This thesis examines female consciousness and self-identity in six films by Chinese female directors from the Sixth Generation. This study compares three films from the independent sector to three...Show moreThis thesis examines female consciousness and self-identity in six films by Chinese female directors from the Sixth Generation. This study compares three films from the independent sector to three films from the commercial sector by using the method of social semiotics.Show less
In this paper language attitudes of native Japanese speakers towards native Hakata dialect speakers are researched, to find out about the interdependency between spoken language and linguistic...Show moreIn this paper language attitudes of native Japanese speakers towards native Hakata dialect speakers are researched, to find out about the interdependency between spoken language and linguistic stereotypes, which tends to heavily influence interpersonal relationships as well as the process of establishing biases. Research was conducted by application of the matched-guise experimental technique in combination with a questionnaire. The main questions were: Are Hakata dialect speakers consistently perceived differently in comparison to standard Japanese speakers as a consequence of linguistic stereotyping? If so, then what are the prevalent stereotypes held by native Japanese speakers about people who speak Hakata dialect?Show less
This thesis researched how four large newspapers: People’s Daily（人民日报）and Southern Metropolis Daily （南方都市报）both from China, and Apple Daily （苹果日报）and Ta Kung Pao (大公报), based in Hong Kong, reported...Show moreThis thesis researched how four large newspapers: People’s Daily（人民日报）and Southern Metropolis Daily （南方都市报）both from China, and Apple Daily （苹果日报）and Ta Kung Pao (大公报), based in Hong Kong, reported on the massive demonstrations of mid-September 2014, following the decision of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee on August 31st to hold elections for the Chief Executive of Hong Kong in 2017.Show less
This thesis studies how online commentators in China discussed the recent US election. The thesis connects this topic to academic debates about the potential of digital media in China to function...Show moreThis thesis studies how online commentators in China discussed the recent US election. The thesis connects this topic to academic debates about the potential of digital media in China to function as a public sphere, and the thesis tried to make a case that we might probe online commentary to trace public discourses on important, emerging issues.Show less
In recent years, the number of people, both students and adults, learning Japanese has been on the rise throughout the world. With such a fast development, problems and issues concerning both the...Show moreIn recent years, the number of people, both students and adults, learning Japanese has been on the rise throughout the world. With such a fast development, problems and issues concerning both the acquisition of the Japanese language and the teaching method used have become evident. In particular one of the most challenging features of the language has noticeably been detected in the two particles wa and ga. Those two particles, having mainly the function of theme and subject markers, represent an intriguing point for scholars and students alike. Their uses have been at the center of analysis for many years and many linguists have devoted a huge part of their research to inspect their most debated aspects. Researches have focused on different functions each particle can assume and, how their usages can influence the general meaning of a sentence. From Kuno‟s The structure of the Japanese language, considered to be the cornerstone in the field, many different angles of analysis have been used to describe these two particles. Wa and ga are an interesting point of analysis inasmuch as their distinction is vague and subtle both for learners and for Japanese native speakers. Hence, with my research I would like to analyze this issue more in depth, producing evidences of a link between teaching method and particles errors. Through the analysis of written production by L2 Japanese learners, this research confirmed previous findings. It demonstrated a link between classroom instruction and errors in particles usage, calling for much needed reform in Japanese second language teaching.Show less
This paper is aimed at two interrelated objectives. Firstly, it explores the shaping of India’s perception and misperception of China using the asymmetry theory. Secondly, it relates these insights...Show moreThis paper is aimed at two interrelated objectives. Firstly, it explores the shaping of India’s perception and misperception of China using the asymmetry theory. Secondly, it relates these insights to India’s behavior towards China-led developmentalism, the Belt & Road initiative, showing that India’s reluctance to be part of China’s initiative is rooted in mistrust, misinterpretations of information, and a lack of information. Ever since the deterioration of the Sino-Indian relationship due to the border war, India has established a deep-rooted distrust of China, which affects how new information regarding China is evaluated. It is therefore likely that misperceptions emerge. The asymmetric relationship between China and India amplifies the misinterpretation of information due to the vast difference in attention span. Further reasons for the emerging of misperceptions can be seen in historical memory and a lack of day-to-day interaction.Show less
The Great East Japan Earthquake and the following tsunami, which occurred on March 3rd, 2011, was a natural disaster of an unprecedented scale. One of its more severe aftermaths, the accident in...Show moreThe Great East Japan Earthquake and the following tsunami, which occurred on March 3rd, 2011, was a natural disaster of an unprecedented scale. One of its more severe aftermaths, the accident in Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, remains unresolved until this day. Thousands of people were relocated due to the nuclear contamination, and the local communities were severed. This paper addresses the discussion about the further exploitation of nuclear power in Japan, which arose as a consequence of the nuclear accident. Although the Japanese government intends to continue relying on atomic energy, various statistics have shown the citizens’ objection. In this qualitative study, the representatives of three areas within Tohoku region were asked about their opinions towards nuclear power plants, and their arguments. The interviews were analyzed through the premises of socio-psychological dual-process theory, which explains how the opinions are constructed. One’s personal experience, perception of benefit or loss, and the trust towards the government and the energy companies proved to be the crucial factors for opinions’ construction. Moreover, the tragedy contributed to end the indifference of citizens, disappointed with the centralized government and its poor disaster response. The importance of the local authorities is increasing, and the close-knit societies are recovering faster. Lastly, the Japanese urgent need for alternative energy sources became visible, however currently there is no substitute capable of replacing nuclear power completely.Show less
To study the Japanese-style garden as a place of psychological restoration, a survey has been conducted at the Hamarikyū Gardens and at Koishikawa Kōrakuen in Tokyo, Japan. The purpose of the...Show moreTo study the Japanese-style garden as a place of psychological restoration, a survey has been conducted at the Hamarikyū Gardens and at Koishikawa Kōrakuen in Tokyo, Japan. The purpose of the survey was, first, to understand whether visitors conceive looking at a garden view as a healing experience and, second, to explore the reasons why it is so. The results confirmed that contemplating a garden is perceived as a relaxing activity that inspires positive feelings - as supported by previous research in environmental psychology. The elements of the garden view that inspired these feelings were examined and grouped into three categories: nature, aesthetics and space-time.Show less
