2024 VOL. 13. NO. 1

Original article
For international consumption? Depictions of the Japanese diet and local foodstuffs in the news section of the NHK World-Japan website

Antony Hoyte-West

Abstract

With food representing an important part of national identity and cultural heritage, this article presents a short overview of the depiction of the traditional Japanese diet (washoku) and local foodstuffs on the news website of NHK World-Japan, the English-language international arm of Japan’s public broadcaster NHK. It firstly briefly highlights the importance and relevance of culinary traditions, before summarising the growing role of the media in international diplomacy, especially with regard to the nascent field of gastrodiplomacy. It subsequently outlines the chosen methodology (a qualitative content analysis), before presenting the results of the analysis, showing how the selected news items can be categorised into two groupings, one centring on sustainability in the domestic context and the other with a distinctly external focus.

Keywords: Gastrodiplomacy, Japan, media diplomacy, media portrayal, washoku.

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Original article
Potentials of Banovina region branding through tourism and soft power by understanding local identity

Dejan Gluvačević & Iva-Mila Brigljević

Abstract

Aimed at boosting tourism and regional growth, this study investigated Banovina, a captivating Croatian region known for its natural beauty and cultural richness. Despite its potential, Banovina hasn’t yet established itself as a branded tourist destination. To understand resident perspectives on tourism and branding possibilities, the research employed a two-pronged approach. Online questionnaires gathered opinions from the local population, while semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives from various Banovina institutions. This comprehensive approach provided valuable insights into Banovina’s identity and potential branding strategies for tourist destination success. The study not only offers a theoretical framework for destination branding, identity, and image, but also analyzes Banovina’s tourism offerings. It incorporates empirical research from the local population, interviews with relevant authorities, and a SWOT analysis to paint a well-rounded picture. The research concludes that Banovina possesses significant potential as a branded tourist destination, capitalizing on its unique cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and distinctive resources. However, challenges remain. To achieve economic prosperity and attract visitors and investors, successful branding is critical. This study provides a valuable framework and insights to guide Banovina’s development as a unique and thriving tourist destination.

Keywords: Banovina, Croatia, destination branding, identity, tourism, soft power.

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Original article
Gender Sensitive Language: Nouns Denoting Profession in Macedonian Language Primary Education School Textbooks

Violeta Janusheva & Stojanoska Marija

Abstract

Within the gender-neutral language use debate, education and school textbooks are perceived as vital factors that can increase students’ gender issues awareness. Previous textbooks’ research indicates the usage of gender unfair language through utilization of the generic masculine nouns designating profession. Thus, the present study examines the gender of the nouns denoting occupation in Macedonian primary education and the goal is to depict the textbooks’ role in increasing/decreasing the students’ understanding for gender matter questions. The sample consists of two Macedonian language primary education school textbooks for sixth and seventh grade. Each unit (noun) signifying occupation is organizationally coded, meaning that there are boxes in which the data are sorted for further analysis (4 boxes for feminine and masculine nouns representing occupation in singular and plural). The codes arise from the reading and through the coding, the meaning is analyzed. The analysis rests upon the general qualitative interpretative-inductive approach. Research results suggest that these two Macedonian language textbooks, regarding the feminine and masculine nouns indicating occupation, follow the same course present in many ELT/EFL or other language textbooks globally, meaning that there is absolute supremacy of the masculine nouns expressing occupation. Therefore, this paper contributes to the worldwide gender sensitive language use discussion and encourages the efforts that should be made towards more gender sensitive textbooks.

Keywords: Gender sensitive language, nouns signifying occupation, Macedonian, language, primary education.

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Book review
Reflections on “The Palgrave Handbook of Crisis Leadership in Higher Education” from a Western Balkans Higher Education Perspective

Xhavit Rexhaj

Abstract

This is a review of The Palgrave Handbook of Crisis Leadership in Higher Education, by Jürgen Rudolph, Joseph Crawford, Choon-Yin Sam, Shannon Tan (Eds.) (Cham: Palgrave Macmillan, 2024).

Keywords: Covid-19 pandemic, leadership, higher education, artificial intelligence, AI.

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Book review
To a Destination Where Love Can Return

Swati Ganguly & Visva Bharati, Santiniketan

Abstract

This is a review of Habitat by Bashabi Fraser (Edinburgh: Luath Press, 2023).

Keywords: Identity, ecologically sensitive, poetry, nature, survival of eco systems, acts of hope.

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Thesis is peer review journal published by AAB College