International Journal of Asian and African Studies
International Journal of Asian and African Studies (2755-340X) is a double-blind peer-reviewed, open-access monthly journal published by Al-Kindi Center for Research and Development. The journal welcomes articles, research notes, and book reviews that focus on the dynamics of global change and development of Asian and African nations, societies, cultures, and the global community. The journal also publishes clusters of papers representing new and vibrant discussions on specific themes and issues. IJAAS adheres to a double-blind reviewing policy in which the identity of both the reviewer and author are always concealed from both parties. Decisions on manuscripts will be taken as rapidly as possible.
Al-Kindi Center for Research and Development
Robust Inference for Time-Varying Treatment Effects Under Irregular Longitudinal Sampling
Among the key statistical problems in applied survival analysis is the proper estimation of time-to-event outcomes in cases where longitudinal measurements are irregular. The traditional Cox proportional hazards models are often assumed to have covariate effects that remain constant, and the observations are spaced at a regular time interval, which is not typically true in longitudinal data. To address bias due to nonregular time intervals and time-varying covariate effects, this paper suggests a more efficient time-varying coefficient joint model that serves to correct bias. The method is a composite Cox-type hazard model and penalized spline smoothing of temporal effects and a joint longitudinal sub-model to provide within-subject variability. To examine the performance in relation to the standard Cox model and shared random effects models, simulation experiments with different levels of irregularity and censoring were performed. The results indicate that the suggested approach can significantly decrease the estimation bias, enhance the accuracy of estimating hazard ratios, and offer a more accurate representation of the changing treatment impacts. Diagnostic tests ensure a stable model fit, constant variance, and decreased residual bias with time. The applicability of the model is also illustrated by empirical data of actuarial and biomedical situations, when covariate and survival processes can be observed. Overall, the results emphasize that ignoring the time-dependent and irregular nature of longitudinal data can lead to biased hazard estimates and misguided conclusions. The proposed model provides a statistically robust and computationally practical tool for analyzing such data. The paper concludes with recommendations for broader adoption of time-varying joint models and future research integrating regularization and machine learning approaches for high-dimensional and large-scale time-dependent data.
survival analysis, time-varying coefficients, irregular longitudinal data, bias adjustment, hazard estimation
Copyright (c) 2026 International Journal of Asian and African Studies
Debates around African traditional religion (ATR) systems have unravelled controversial viewpoints in academia. However, there is consensus amongst scholars on the major features of ATR cosmology designed for the multicultural African context. It is against this background that this paper adopts the defined ATR lens in its exploration of worship in theAmeru culture in Kenya, with specific reference to its mutually intelligible dialects notably Mwimbi, Imenti, Muthambi, Chuka, Tigania, Igembe, Tharaka and Igoji. The areas of study were in Tharaka Nithi and Meru counties in Kenya. Data collection entailed interviews and focused group discussions with a total of 40 resource persons on the Ameru culture aged between 45 and 102 years from the aforementioned counties. Research findings reveal that the Ameru cosmology mirrors ATR belief systems which resonates with beliefs in a supreme god or gods, ancestral spirits, witchcraft, and medicine men.
African Traditional Religion, ancestral spirits, gods, medicine men and witchcraft
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Social Service and Its Role in Family Awareness Programs to Promote Citizenship Values from The Perspective of Parents and Social Workers Working in The Kufra Social Solidarity Fund
The study aimed to reveal the contributions of the Libyan family in promoting citizenship values among children. The study sample consisted of 45 individuals, all of whom were parents, and they were selected from the educated category, and their ages ranged between 45 and 65 years. The study also aimed to identify the extent of the contribution of social service in promoting citizenship values among individuals. The study sample consisted of 8 social specialists working in the Kufra Social Solidarity Fund. The study relied on the descriptive analytical approach. A snowball sample was used to select both the first and second samples, where two questionnaires were used, each sample had its own questionnaire. The study reached the following results: It became clear from the answers of the respondents, who were parents, that 71% of them are keen to encourage their children to defend the homeland and consider it a duty on everyone to a very large extent. The responses of the parents surveyed revealed that 71% of them are keen to encourage their children to defend the homeland and consider it a duty on everyone to a very large extent. The responses of the social workers surveyed revealed that 63% of them do not foster a sense of social responsibility among individuals. Fifty percent of them do not raise awareness about preserving the state's public property, and 38% do not encourage individuals to feel responsible for preserving community resources. Another 38% responded that they do not organize courses on preserving the environment and protecting it from all forms of pollution.
Social Service, Identity Promotion, Citizenship Promotion
‘Pop the Balloon or Find Love’: A New Black Popular Culture? Exploring its Potential Social Influence and Implications for the Global Image of Nigerians
The “Pop the Balloon or Find Love” show has rapidly captured global attention, establishing itself as a notable expression of contemporary popular culture. This article critically examines the emergence of “Pop the Balloon or Find Love” as a contemporary Black popular culture, highlighting its dual role as both a platform for affirming Black love and self-expression, and a problematic reinforcement of social norms, particularly as depicted in Nons Miraj’s “Hunt Game Show: Pop the Balloon to Find Love,” which serves as the central focus of this analysis. Drawing upon cultivation theory and social learning theory, the study assesses the show’s potential social influences and considers its broader implications for the global image of Nigerians. While recognizing the show’s ability to foster meaningful cultural exchanges and genuine interpersonal connections, the article critically engages with its promotion of harmful behaviors such as body consumption, verbal aggression, and materialism. In response, this study offers carefully considered recommendations for reform, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes ethical representation alongside entertainment. Ultimately, this research contributes to ongoing discussions about the intersections of media, identity formation, cultural representation, and social responsibility.
Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Asian and African Studies
The Interview and Survey as Philosophical Research Tools in Chinese Thought
Through this study, it is proposed to examine Chinese thought from a perspective that moves away from the limitations of Eurocentrism, which tends to relegate non-Western philosophies to the realm of myth or religion. To this end, a methodological approach will be adopted that prioritizes the analysis of primary sources, complemented by empirical research tools such as surveys and interviews, traditionally less employed in philosophical research. A deep exploration of Chinese philosophy, particularly Confucianism, which stands out as a philosophical system that significantly influences the shaping of Chinese and East Asian societies, can contribute to establishing a fruitful dialogue between Eastern and Western philosophical traditions. To this end, the universal human experience of death was considered as an object of study, as it may serve as a meeting point, capable of revealing the convergences and divergences in the conception of existence. For this purpose, interviews and surveys were conducted with Chinese citizens, allowing us to hear firsthand their ideas and thoughts on death. Although interviews and surveys have often been considered tools more suitable for social sciences, it is possible to recognize in them, through philosophical analysis and reflection, the philosophical principles present in all human endeavors.
Professional Pressures and Their Impact on Marital Compatibility among Women Working in the Health Sector in Kufra City
This research aims to identify the professional pressures that women working in the health sector are exposed to and the extent of their impact on their marital compatibility based on several variables(years of experience,monthly income, family size) the research community may be from (80) women working in kufra city hospitals, where data was collected through a from developed for this purpose, and statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS statistical package. The results showed that there is no negative impact of professional pressures on marital compatibility among the respondents,which means that 3.7% of the change in marital compatibility is due to professional pressures, while 96.3% is due to other reasons, and there are no statistically significant differences between the responses of the respondents about both professional pressures and marital compatibility due to the following variables: years of experience – monthly income – family size) while there are differences 3 to 9 for those with a family of 10 or more.
professional pressures ,Al kufra city, the health sector
English Language Representation in Korean Linguistic Landscapes
This study sought to analyzed English linguistic landscapes in South Korea to find out the kinds of businesses, shop, street and directional signs that are represented in English. A corpus of 500 public and commercial English signs (clothing, shoes, accessories, beauty products, children’s toys restaurants, cafes, hotel names, supermarket, mall names and street names, tourist attractions and street names) was collected from some South Korean cities during the author’s visit in September 2023. In addition, a sample of Korean colleagues who are university professors were surveyed to find out why the number of English signages has considerably increased compared to the status of English signs two decades ago. While most business and street signages are still in Korean, there are notably a good amount of English signages which represent international as well as local brand names. The most frequent businesses with English signs are food and beverage shops (27%), clothing, shoes, handbags, lingerie and beauty product shops (24%), hotel name signs (17%), directional signs (11%), malls, supermarkets and convenience stores (5%), entertainment shops, games, gyms, clubs, music, and theme parks (4%) and miscellaneous kinds of shop, businesses and public service names (5%). Businesses, shops, directional and service signs with English sign names include international hotel chains, clothing shops, cafes and Franchised shops with English names are Sheraton, Marriott, Starbucks, Burger King, McDonnalds, Pizza Hut; local Korean brand names transliterated in English, and local English names created by the Korean shop owners. The Korean professors believe that use of foreign names attract shoppers' attention more than Korean names. More international tourists and foreigners who are residing in South Korea can be reached. They also gave globalization factors that affect the preference for English sign names. Recommendations for exploring the status of English sign names in non-English speaking countries as Russia, China, Indonesia and others are still needed in addition to studies that show how the national identity can be preserved in the commercial sector in the face of English-flooded linguistic landscapes around the world.
Korean linguistic landscapes, English signs, commodified English, English signs in Korea, mixed signages, international brands, local brands
Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The Psychology of Survival and its Relationship to Post-Traumatic Stress in a Sample of Illegal Immigrants Who Survived Death
This study aimed to identify the relationship between survival and post-traumatic stress disorder among a sample of (396) illegal immigrants who survived death by land and sea in the state of Libya, including (156) females and (240) males who were selected randomly, and to investigate Objectives of the study: The researcher used the Survival Psychology Scale and the Post-Traumatic Stress Scale after ensuring the validity and reliability of the scale. To answer the study hypotheses, arithmetic averages, Pearson correlation coefficient, and t-test were used. The results indicated that the feelings of post-traumatic stress are characterized by an increase in feelings of survival. Also, there are statistically significant differences between males and females in the level of feeling of survival between males and females, and this level is higher among females. Moreover, the results revealed that there are statistically significant differences between males and females in the level of feeling of post-traumatic stress, and the level is higher for females than males. In light of the results, a number of recommendations and proposals were formulated that could contribute to improving methods of dealing with illegal immigrants with post-traumatic stress and preventing dangerous illegal immigration routes by land and sea.
Survival, Post, Traumatic Stress, Immigrants
Exploring Innovation, Creativity, and Employment in Public Universities of Afghanistan
This article focuses on the concepts and basics of innovation, creativity, and employment in universities. Creativity, in general, means the ability to combine ideas in a unique way or create an unusual connection between ideas. Some people believe that creativity is innate; others believe that every person can become creative through education. Creativity means offering new ideas and plans to improve the quantity and quality of university activities, which is very effective and useful. For example, increasing productivity, increasing products or services, reducing costs, promoting products or services in a better way, creating new products or services, etc. Universities are the place of innovation, creativity, and employment. From here, with creative thought, a person determines and defines his future job. The findings indicated that universities should not only be a place to finish education and get a diploma but should be a place to create artistic and professional jobs for people and their communities, and therefore, to research such ideals, it is the university that should make people own professions and arts. The slogan of the universities should be good education and better jobs, and prove this through the presence of innovative and creative people. In universities, there is hope for a better tomorrow with a good perspective and practical, scientific, sustainable, and considered steps that will be taken, and this is only possible through the existence of scientific, innovative, and creative people. Every type of innovation and creativity that will produce a job tomorrow should be supported in universities; even if a person writes a new and original article about a good scientific topic and has a useful idea about it, praise and encourage the person.
Innovation, Creativity, Employment, Society, University
The Partnership between Local Government and Corporations in Optimizing Public Services in Paser Regency
The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program is the social responsibility of every company operating in the Paser Regency. However, not all companies carry out CSR programs. This qualitative research explores and fully describes the problems of regional government and company partnerships in implementing CSR programs. Primary data collection is carried out by in-depth interviews and observation. Secondary data collection techniques are data collection techniques carried out through the collection of library materials and other documentation. The research results show that (1) a CSR program partnership in the form of increasing community capacity, community development, and community service/social assistance has been implemented by PT. Kideco Jaya Agung with a relatively large budget allocation. Meanwhile, PT. Gunatama's prediction is more dominant in the form of social and religious assistance (charity) and small budget allocations; (2) Program synchronization is carried out between the Paser Regency Government and PT. Kideco Jaya Agung through the implementation of CSR Musrebang in the sub-district. Meanwhile PT. Gunatama Prediction does not carry out program planning mechanisms with the community before the CSR program is implemented. Distribution of responsibilities is carried out by dividing responsibilities in the CSR program between the Paser Regency Government and PT. Kideco Jaya Agung. Meanwhile, with PT. Gunatama's predictions have not been implemented optimally; (3) The strategic partnership model between the Regional Government and companies offered based on the theory of cross sector partnership and New Public Service is by synchronizing planning through the CSR Musrenbang followed by signing a written agreement. Implementation of CSR programs places greater emphasis on community empowerment. Monitoring, evaluation and reporting are carried out periodically. Furthermore, awards are given to companies that make positive contributions to CSR programs, and conversely, sanctions are given to companies that do not carry out CSR programs well.
Corporate Social Responsibility, Cross Sector Partnership, New Public Service, Kabupaten Paser
Cultural Dissemination of North African Diaspora in Western Europe: From Pasts to Pixels
This study takes stock of the North African diaspora's experiences in Western Europe across four distinct generations. It draws on a tailored theoretical framework to deconstruct the interactions of the historical experiences, societal shifts, and identity negotiations these generations have gone through in the process of cultural dissemination. The central question of the paper revolves around understanding the ways digital platforms and social media influence the negotiation and preservation of cultural heritage, as well as looking into how these technological advancements impact the formation of diasporic identities. The primary objective herein is to shed light on the challenges, resistances, and adaptations experienced by the four generations (Pioneering, Integration, Globalization, and Digital Generations) in the face of cultural differences, discrimination, and the unique opportunities afforded by the digital age. Furthermore, the objective is to contribute to the existing body of literature by adopting a holistic approach that synthesizes various aspects of the diasporic experience, shedding light on the ways in which technology shapes the cultural narratives of North African communities, ultimately offering some insights into the broader discourse on cultural resilience, connectivity, and the evolving nature of diasporic communities in the contemporary world.
Diaspora; Migration; Cultural Dissemination; Identity; Hybridity; Integration; North Africa; Europe
Copyright (c) 2024 International Journal of Asian and African Studies
A Match or a Mismatch between Student and Teacher Learning Style Preferences at King Abdullah Second School for Excellence in Jordan
It is crucial to study learning and teaching styles because some studies have shown that a match between teaching and learning styles helps to enhance the learning process. So, teachers should identify their own teaching styles as well as their learning styles to obtain better academic achievement in the classroom. This study focuses on the students’ learning styles, teachers’ teaching styles, and whether there is a match or mismatch between student and teacher teaching style preferences in King Abdullah Second School for Excellence in Jordan. The results show that most tenth grade students at King Abdullah Second School for Excellence in Jordan prefer to learn by using visual and individual styles. Also, the English teacher, Mr. Ashraf’s major teaching style preferences are visual and individual. Thus, there is a match between the teacher’s preferred teaching style and the students’ preferred learning style at King Abdullah Second School for Excellence, Irbid, Jordan.
Learning styles, Teaching styles, Match, Mismatch
Between Partial Translation and Summary Translation in Translating the Sundanese Folklore into English
The strategies of partial translation and summary translation are related but not exactly the same. There are some characteristics indicating each of them. This research article is about the translation of the most popular Sundanese folklore, which is written in the Sundanese language and translated into English. It deals with literary translation as the data source is folklore, and folklore is included as literary work. Using content analysis of the descriptive qualitative research method, this research aims to identify what information in the source text is partially translated and which information is summarized. The theory used is one of the pragmatic strategies given by Chesterman: the strategy of partial translation. The results show that the strategies used in identifying the missing information are partial translation, summary translation, and the combination of partial translation and summary translation. The partial translation is used to avoid repetition, eliminate very detailed information or complex information, and change explicit information into implicit information. The summary translation is used to create a short summary of information involving the key points or messages given in the source text by adopting the syntactic form of the target text based on the grammatical rules.
A Socio-Ecological Exploration of Sub-Saharan Migrant Students in Moroccan Public Schools
Education and migration intertwine as complex issues, impacting historical, social, cultural, economic, and political domains. While migration studies in the global north have extensively explored education trends among migrants, research in the global south, particularly in Morocco, where public schools host a significant number of Sub-Saharan migrant students, remains scarce. This study seeks to delve into the experiences of four Sub-Saharan students in Moroccan public schools, examining how they navigate the educational environment and the multifaceted impacts it generates. The study gathered data through in-depth, individual interviews with these migrant students. Utilizing a qualitative approach and drawing on the theory of social ecology of human development, the analysis reveals that despite a strong self-awareness, these minority students have unmet academic and non-academic needs. Their development is notably influenced by the diverse structures within their environment. Additionally, the study highlights how the interplay between conflicting microsystems, such as the school and the family, alongside broader macro-level structures like culture and belief systems, hampers the progress and education of these individuals. However, their personal attributes and support from key figures, notably teachers, play a pivotal role in assisting them in overcoming challenges within and outside the school environment. Consequently, the presence of cultural and religious minority students in Moroccan public schools represents a growing trend requiring thoughtful planning and targeted interventions.
Education, Morocco, sub-Saharan migrant migrants, public schools, socio-ecological perspective
Effect of Mother Tongue on English Language Performance among Grade 3 Pupils in MSU-ILS
This research aims to investigate the effects of the mother tongue on English language performance among grade 3 pupils at Mindanao State University-Integrated Laboratory School (MSU-ILS) in Marawi City. The study is grounded in language acquisition theories, including Stephen Krashen’s Input Hypothesis, Jim Cummin’s Interdependence Theory, and Lev Vygotsky’s Theory on Social Interaction. The conceptual framework encompasses psychological, personal, and social factors, with an emphasis on the impact of the mother tongue on learners' English language proficiency. The research employs a descriptive-correlational method, utilizing descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequency distributions, and means to analyze demographic profiles and assess the status of psychological and social factors influencing English language learning. The study addresses specific questions related to the learners' profiles, attitudes, motivations, learning strategies, and environmental factors affecting language acquisition. Additionally, it investigates the relationship between English language performance and psychological, personal, and social factors, with a focus on vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension. The hypotheses tested include the absence of significant relationships between English language performance and psychological factors, personal factors, social factors, and cognitive factors. The study, set at MSU-ILS, a laboratory school within the Mindanao State University campus, provides insights into the ongoing debate surrounding the role of the mother tongue in language instruction and its implications for learners' competence and performance. The findings aim to inform educators, curriculum developers, and policymakers, offering recommendations for optimizing language learning strategies in the context of the new curriculum in the Philippines.
Mother Tongue, English Language Performance, Learning Strategies, Vocabulary, & Comprehension
Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Internal Factors Affecting the Emergence of the Existence Cause and Survival of Afghanistan
Afghanistan is a historical country in that centuries have passed since its civilization and the formation of its government. The most obvious feature of this country is its various natural and human phenomena, and the history of this country, under the impact of geography, has passed wonderful events. The causes of forming this country are geography, race, ethnicity, the role of government, culture, history, threats, government power, the role of people, the impact of religion, language, and loving country. In the time of forming Afghanistan, Pashtons nations constantly ruled this country and the power was concentrated in the hands of (Dorani, Ghalzaei, Barekzai, etc.). The developments in the last four decades, especially after the defeat of the Soviet Union and the forming of the Islamic Mujahideen Government, caused other nations to contribute to the power structure of the government, such as “Tajik, Hazara, Ozbek” besides the Pashtoons. The Pashtoons, because of their 250 years of presence in power, were not satisfied with the presence of other nations. This is why political systems in Afghanistan are unstable, fragile and weak, especially since this country is one of the few countries which have experienced various political systems contributing monarchy system, royal-republic, communist regime, Mujahideen government, Islamic government, Islamic Emirate of Taliban and the secular-liberal regime. The current descriptive-analytic study used different sources such as books, scientific journals, theses, reports and internet sources. In total, these factors are the main reasons: homeland and geographical location, culture, history, religion, language, the role of people, government, loving hometown, loving country, national threats, race and nationality. Finally, the factors of the political thought of government, the space structure of Afghanistan, the military, the role of organizations, the national economy, equality of geographical and social, media and national symbols are the superstructure of Afghanistan's survival.
Country, Raison d’etre, Survival Reason, National Identity, Afghanistan
The Evolution and Development of Malaysia's Strategy Towards China (1957-2022)
This article uses the period from 1957, the year Malaysia gained independence, to 2022, as the research timeline to examine how Malaysia's strategy toward China developed and what variables significantly influenced its development. The study's findings demonstrate that Malaysia, a tiny nation, has developed its relationship with China through four distinct phases: confrontation (1957–1974), non–alignment (1974–1981), balance (1981–2018), and the "new" hedging approach (2018-2022). Five main factors, including leadership qualities, domestic interest groups, national interest considerations, great power rivalry, and ASEAN principles, all play a role in the evolution of Malaysia's strategy toward China over the course of four phases, according to Robert Putnam's Two-Level Game Theory. Of these, national interest considerations and great power rivalry are the most important influencing factors. Although Malaysia's various strategic decisions and use of China have, to some extent, helped to stabilize bilateral relations and practical cooperation between Malaysia and China, they also demonstrate that Malaysia, as a small and sensible country, is cautious and concerned when establishing relations with China. Due to these complex variables, Malaysia will modify its China policy to reflect the current environment in order to better respond to changes in both domestic and global circumstances and advance its own national interests.
Malaysia, China, Chinese strategy, two-level games theory, small state
A Shift in the Duties of Directors when the Company is on the Verge of Bankruptcy
The topic of this study is the change of directors' duties with the change of corporate operation status. The main research jurisdiction is the UK, and the main research node is after the company is on the verge of bankruptcy and enters bankruptcy proceedings. The UK law stipulates the general duties of directors in the Companies Act 2006. In the normal operation of the company, promoting the success of the company and protecting the interests of shareholders is almost an accepted fact in corporate law circles. But when a company faces bankruptcy, the duties of directors often change. The UK bankruptcy law stipulates Wrongful trading and fraudulent trading liability to urge directors to consider protecting the interests of creditors when the company is on the verge of bankruptcy. Directors may be legally liable for damage to the interests of creditors due to some improper behaviours. Therefore, in order to avoid being charged, directors will increase the priority of protecting the interests of creditors when the company is near bankruptcy. This study will rely on the relevant provisions of the Company Law 2006 and the enterprise bankruptcy law to analyse the change of directors' duties.
Bankruptcy, Director, Shareholder, Creditor
Copyright (c) 2023 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Relevance of Vocational High Schools with Regional Superior Potential and Manpower Needs in West Sulawesi Province
The aims of this study were: (i) to find out the suitability of vocational competency skills with the existence of regional superior potential in West Sulawesi, (ii) to find out the suitability between vocational competency skills and the need for manpower in West Sulawesi. This research is qualitative research with a descriptive approach using survey methods to collect data to uncover phenomena about the suitability of the expertise competencies possessed by SMKs representing the potential of the West Sulawesi region, the suitability of SMK expertise competencies with work needs in West Sulawesi and the fulfillment of SMK human resources against the needs labor. The data collection techniques used were observation, interviews, and required documentation. The results of this study indicate that the development of SMKs is not following the regional potential and workforce needs due to the lack of commitment to developing SMKs by the West Sulawesi Provincial Government, the tendency of students to prefer SMAs over SMKs, lack of availability of land to build SMKs, the tendency of students to major in SMKs In particular, the commitment of the West Sulawesi Provincial Government is lacking in the development of SMKs rather than SMAs, and the output of SMKs is that they continue their studies rather than go straight to work.
SMK Development, Regional Potential, Manpower Needs
This study provided a thorough analysis of the factors that influence online shoppers, the challenges they face in being passionate about online shopping, and the coping mechanisms for dealing with the challenges met. The phenomenological approach was used in this study as a qualitative research technique. The participants were selected using purposive sampling. The open-ended, semi-structured questions developed by the researchers were used to collect data during interviews. The qualitative data were analyzed using Brikci and Green's (2007) thematic approach. From the transcription of the in-depth interview, codes, significant statements, formed meanings, cluster themes, and emergent themes were found and retrieved. The participants' responses revealed eleven (11) emergent themes, which were divided into three (3) overarching themes that offered solutions to the sub-problems of the study. For the factors that influence the passionate online shoppers, the overarching theme Factors that Influence the Participants Passionate Online Shoppers has four (4) emergent themes classified as Psychological Factors, Marketing Factors, Social Factors, and Convenience. The challenges brought about by being a passionate online shopper with the overarching theme Challenges Met by the Participants Brought by being a Passionate Online Shopper have three (3) emergent themes classified as Overspending, Financial Problems, and Distraction. For the coping mechanism, the overarching theme was the Coping Mechanism of the Participants on the Challenges Met, which has three (3) emergent themes classified as Self-Assessment, Budgeting, and Uninstalling and Deleting Apps.
Copyright (c) 2023 International Journal of Asian and African Studies
Broker's Position in Patronage Bonds as a Form of the Middle Class in Farming Communities in Rural South Sulawesi
As an important element driving the creation of a shift in the pattern of patronage bonding relationships in the current era, the broker's contribution to this shift lies in its dual role, namely as an intermediary between patrons and clients in patronage ties. This role has become increasingly visible since rural areas have been opened up by various interests and activities of farmers in accommodating social change in rural areas. This study aims to analyze the existence of brokers in patron-client ties in rural South Sulawesi, as well as the existence of the middle class behind the existence of a broker in this bond. This study uses a case study approach. The data were obtained through elaboration of in-depth interviews, participant observation and documentation. The results of the study show that the intensity of brokerage activities in vertical and horizontal positions is a form of the middle class in rural areas. In a vertical position, the role is as a comprador or intermediary for the interests of patrons and clients in business activities and political activities, while in horizontal ties, it is present in the activities of personal alliances and revessible relationships that mediate the interests of patrons and clients. In its position as an intermediary on both sides, it seems that the role of the broker is no longer considered as an unofficial or pseudo group but has become a demand for the needs of the community because its presence is a real manifestation of the existence of differentiation and social mobility in the countryside.
Brokerage position, patronage ties, middle class, farming community, rural South Sulawesi
Zoning Control Directives Fort Somba Opu Cultural Heritage Site Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi Province
The purpose of this research was to formulate zoning control directives on the cultural heritage site of Fort Somba Opu by identifying the factors that influence it. The research location is in the Benteng Somba Opu Village, Barombong District, Gowa Regency. This research was conducted through a quantitative and qualitative approach, where primary data was first collected, and later the primary data obtained was processed into analysis through calculation so that the output obtained would be in the form of definite numerical data. The intended primary data is obtained through the process of observation and interviews through questionnaires to the people of the Benteng Somba Opu Village, and the calculation analysis is carried out through path analysis (path analysis) so that the resulting output is translated using a qualitative descriptive analysis method. From the results of path analysis, it is known that from the five independent variables studied, there are three variables that influence indirectly or directly the decline in cultural heritage identity and one intervening variable that has a direct effect on the decline in cultural heritage identity. The independent variable that has an indirect effect on the decline in cultural heritage identity is livelihoods through changes in land use. Whereas the independent variables that directly affect the decline in cultural heritage identity are human and institutional resources, and the intervening variables that are intended to directly affect the decline in cultural heritage identity are changes in land use. Variables that linearly have a significant effect on the decline in the identity of the cultural heritage then become the basis for determining the direction of zoning control of the cultural heritage site of Fort Somba Opu. Where based on this variable, the reference for the formulation of control directives is mixed by reviewing several journals and government regulations that are in line with these significant variables so that the formulation of directives for controlling the Somba Opu Fort cultural heritage site is issued.
Cultural Conservation; Zoning Control Directives
Population Sociological Analysis of Social Relationships in the Arisan Group Residents of Pai Village, Biringkanaya Sub-district, Makassar City, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
The Arisan group used as an analysis uses sociological, economic, and cultural concepts that are collaborated to find out the activities that exist in the Arisan group. This Arisan group has existed since 1994, and the number of members and the nominal amount of contributions are constantly changing in each round. This research is exploratory because there has been no previous research and uses a qualitative approach with a phenomenological perspective. The research took place in the Bulurokeng Permai housing complex, RT 004/RW 007, Pai Village, Biringkanaya District, Makassar City. Data collection techniques were carried out through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Informants were selected by purposive sampling as many as 7 (seven) people with the consideration that they had been members of the Arisan since the formation of the Arisan group in 1994. The results of the study showed that the purpose of forming an Arisan group was to foster togetherness, and unity, to become a place for saving, a place to share information, foster harmony among neighbors, and help each other. Arisan has a social function, economic function, and cultural function.
Population Sociology, Social Relations, Arisan groups
Deviant Arabic Transliterations of Foreign Shop Names in Saudi Arabia and Decoding Problems Among Shoppers
This study aimed to analyze a sample of Arabic transliterations of foreign shop names in Saudi Arabia; to identify the inaccuracies, and inconsistencies in the Arabic transliterations; the causes of the Arabic inconsistent and erroneous transliterations; whether shoppers (who do not know English) can decode and pronounce a sample Arabic transliterations of shop names; and the factors that should be taken into consideration in transliterating foreign shop names to Arabic. Results of the data analysis showed that 52% of the inaccurate transliterations are in the vowels and diphthongs; 36% are inaccurate and inconsistent transliterations of consonants. In 11.6% of the shop names, ch was reduced to sh; and /g/ was transliterated in 3 ways. 13% of the consonant transliteration deviations occurred in words containing a silent letter. In 6%, the Arabic vowel was double. In 8%, compound shop names were spelled together (blended) in the Arabic transliteration; In 7%, foreign names from French, Italian, Japanese, and Turkish were transliterated as they are pronounced in English, not in the original language. Findings also showed variant spellings of the same name shop names especially from French, Italian and Turkish (Parfois بارفواه بافويس; Spring سبرينق سبرينج; Semit Sarai سميت/سيميت; Chocolate شوكلت/شوكليت). Results of a decoding test given to a sample of college students and faculty who have a low proficiency level in English showed that the subjects could decode shop names such as ماكدونالدر، بيرغر كينج، هارديز، كوستا، ساربكس.. نسكافيه بيرجر كينج، تويز ار اص، but had difficulty decoding , دولس قوستو, أدفنتورا, جارليشوز لاونج, أميريكان إيجل أوتفترز, أكسسوريز, بايليس, باربكيوتونايت, لولو سلبريت, ذا تشيلدرنز بليس and other. The students and faculty had difficulty decoding Arabic transliterations because they are not familiar with the shop name in the foreign language, and because of the absence of short vowels in the transliteration, which makes it difficult to pronounce the transliterated names correctly. Deviant transliterations are attributed to transliterators who are non-native speakers of Arabic, English and other foreign languages. Recommendations for accurate Arabic transliterations of foreign shop names in Saudi Arabia are given.
Foreign shop names, shop name transliteration, English-Arabic transliteration, decoding Arabic transliterations transliteration competence, variant transliterations, transliteration deviations
Copyright (c) 2022 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Historic Headgears of Asantehene and their Symbolisms: The Case of Manhyia Palace Museum
Artifacts are immensely useful to scholars who want to learn about a culture. When an artifact is conserved to retain its current condition, it preserves the truth of the historical story for generations to come. The Manhyia Palace Museum of Kumasi Metropolis (in Ghana) is one of the places where historical artifacts of the Ashantis (also known as the Asantes) have been preserved. However, some of the names of these artifacts remain unknown to the general public. Just as many people are ignorant about the symbolic meanings of these artifacts, the users and the occasions for utilizing such artifacts have not been documented. In light of these gaps, this study seeks to unearth the historical headgears of Asantehene. Relying principally on the qualitative research methods, the ethnographic research design was employed to gather data from four (4) sub-chiefs of Kumasi and two (2) curators of the Manhyia Palace Museum, who were purposively selected. In-depth interviews and observation were used to solicit data from the respondents. The findings of the research revealed some significance of the headgear and its physical features. Based on the conclusion, recommendations such as methods of preserving such historical artefacts have been suggested.
Asantehene, Asanteman, Headgears, Symbolism, Artifacts, Manhyia Palace Museum.
Gender: A Matter of Questioning in Akachi Adimora Ezeigbo’s Trafficked
Particularly when referring to social and cultural distinctions rather than biological ones, gender is of the two sexes. Gender problems are more concerned with social experiences than biological differences between men and women. The misconception that gender issues are only a problem for women is untrue; rather, gender issues are primarily concerned with how men and women interact with the social, cultural, political, and economic systems of society. The work's analysis followed gender theory as a guide. A qualitative investigation was conducted, as well. The investigations find that there is a gender imbalance in the workforce, social, cultural, and educational; those women are trafficked in other fields, which has led the author to call for the empowerment of women via education. The work is limited to one novel, the trafficked. In conclusion, societal inequalities against women exist in our society; education and other initiatives might help women become more independent in order to transform society into one that is just.
Trafficked, gender, education, empowerment, society
David Lurie as a Byronic Hero in J.M. Coetzee’s Disgrace
The Nobel Prize winner J.M. Coetzee is known for addressing uncomfortable and unanswerable questions through his novels, often having autobiographical traces and staunch protagonists dwelling in solitude and emptiness. The protagonist of Disgrace is one such character who, in the face of both private and public ignominies, refuses to change his ideals that are fairly identical to the Romantic poet Lord Byron only to reject them in the end after his transformative exploits and emerge as a remorseful yet stolid hero. The novel’s honest and relentless probing of character while keeping the impulses and crimes of passion and the inadequacies of justice at the focal point makes it a bleak allegorical work of brilliance. The multiple variations of disgraces mentioned in the novel tend to sublimate and synthesize the identity of David Lurie into a cathartic sense of dislodgement and to regenerate as a Romantic paralysis of the self. This paper aims to explore the influence of the Romantics on David Lurie, specifically the European Renaissance legacy of the autonomy of the individual, as well as the deliberate or unconscious similitudes with the Byronic hero archetype. It will also investigate the nature of the legacy of the Romantic self that David Lurie leaves behind and the role of imagination in addressing themes such as guilt, redemption, and alteration of realities.
Byronic Hero, J.M Coetzee Disgrace, Romanticism, South African Literature, David Lurie
Racism and gender disparity in Peter Abraham's Mine Boy (1946) and Ngugi wa Thiong'o's Weep Not, Child (1964)
No writer operates in a vacuum, and there is a close relationship between literature and society. African writers had no other issues to focus on apart from the issues of racism, economic class, leadership, traditional African values, and some post-colonial issues which were predominant in their society. The work will use postcolonial, Marxist and sociological theories and methods in the analysis. There is a denial of rights and subjugation. Finally, since literature and society are interwoven, there is a reaction of protest from the writers as a means of protest literature.
Racism; Gender Disparity; Mine Boy and Weep not, Child