International Journal of Cultural and Art Studies

Semiotics of Factory Printed Wax Prints across West Africa

Naa Omai Sawyerr, Richard Acquaye, Cynthia Agyeiwaa Kusi — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This research explores the topic of factory-printed wax fabrics in West Africa, focusing on their portrayal and significance within the region. The study examines the resemblances and distinctions of these prints across different countries, as well as their applications, meanings, and interpretations. The historical and cultural importance of wax prints in West African society, culture, and economy is emphasized, highlighting the diverse meanings embedded within seemingly uniform designs. The research methodology involves qualitative research and selective sampling, with ten wax print designs chosen for analysis in Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, and Togo. These countries were selected based on their integration, trade, production, and cultural significance related to wax prints. Data collection involved meticulous observation, thorough documentation, interviews, and thematic analysis. The findings reveal both similarities and differences among the analyzed designs, each representing unique narratives and embodying cultural significance. These prints are not just patterns, but also vessels of history, with captivating stories intertwined with their origins. To ensure the preservation and relevance of these visual representations for future generations, it is recommended to undertake comprehensive documentation and cataloging of traditional wax prints.

Design of a Rumah Budaya in the Context of Preserving Karo Culture in Desa Lingga, Karo Regency, North Sumatra

Putri Handayani Nasution, Salmina Wati Ginting — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The Siwaluh Jabu Traditional House is one of the cultural heritages from the ancestors of the Karo people from the past. This traditional house is located in Desa Lingga (Lingga Village), Karo Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The interest of tourists in visiting this traditional house has made the local government make Desa Lingga a cultural village. Traditional houses and other cultural heritage symbolize the greatness of the Batak Karo ancestors in the past. Nevertheless, the "remains" (inheritance) of greatness seems to have less attention anymore. This paper was created with the aim of examining the existence of cultural heritage with tourism potential of the Siwaluh Jabu Traditional House in Desa Lingga and providing architectural design solutions as a form of Karo Cultural preservation by creating a Rumah Budaya that provides lodging facilities and cultural learning facilities in order to preserve Karo Culture. The research was conducted using a qualitative descriptive method where the authors obtained the data by observing and describing th eenvironmental conditions of the object. Referring to the research results, it was found an idea for an design that has a cultural program where visitors and tourists can enjoy the atmosphere of Lingga Village, which is unique to its Karo Culture while learning about this culture. The design of this cultural learning facility will impact the Siwaluh Jabu Traditional House because this traditional house will experience preservation which is expected to lead to an increase in tourist visits to the Desa Budaya Lingga.

Interference of Indonesian Language on Japanese Language in the Use of Aizuchi (相槌) by Japanese Language Students in Medan

Taulia, Abdul Gapur — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Language interference or disorder often occurs in individuals who have acquired proficiency in multiple languages, including Japanese language learners at the college level. This research aims to analyze the interference of the Indonesian language in the use of aizuchi (backchanneling) in Japanese by Japanese language students in Medan, Indonesia. The study employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. The data consists of transcriptions of conversations between students and lecturers that contain instances of aizuchi interference. Data collection is conducted through observation using techniques such as eavesdropping and note-taking. The collected data is analyzed through data condensation, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that the interference of the Indonesian language in aizuchi in Japanese primarily occurs at the lexical level, specifically in the utilization of Indonesian words as aizuchi in Japanese conversations. An example of this interference is replacing the Japanese word "hai" with the Indonesian word "iya." The students' experiences influence the identified interference in learning foreign languages and cultural factors. This research contributes to a better understanding of the interference of the Indonesian language in the use of aizuchi in Japanese and provides insights for teaching the Japanese language at the tertiary level.

Strengthening Students’ English Competence Based on the Results of Their English Proficiency Test with the Use of the Expert System with Forward Chaining Method

Liza Amalia Putri, Herly Nurrahmi, Xirui Chu — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This article presents the results of a study that aimed to strengthen students' English language competency based on the results of their English proficiency tests using an expert system with a forward chaining method. The study employed a quasi-experimental design, with an experimental group receiving intervention using the expert system and a control group following traditional classroom instruction. The analysis of pre and post-test assessments revealed significant improvements in language skills for the experimental group compared to the control group. Additionally, the comparison of English proficiency test results showed higher mean scores for the experimental group, indicating a positive impact of the expert system intervention. The findings highlight the potential of the expert system with forward chaining in providing personalized and adaptive learning experiences, supporting language educators in addressing individual students' weaknesses, and enhancing overall language development. Further research with larger sample sizes and diverse participant groups is recommended to validate these findings and explore the scalability of this approach in language education.

Indigenous Knowledge in Esan Proverbs of Edo State Nigeria

Charles Onomudo Aluede, Fatelyn Irenosen Okakah, Kingsley Iyayi Ehiemua — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The Esan people are an ethnicity in the Edo state of Nigeria. Their language and culture are a subset of the larger Edo ethnic group in Nigeria. A close study of the Esan indigenous knowledge and culture reveals that the appeal of the Esan folk proverbs is in their eclectic nature because of their portrayal of diverse issues in the Esan cosmology and belief system, ranging from folk art to traditional health care beliefs and practices. This finding suggests that the subject of Esan proverbs deserves some scholarly attention. This article, therefore, examines the nature of Esan proverbs even as they perform their didactic and pedagogical functions in contemporary Esan parlance. By its nature, this study adopted a combination of research approaches, which included content analysis, library searches, and ethnographic methods such as interviews and observations. In the ethnographic study of a specific Nigerian with a focus on its proverbs, this paper’s research light shall beam over the five local government areas (LGAs) populated by the Esan people in the Edo State of Nigeria. Apart from its potential for insightful scholarship, the significance of this study on Esan proverbs also lies in the fact that inquiries into the indigenous knowledge system (IKS) portray folk proverbs as veritable windows into the culture and essence of a people. Indigenous knowledge has much more impact on contemporary society than people know.

The Pacman Song Meaning Interpreted through Semiotics Analysis

Dewi Nuryanti, Salca Pragita — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to interpret the meaning of the song lyrics “Pacman” by EAJ. It used the semiotic analysis by Michael Riffaterre. The research was qualitative descriptive research. Data for the research was the lyrics of the Pacman song by EAJ. The research found that the heuristic reading process in the “Pacman” lyrics still discussed each line’s meaning. It was interpreted when a person loved someone and would give anything and did anything even if it ended painfully as long as he/she was together with his/her mate. Then “Pacman and Lover” was analyzed as a model. “Cause my head says no, but my phone keeps calling you.” and “Over and Over, like it’s Red Rover” was analyzed as a variant. “People who love to die for someone” was analyzed as a matrix. Last, “one-sided love” was explored as a potential hypogram, and “Pacman” was analyzed as an actual hypogram. This research concludes that the hidden meaning of “Pacman” lyrics is when a person loves someone deeply. Even if a loved one hurts him, he will still love his lover.