Historic Environment and Cultural Sensitivity： Ottoman Neighborhood in Macedonia

The territory of the Republic of Macedonia is divided to geographical regions, in which different types of monuments and houses from Ottoman character can be found. The monuments and regions presented through this paper do not cover all the regions of Macedonia but only the territories of Skopje, the capital of Macedonia and Ohrid. This paper involves a research of Ottoman housing and settlements in Macedonia according to the architectural characteristics and settlement textures using old-new photographs, related literature, internet sources and site investigation. The rich vernacular traditions we inherited from Ottoman ancestors would be a source for inspiring the architects in establishing the guiding principles for new buildings in Macedonia. Finally, this study concludes with some ways forward on how to attain cultural continuity for achieving sustainable development in the long run.

World Englishes： Threat or Opportunity for Indonesians？

This paper aims to discuss the growth of EIL （English as an international language）, which leads English to be used around the world and adapted by different cultures because people use this language based on their own identity For Indonesians who learn EFL （English as a foreign language）, for instance, they do not need to adapt to a new culture. In EFL learning process, acquiring a native speaker accent seems to be unnecessary because there is no single standard of pronunciation. In addition, it is not necessary to ask learners imitating Western culture. Learning English can be viewed as an opportunity for Indonesians to have cross-cultural awareness. Despite its potentially positive consequences, learning English can also lead to a serious problem. This statement is based on the reason that English has greater social power than the Indonesian language （Bahasa Indonesia） because it is now used as a medium in several aspects of life. Furthermore, English is more accessible because of the global spread of information using this language through media, such as television and Internet. Consequently, it is possible that Indonesian learners would take pride in using English in their daily lives. The primary method used in this paper is literature investigation. From the discussion, it is found that EFL teachers are expected to be able to know the goal of foreign language teaching and its final product, comprehend the importance of a communicative approach, and give learners understanding that each nation has its own culture and there is no superiority among others. It is also important for them to respect languages and cultures in which the teaching and learning process occurs. In other words, teachers＇ cultural sensitivity is needed

Intercultural Communication of Assist Card in Connecting Its Cardholder and Its Medical Service Provider

Technology-assisted, multi-party involved, non-face-to-face communication will become more prevail than interpersonal communication, and will play more important role in intercultural communication. Conflicts, complaints rise, how to balance all different positioned parties, how to advance the case will be of referential value to the cases coming later. AC at the center of multi-lateral communication acted timely and appropriately to have managed the complaints and facilitated communication. As an international traveling assistance and insurance company, Assist Card provides medical assistance from its direct and indirect medical service providers around the world to its cardholders. The role AC plays in connecting its cardholders and both its direct and indirect medical service providers is crucial and dominating. This is a case study of how did AC especially AC China act to facilitate the dialogue between Maria, the patient and Hengyang HP, the problem of AC intragroup communication, how did the in-group intimacy help AC trust hospital, defend for it, while believe it was Maria who should be more intercultural sensitive. Participant observation is another research method. Dialectical approach was used to analyze intercultural sensitivity responsibility.

The Application of Cross-Cultural Education Strategies in International Schools and Their Role in Cultivating Students’Global Awareness

This paper presents a comprehensive examination of the application of cross-cultural education strategies within international schools and their critical role in fostering students’global awareness.As international schools serve as a melting pot of diverse cultures,the research delves into the importance of cross-cultural education in preparing students to become global citizens.The study outlines the theoretical underpinnings of cross-cultural education,emphasizing the need for an inclusive curriculum that addresses cultural sensitivity and promotes international perspectives.Successful case studies,such as interdisciplinary projects and Model United Nations activities,are analyzed to understand their impact on students’engagement and cross-cultural competencies.Challenges faced by schools,including resource limitations and cultural sensitivity,are discussed alongside potential solutions like enhanced teacher training and the use of technology.The paper also explores the assessment of students’global awareness and the future development of cross-cultural education,considering the influence of educational policies and technological advancements.The research concludes with policy implications and practical guidance for educators,advocating for a personalized approach to cross-cultural education that aligns with the needs of the globalized era.

Challenges in integrating traditional Chinese medicine and gut microbiota research for insomnia treatment

The gut microbiome is an extensive variety of bacteria with a range of metabolic capabilities that can be pathogenic,beneficial,or opportunistic.Changes in the gut microbiota's composition can affect the link between gut integrity and host health as well as cause disruptions to numerous neurological systems.The second most prevalent mental health problem,insomnia has a negative social and economic impact.Currently,it is becoming increasingly obvious how crucial it is to preserve the delicate balance of gut microbiota to treat illness-related symptoms like insomnia.Although traditional Chinese medicine has proposed an effective strategy against insomnia through gut microbiota alteration in animal models,studies in human models are limited.This decreases the predictive value of the studies in terms of human outcomes.This editorial places an emphasis on cultural sensitivity rather than scientific reasoning that promotes the use of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).We aim to emphasize the concern that promoting TCM could divert resources from conventional medical research,leading to suboptimal care.

Individual Rights in the New World Order

Editorial note： This was a speech delivered as a twentieth lecture of World Social Sciences Lectures at Fudan Institute for Advanced Study in Social Sciences （IAS-Fudan） on September 17, 2009. In this lecture, Joseph Raz discussed the role played by individual fights in the emerging new world order, as well as the associated intellectual diflficulties. Using the fight to education and the fight to health as illustrations, Raz reflected upon both the importance and necessity of individual rights in shaping the emerging new world order, where the traditional power actors at the international level should be duly held in check by individual fight-holders. To practice such claims, nonetheless, can lead to reckless activism and do much harm unless with certain institutions in place to impartially administer justice. 1kaz forcefully argued that such factors as of time, space and culture should be duly considered in laying the intellectual foundations for defining and implementing individual fights in the emerging new world order.