This thesis delves into the documentary De Wereld van de Chinezen (2021) by Dutch photographer and filmmaker Ruben Terlou. The documentary explores the impact of Chinese investments on Chinese...Show moreThis thesis delves into the documentary De Wereld van de Chinezen (2021) by Dutch photographer and filmmaker Ruben Terlou. The documentary explores the impact of Chinese investments on Chinese migrants and local communities in Kenya and Cambodia, in the context of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Terlou follows several Chinese migrants, documenting their motivations, opportunities, challenges, and the effects of their presence on local communities. Through literature review and theories such as dependency theory, cultural imperialism theory, and narrative and cognitive theory, this thesis examines Terlou's portrayal of three main themes: ideological reasons for Chinese migration, personal motivations for migrating, and the impact on local communities, including issues of Chinese superiority and discrimination. Terlou's documentary provides a platform for Dutch audiences to critically engage with China's global influence, offering a nuanced perspective that contrasts with prevalent Western media narratives. By highlighting personal stories, Terlou presents a balanced view of the achievements and struggles of Chinese migrants and the varied effects of their presence on local communities. Despite aiming for neutrality, Terlou's deep familiarity with China influences his portrayal, emphasizing the human side of Chinese investments and the migrants' drive to succeed.Show less
This study examines the most prevalent lexical errors committed by Dutch learners when they write in Korean. It also examines whether the proficiency levels of learners influence their tendency to...Show moreThis study examines the most prevalent lexical errors committed by Dutch learners when they write in Korean. It also examines whether the proficiency levels of learners influence their tendency to make language transfer errors, distinguishing between inter- or intralingual errors. Although error analysis studies are plentiful in the field of second language acquisition, both lexical errors and Dutch learners of Korean have been neglected as research subjects. By making use of error and statistical analysis, this study aims to fill that gap. This results demonstrate that the most prevalent lexical errors among Dutch learners of Korean of all proficiency levels is literal translation, followed by confusion with semantic similarity, paraphrasing or circumlocution, confusion with formal similarity, and omission or incompletion errors. The study further finds evidence for the claim that learners with high proficiency levels of Korean make more intralingual errors than learners with low proficiency levels, but it does not find evidence that learners with low proficiency levels make more interlingual errors than learners with high proficiency levels. These results suggest that instructors might need to focus on helping advanced learners in their understanding and use of complex Korean language structures and vocabulary, whilst not neglecting correction of language transfer errors in general.Show less
Since the reforms brought forward in the Meiji period, Japan has been experiencing secularization. As Durkheim argues, religion is what connects and controls society, the secularization has caused...Show moreSince the reforms brought forward in the Meiji period, Japan has been experiencing secularization. As Durkheim argues, religion is what connects and controls society, the secularization has caused people to feel anxious and disconnected with the world around them. Especially during the Corona pandemic, these feelings were strengthened. Contemporary Japanese spirituality has been trying to find a cure for this through self-care. Fans found their cure through participation in oshikatsu. According to research conducted by Harada et al., oshikatsu increases one’s well- being. In order to explain why this is the case, this thesis explorers the role of oshikatsu in today’s Japanese society. By applying Durkheim’s model of religion, which argues that religion is a mode of human communication and connectedness, on oshikatsu, one is able to understand the role oshikatsu plays as an alternative religion, connecting fans of the same oshi through religious practices as brought forward by the four pillars of: collecting, devotion, sharing and supporting.Show less
This thesis discusses the question as to how Yoshiwara was envisioned as a virtual place of escape in prints of the Edo-period (1603-1867). This is done through visual analysis of woodblock prints...Show moreThis thesis discusses the question as to how Yoshiwara was envisioned as a virtual place of escape in prints of the Edo-period (1603-1867). This is done through visual analysis of woodblock prints as primary sources, and information and arguments of academic literature as secondary sources. Overwhelmed by the strict Tokugawa society and the many calamities ravaging the city, the people of Edo could find a place of escape in the concept of the Yoshiwara pleasure quarters depicted in print. The practice of gayū (travelling whilst laying down) and the concepts of tsū (refinement) and iki (an urban aesthetic), are essential to this understanding.Show less
This paper sheds light on the discrepancy between the presentation of Ikumen, a popularized Japanese buzzword used for fathers who are involved with childrearing, in government-backed media and the...Show moreThis paper sheds light on the discrepancy between the presentation of Ikumen, a popularized Japanese buzzword used for fathers who are involved with childrearing, in government-backed media and the way it is perceived mostly in a negative light by the target audience. An analysis of survey data of an online survey conducted by the Asahi Shinbun revealed five major reasons as to why respondents take issue with the buzzword. An analysis of ‘Family Harmony’, the Ikumen Project’s Official song, revealed that most, however not all, of these gripes are in fact being reflected in pieces of government-backed media.Show less
The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989 marked a turning point for Eastern European nations, triggering a wave of democratic revolutions. This shift from communist governance to democracy was...Show moreThe collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989 marked a turning point for Eastern European nations, triggering a wave of democratic revolutions. This shift from communist governance to democracy was marked by numerous obstacles, notably the influence wielded by former communist elites, commonly referred to as the nomenklatura. This thesis examines the impact of the nomenklatura on the post-communist political environments and privatization processes of Bulgaria and Poland between 1989 and 2001. Both countries, influenced to varying extents by Soviet ideology, embarked on divergent paths toward democracy and economic liberalization. The thesis investigates how the nomenklatura, entrenched in positions of power, sought to maintain their political relevance and exploit state resources. Through a multidisciplinary analysis drawing from academic literature and primary sources, the study evaluates the strategies employed by the nomenklatura to adapt to democratic structures, their influence on post-communist political systems, and their role in the privatization of public resources. The results provide a deeper understanding of the lasting impact of the nomenklatura on Bulgaria and Poland's political and economic trajectories during the pivotal transitional period. This analysis offers valuable perspectives on the challenges encountered during democratization and economic reform in post-communist societies.Show less
This thesis discusses the human security of women in Okinawa, as they live alongside US military bases, through a critical feminist analysis of Japan-US security agreements. Ultimately, this thesis...Show moreThis thesis discusses the human security of women in Okinawa, as they live alongside US military bases, through a critical feminist analysis of Japan-US security agreements. Ultimately, this thesis concludes that the security of women in Okinawa is deemed secondary to both Japan's national interests and the US' national interests, and, thus, the security agreements between these two countries pose an active risk to the everyday security of women in Okinawa.Show less