Abstract: The concept of Guanxi refers to social ties that are empowered by cultural specificity in Chinese societies, with its purpose of motivating and utilizing embedded resources in networking structure and practices under the principles of Confucius regulation and norms set by actors. In this paper, the author comprehensively analyzes theoretical and empirical contributions to guanxi studies in the Chinese context, initiating further directions for its development. Currently, guanxi studies are dominated by the main paradigm of network analysis, while the cultural elements of its connotation are interpreted via anthropological perspectives. This paper argues a “relational turn” led by Mustafa Emirbayer, Harrison White, and Jan Fuhse that contributes to the interactive analysis of cultural and economic values in Relational Sociology (RS), which leads to a more sophisticated interpretation. Such perspective of theoretical approach, argues (1) the combination of localized and universal framework of theories in interpersonal communications, (2) moderation and inter-correlation in debates between constructivist and structuralist perspectives, and (3) interaction between economic and cultural elements. PubDate: Wed, 31 Jul 2024 02:35:35 +000
Abstract: Type of qualitative research through a phenomenologica approach, while the research results show that the welfare of traditional fishermen in coastal areas, especially those who depend on the fisheries sector, is the main focus in maintaining economic and social sustainability. The main challenges faced are low income and limited access to profitable markets, adequate technology, and sufficient working capital. Therefore, the necessary strategies include the formation of fishing groups, knowledge enhancement training, government support in information technology, and modernization of fishing gear. Through cooperation between the government, development agencies, and communities, efforts to improve the welfare of traditional fishermen can be realized, maintaining the sustainability of the fisheries sector and the local economy.The financial management of traditional fishermen in Selayar Regency has advantages in independence, flexibility, and connectedness with local culture, but also faces a number of challenges. Despite being able to manage finances independently and flexibly in the face of changing markets and seasons, traditional fishermen often have difficulty accessing formal financial resources and lack understanding of modern financial principles. They are also vulnerable to economic and environmental changes and lack of supporting infrastructure in their areas. Therefore, efforts are needed to improve access to formal financial services, modern financial knowledge, and supporting infrastructure to improve financial management and economic stability of traditional fishermen. PubDate: Wed, 31 Jul 2024 02:34:10 +000
Abstract: In the era of metaverse, digital twin technology is not only applied to traditional industrial and aerospace fields but also begins to empower fashion design and intelligent manufacturing, ushering in a new business model and a new era of value creation. This article discusses the application of digital twin technology in the fashion industry and the digital value it brings. In the fashion industry, digital twin technology is mainly applied in five areas: the design and development of fashion products, identity verification, tracking the entire lifecycle of fashion products, intelligent manufacturing of digital twin clothing factories, and immersive experience of fashion display. In addition, digital twin technology realizes the digital value added to clothing by connecting to NFT ecosystems, games, and other emerging fields. On the one hand, the value of physical clothing is enhanced by using physical products plus digital products; on the other hand, digital-twin clothing as independent digital assets opens up new markets and business models, providing new ways for brands to extend their influence into the virtual world. Digital twin technology has revolutionized the traditional mode of the fashion industry, created new business opportunities and value growth points for it, and will further promote the industry's digital transformation and intelligent development in the future. PubDate: Wed, 31 Jul 2024 02:32:27 +000
Abstract: Mixed woven textile (交織物) is a textile woven with yarns of two or more different fibres, in which each yarn contains only one type of fibre. Silk and ma (麻, a Chinese character used to name mainly bast and leaf fibres) are two kinds of the earliest fibre materials used in East Asia. They were opposite in properties, usage and social status in ancient East Asian society where cultures shared the same origin and social hierarchy was extremely rigid under the influence of Confucianism. However, they were woven into silk-ma mixed woven textiles as early as 2355±45 BP in China, as attested by the discovery of archaeological fabric fragments woven with silk and ramie-hemp threads. Archaeological artefacts and ancient documents of silk-ma mixed woven textiles are seldom discovered or recognized, most probably not because of their rare existence in history but because of the lack of precise identification. This paper will share historical evidence of silk-ma mixed woven textiles in the Chinese mainland, the Korean peninsula and the Japanese archipelago, summarize their features and reveal the possible reasons for their elusive presence. PubDate: Wed, 31 Jul 2024 02:28:55 +000
Abstract: The opposition and unity of sound, meaning, and form constitute the three elements of language, that is, each language symbol contains three aspects: sound, meaning, and form. Due to the arbitrariness of language and certain contradiction caused by "less sound, fewer forms, and more meaning", the relationship between these elements in the language system is not one-to-one, leading to the phenomenon of polysemy and homonym in languages. Ambiguity is a common linguistic phenomenon that exists in both ancient and modern languages, both locally and across languages. It is a special relationship between language structure and meaning. Linguists believe that the phenomenon of ambiguity in the meaning of a word or sentence, or the existence of two or more interpretations for one expression, is called linguistic ambiguity. In this theoretical context, homonym is a type of lexical ambiguity widely used in modern advertising. The present study attempts to analyze the linguistic significance of homophones in advertisements through specific examples, so that people can better understand the wit, humor, and richness of languages, while paying attention to its impact on language development and adolescents. Through these measures, it can be expected that more benefits and less harm will be achieved in the long run. PubDate: Wed, 31 Jul 2024 02:26:52 +000
Abstract: Emergency language services (ELS) have gained increasing importance in China. Given the shifting multilingual profile in Yunnan, it is of great significance to investigate how language facilitates the access of linguistic minorities to public health information and other key messages in times of crisis. Based on the fieldwork conducted in January 2024 in Mengding, this study examines how a Translation and Interpreting Association (TIA) offers ELS in China’s border town. The findings indicate that both foreign languages and cross-border ethnic groups’ languages are frequently needed for crisis translation and interpreting. In particular, Myanmar is the most frequently needed foreign language, followed by Thai and English, and two cross-border ethnic groups’ languages (Tai and Kokang) are also needed for crisis communication. The findings also reveal that TIA acts as a language broker for offering non-standard Myanmar translation and interpreting services for various crisis events including the COVID-19 pandemic, mitigating border conflicts, and participating in different types of public health emergencies. Based on the findings, it is suggested that effective emergency translation and interpreting services at China’s border towns should take into consideration the multilingual profiles of border migrants of diverse backgrounds. This study can shed lights on emergency language policy and planning in China’s border provinces. PubDate: Fri, 26 Jul 2024 02:48:38 +000
Abstract: The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), one of the globe's most expansive free trade agreements (FTAs), has profoundly influenced its member countries' trading patterns. This fact is especially critical for a major economic powerhouse such as China. Understanding its trade creation and trade diversion within the RCEP context can facilitate successful formulation strategies and result in effective economic policies. In this study, we utilize the World Integrated Trade Solution Software for Market Analysis and Restrictions on Trade (WITS-SMART), a partial equilibrium modeling tool, on both state-level and industrial-tier tariff reductions under two distinct scenarios. Our findings confirm that China will benefit from impactful trade results across all RCEP members. Looking from industry point of view: machinery, chemicals, metals sector together with plastics and rubber production are projected to enjoy maximum rewards through increased trade creation and diversion opportunities from Japan and Korea. On the contrary, Australia and ASEAN have the greatest influence on the animal and vegetable sector. This crucial understanding creates strategic indicators that aid in evaluating the most appropriate alignments to harness the untapped potential in the RECP domain. PubDate: Fri, 28 Jun 2024 01:28:45 +000