This thesis revolves around the representation of exile in Chinese exile literature, specifically the fiction of Ma Jian: how is exile represented in Ma Jian’s fiction? The aim of the project is to...Show moreThis thesis revolves around the representation of exile in Chinese exile literature, specifically the fiction of Ma Jian: how is exile represented in Ma Jian’s fiction? The aim of the project is to primarily shed a light on the ‘personal’ engagement of exile by Ma Jian, as exile is neither a mechanical nor a predictable affair, as it crucially involves individual choices and strategies by the author in question. Secondly, to show the importance and significance exile still has nowadays, as characterized and interrelated with the given socio-political, economic, and cultural context.Show less
In this thesis, I will explain how the tanuki can be seen as an example of a mythological “trickster” (a paradoxical figure who combines god-like powers with a chaotic nature and a love for...Show moreIn this thesis, I will explain how the tanuki can be seen as an example of a mythological “trickster” (a paradoxical figure who combines god-like powers with a chaotic nature and a love for deceiving and general trickery) and how these trickster tendencies function within different forms of Japanese popular imagination such as art and literature. In my research, I have identified three primary functions. First, the trickster’s shape-shifting tendencies and powers of illusion contribute to a sense of “uncannyness” and tie the tanuki to the mysterious and unknown. As such, “unexplainable” natural phenomena were often attributed to acts of this supernatural being. Secondly, the foolishness of the trickster figure makes it an excellent character for comedic and/or satirical works. The tanuki is no exception to this, as seen in folktales and Edo-era artwork. Lastly, the duality behind the trickster also makes him the perfect mediator between two polar opposites. The tanuki in particular has often been used to signify clashes between urban society and the countryside, as seen for example in the Studio Ghibli film Pompoko.Show less
The thesis discusses the hybridity of Japanese sartorial culture with a focus on the works of Issey Miyake. It explores the boundaries between culture, body and sartorial design. Moreover, how do...Show moreThe thesis discusses the hybridity of Japanese sartorial culture with a focus on the works of Issey Miyake. It explores the boundaries between culture, body and sartorial design. Moreover, how do the designs of Issey Miyake express his Japanese identity while also crossing borders between East and West?Show less
This thesis analyses the way in which Korean to English code-switching is used in South Korean television dramas. It explores the correlation between the characters' use of English and the...Show moreThis thesis analyses the way in which Korean to English code-switching is used in South Korean television dramas. It explores the correlation between the characters' use of English and the formation of their social status though the functions of code-switching as defined by Muysken.Show less
China’s economic success over the past decades has led to a massive increase in private car consumption. Even though this rise in private car use has positive societal effects, it is favorable to...Show moreChina’s economic success over the past decades has led to a massive increase in private car consumption. Even though this rise in private car use has positive societal effects, it is favorable to limit the consumption of private cars from an environmental point of view. For instance, because private cars cause a large amount of carbon emissions. One way to reduce private car use is by adopting shared cars. Earlier studies showed that consumers portray a positive attitude towards shared cars, but adoption rates remain low. To help the promotion of carsharing, this thesis has studied what values Chinese consumers create when using a car sharing service. This was done by distributing a qualitative questionnaire among mostly Chinese university students and analyzing the results by using the theory of consumption values. The findings of this survey showed that functional and emotional values are the most salient considerations for using shared cars. With regards to functional values, a car sharing service should be convenient, low-cost, and of high quality. To enhance emotional values, shared cars should be safe and hygienic, and provide freedom for users to go wherever they would want to go. The findings of this thesis show that the theory of consumption values is applicable to analyze consumption behavior within the sharing economy. Practically, the findings of this thesis also allow car sharing service providers to improve and promote their offerings.Show less
The medical model defines autism as disorder and disability which includes deficits in social communication, repetitive behaviour, abnormalities in sensory processing and cognition. The definition...Show moreThe medical model defines autism as disorder and disability which includes deficits in social communication, repetitive behaviour, abnormalities in sensory processing and cognition. The definition implies a need for a cure and alleviating autistic traits. However, the medical model has been challenged by the neurodiversity model, which understands autism as a neurological difference rather than a disorder. The neurodiversity movement started in English speaking autistic online communities and aims to embrace the differences, reduce stigma and create autistic culture. This thesis aims to find out if, and in what ways, do Japanese autistic Youtubers challenge the medical model. There is a lack of studies on Japanese autistic communities, neurodiversity movement and first-person views. Ten YouTube videos made on autism by Japanese autistic or other neurodivergent people were selected for qualitative narrative analysis. While most YouTubers presented a conception similar to the medical model, they also subtly challenged it by presenting themselves as an authority on autism, showing the positive sides of autism, critiquing universal applicability of stereotypes, using labels for autism created in autistic communities and suggesting changes in the socio-cultural environment as a way to mitigate challenges. While there were no direct references to the neurodiversity movement, there has been an increase in online content made by autistic people, which enables changes in discourse in future.Show less
