : Why could UAE or Qatar be an opportunity for European businesses and portfolio investors in the Middle East?Bazerbashi, Ayman, Nguyen, Erik January 2023 (has links)
This research compares the real estate markets of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, focusing on opportunities and challenges for European businesses and portfolio investors. The study integrates theoretical frameworks, empirical findings from interviews, and analysis of official reports. The theoretical insights highlight the importance of economic factors, cultural understanding, and risk management. The empirical findings reinforce these concepts, revealing varying risk tolerance levels among investors. The analysis indicates that the UAE offers more significant investment opportunities than Qatar due to sustained economic growth and infrastructure development. The research provides practical implications for investors and sets the foundation for future studies.
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Ethical aspects of traditional male circumcision among certain ethnic groups in South Africa : the grounds for change and societal interventionSibiya, Sydney Langelihle 04 1900 (has links)
Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Traditional male circumcision (TMC) is non-therapeutic ritual removal of the
penile foreskin of a male person undertaken as part of a rite of passage from
childhood into adulthood and manhood. The practice of TMC has received
increased attention in recent years as a result primarily of complications that
have led to hospitalization, penile amputations, and death of initiates.
This study is a literature review and philosophical-ethical reflection with the
following objectives:
• To explain the current problems that beset TMC in South
Africa
• To explore the socio-cultural context in which TMC takes
place in South Africa
• To engage in ethical deliberation on the harms and benefits of
TMC and determine whether, in its current form, the practice
constitutes a net harm or benefit
• To establish the ethical basis on which society ought to
intervene in TMC, and to explore the modes of intervention
proposed. Kepe (2010:729-730) identifies three concurrent crises that beset TMC in
South Africa- the crisis of disease, injuries, and death suffered by some
initiates, the crisis of the tension between the government and traditional
leaders with regards to government intervention in TMC, and the crisis of the
uncontrolled and negative way in which societal changes have impacted on
the practice of traditional male circumcision. Male circumcision is the most
widely accepted cultural practice among the Xhosa-speaking people of South
Africa, and it is considered to be the only manner in which a boy can attain
manhood and adulthood (Vincent, 2008).
In view of the ongoing, unambiguous and preventable harm associated with
TMC as it is currently practised, I think that it ought not to be allowed to continue in its current format. But I also think that the defect in TMC is
remediable. I therefore feel sufficiently warranted to advocate for intervention
to make the practice safer for all concerned. Intervention in TMC may be
justified on public health, socio-cultural, autonomy, and beneficence grounds. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Tradisionele manlike besnyding (TMB) is die nie-terapeutiese, rituele
verwydering van die peniele voorhuid van ’n manspersoon. Dit word gedoen
as deel van ’n seremonie van oorgang vanaf kinderjare na volwassenheid en
manlikheid. Die praktyk van TMB het die afgelope jare toenemende aandag
geniet, hoofsaaklik as gevolg van komplikasies van die prosedure wat gelei
het tot hospitalisasie, peniele amputasies en dood van die persone wat
geïnisieer is.
Hierdie studie is ’n literatuuroorsig en filosofies-etiese refleksie met die
volgende doelwitte:
• Om die huidige probleme met TMB in Suid-Afrika te verduidelik
• Om die sosio-kulturele konteks waarin TMB in Suid-Afrika plaasvind, te
ondersoek
• Om vanuit etiese oorweging te verduidelik wat die nadele en voordele
van TMB is en te bepaal of die praktyk, in die huidige vorm, suiwer
nadelig of voordelig is
• Om die etiese basis waarop die gemeenskap in TMB behoort in te tree,
asook die voorgestelde metode van intervensie, te ondersoek. Kepe (2010:729-730) identifiseer drie samevallende krisisse wat TMB in Suid-
Afrika insluit – die probleem van siekte, beserings en dood ondervind deur
sommige inisiandi, spanning tussen die regering en tradisionele leiers met
betrekking tot regerings-intervensie in TMB, en die ongekontroleerde en
negatiewe wyse waarin samelewingsveranderinge ’n impak het op die praktyk
van tradisionele manlike besnyding. Manlike besnyding is die mees algemene
aanvaarde kulturele praktyk in die Xhosa-sprekende mense van Suid-Afrika.
Dit word beskou as die enigste manier waarop ‘n seun manlikheid en
volwassenheid kan bereik (Vincent, 2008).
In die lig van die voortdurende, ondubbelsinnige en voorkomende nadele wat
geassosieer word met TMB soos dit tans beoefen word, dink ek dit behoort nie toegelaat te word in die huidige formaat nie. Maar ek dink ook dat die
gebrek in TMB herstelbaar is. Daarom voel ek genoegsaam verseker om
intervensie te verdedig om die praktyk veiliger te maak vir almal betrokke.
Intervensie in TMB mag geregverdig word op grond van publieke , sosiaalkulturele
en outonomiese voordele.
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Cultural Impacts on the Managing of Knowledge Sharing Processes : A Qualitative Study of Swedish Banks in Shanghai, ChinaÖhman, Sofia January 2019 (has links)
The globalization of economies and the technology development have both increased opportunities to businesses as well as challenges. Multicultural workforces and other values in the market compared with the home market lead to complexity in the management control when a business establishes abroad. Individuals’ nationalities impact their behaviors and values and it is the management’s task to coordinate the members’ activities in a way that is beneficial for the company. The banking industry is a knowledge-intensive industry, meaning the employee’s knowledge is the bank’s biggest resource. To create organizational knowledge, it is important that the knowledge is shared within the company. Effective knowledge sharing is hard to accomplish in a multicultural company since it is depending on communication between the employees which can be aggravated by cultural differences. The more distant the involved national cultures are, the harder it will be to achieve intercultural communication. The Swedish culture is very different from the Chinese culture. China’s economy has developed fast since it opened up to the world market in the 70’s. Today, several Swedish companies are established in China. The purpose with this study is to examine how the Chinese culture impacts Swedish knowledge-intensive companies established in China and to increase the understanding on how to overcome the cultural barriers that are affecting the managing of knowledge sharing. Cultural clashes can imply risk to a company if they affect the efficiency of the internal processes and must therefore be avoided. This field study was conducted in Shanghai, China at Swedish banks to see how they worked with the cultural differences. Interviews were made with staff of both Chinese and Nordic heritages to see how the cultural differences impacted their operations. The results showed that there are several cultural clashes that affect effective knowledge sharing processes within the companies. The management tries to implement the Swedish way of working in the branches, but the Chinese culture has a strong impact on the communication channels and it creates confusions and misunderstanding between the Nordic and Chinese employees. Cultural understanding and adjustment to the cultural conditions have been shown from earlier researches to reduce cultural clashes. This study supports those arguments by showing that a higher level of intercultural communication leads to increasing cultural understanding and a quicker adjustment to the organization’s way of working. The study also showed that the national culture’s impact on individual behavior was stronger to individuals that have had less foreign exchanges. The study contributes with suggestions of enlightening cultural differences more by formal meetings to increase the cultural understanding within the companies, as well as intercultural team works over department units should be implemented. / Globaliseringen och den tekniska utvecklingen på världsmarknaden har lett till ökade möjligheter för företag likväl som nya utmaningar. Styrningen av företag som expanderat till nya marknader har blivit mer komplex då arbetsstyrkan består av en mängd olika nationaliteter och omgivningen utgår från andra värderingar än hemmarknaden. Individers nationalitet påverkar deras beteenden och värderingar och det är ledningens uppgift att få de anställda att koordinera sina aktiviteter på ett sätt som bäst gynnar företaget. Banksektorn är en kunskapsintensiv industri, vars främsta resurs är de anställdas kunskap. För att skapa en hög kunskapsbas inom företaget är det viktigt att de anställda delar sin kunskap med andra. I ett multikulturellt företag är effektiv kunskapsöverföring svårare att uppnå eftersom kommunikationen mellan anställda påverkas av deras kulturella beteenden och värderingar. Uppdraget blir svårare ju mer de anställdas värderingar skiljer sig från varandra. Den svenska kulturen skiljer sig markant från den kinesiska. Kina är ett land vars ekonomi har fått ett uppsving efter att de öppnade upp gränserna för världsmarknaden på 70-talet. Idag finns det en mängd svenska företag etablerade i Kina. Syftet med examensarbetet är att förklara och öka kunskapen om hur den kinesiska kulturen påverkar svenska företag i Kina som har kunskap som främsta resurs. Kulturella skillnader kan innebära risker för ett företag ifall de påverkar effektiviteten av deras interna processer och kulturella konflikter måste därför undvikas. Examensarbetet utfördes således genom en fältstudie inom svenska banker etablerade i Shanghai, Kina. Intervjuer med personal av både nordiskt och kinesiskt ursprung gjordes för att ta reda på hur kulturella skillnader påverkade och hanterades inom företagen. Resultatet visade att det fanns flera skillnader som utgjorde barriärer för effektiv kunskapsöverföring inom företagen. Ledningen försöker implementera det svenska sättet att arbeta på inom bankerna, men den kinesiska kulturen har ett starkt grepp om hur kommunikationen genomförs och det skapar följaktligen missförstånd mellan nordiska och kinesiska kollegor. Kulturell förståelse och anpassning till kulturella villkor har av tidigare studier visats vara viktigt för att minimera kulturella konflikter. Det här examensarbetet stödjer de argumenten genom att påvisa att en högre mängd av interkulturell kommunikation leder till ökad förståelse för andra kulturers värderingar, vilket i sin tur leder till att de anställda har lättare att anpassa sig till organisationens sätt att arbeta. Studien visade även att påverkan av den kinesiska kulturen var starkare hos individer som hade haft mindre utbyte med nordiska kollegor. Examensarbetet förslår därför att kommunikationen av kulturella skillnader ska synliggöras mer genom formella möten samt att fler interkulturella grupparbeten över divisionsgränserna behöver implementeras för att ge de anställda insikt av kulturella effekter.
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Arctic sojourn : a teacher's reflectionsHarder, Dorothy Margit 14 April 2008
The research describes the experience of a southern white teacher who lived and worked in a remote community in Canada's Far North.<p>
The impact of physical relocation and culture shock are discussed, as well as problems encountered when conflicting views of education and life goals meet in a cross-cultural setting. The thesis explores some of the difficulties facing mainstream teachers of Indigenous students when issues of past colonialism and present injustices come into play.<p>
Inuit community literacies (visual, kinesic and oral traditions) are explored and contrasted with traditional definitions of literacy, which center on the paramount importance of the printed word. Power issues are discussed, including the role played by literacy education in maintaining control in the hands of the dominant culture.<p>
The research is qualitative and phenomenological in nature. The teaching experience is viewed through a critical lens, and attempts to better understand the writer's southern white middle-class background as it relates to differing worldviews. The author recounts the process of re-examining assumptions of her own culture, and describes her personal and professional journey of coming to grips with its impact on her teaching.<p>
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