Issue 3, Volume 3 – 5 articles

Genetic History of Ancient Xinjiang Revealed by Ancient DNA Study: A Hub of Eurasian Population Migration and Cultural Exchange

Xinjiang, a “genetic crossroads” of Eurasia, offers critical insights into transcontinental population migrations, cultural exchanges, and genetic fusion. This review synthesizes ancient genomic data from about 200 individuals (from the Bronze Age to the Historical Era), alongside archaeological, paleo microbial, and environmental evidence. Key findings include: (1) Bronze Age genetic heterogeneity: Tarim Basin populations (e.g., Xiaohe culture) retained high Ancient North Eurasian (ANE) ancestry, while northern Xinjiang groups exhibited tripartite admixture among ANE, Afanasievo pastoralists, and Baikal hunter-gatherers; (2) Stratified admixture patterns emerged during the Iron Age to Historical Era, shaped by Xinjiang’s “barrier-and-connection” geography traits; (3) Trans-Eurasian interactions were propelled by technological diffusion (e.g., metallurgy), socio-political transformations (e.g., Silk Road governance), and adaptive strategies (e.g., lactose fermentation), positioning Xinjiang as a nexus of Eurasian mutil-connectivity. Our synthesis bridges genetics, archaeology, and environmental clues, highlighting Xinjiang’s critical role in Eurasian population dynamics. Future research should employ high-resolution spatiotemporal sampling and interdisciplinary approaches to unravel genetic-societal coupling during vital historical phases (e.g., Xiongnu expansion) and molecular mechanisms of environmental adaptation.

Book Review: Lawson, R. Language and Mediated Masculinities; Oxford University Press: New York, NY, USA, 2023; ISBN: 987654321

Anthropological Pathways to Cultural Understanding: “Language Learning Circles in Early Childhood Bilingual Education in the U.S.A.”

This article presents a literature review that employs an anthropological perspective to investigate the role of Language Learning Circles (LLCs) in fostering early bilingual development and cultural identity among Hispanic children in the United States. As the Spanish-speaking population grows, the need for culturally grounded language education becomes more urgent. LLCs, rooted in educational and anthropological traditions, serve as structured, dialogic spaces where language learning is tied to cultural practices such as storytelling, music, and rituals. Drawing on theories of language socialization, cultural artifacts, and communicative competence, this paper situates LLCs within broader anthropological discussions on identity, belonging, and community building. By highlighting how LLCs promote linguistic diversity, foster cross-cultural understanding, and employ inclusive teaching methods, the article offers insights into how early childhood education can serve as a powerful site for cultural transmission and resistance. Special focus is given to the implications for Hispanic families navigating bilingualism and educational equity in the U.S.

The Semantic Evolution and Cultural Cognition of the English Basic Color Term “Green”—A Diachronic Analysis Based on Cognitive Anthropology

Based on cognitive anthropology theory, this study systematically explores the semantic evolution path and cultural cognitive mechanisms of the English basic color term “green”. Through analyzing the etymology, semantic extension, and usage frequency of the color term “green” in English, the study reveals its complex transformation from a natural attribute to a socio-cultural symbol. The results indicate that the semantic evolution of the color term “green” is influenced not only by the universality of human visual cognitive mechanisms, but also profoundly reflects the ecological concepts, political ideologies, and socio-psychological characteristics present in English culture. These findings provide a new analytical dimension for research on color terms and deepen the understanding of the relationship between language and culture.

Generational Shifts in Fertility Behaviour: Evidences from an Ethnographic Study from Howrah District of West Bengal, India

This ethnographic study examines generational shifts in fertility behaviour among ever-married women in Howrah district, West Bengal, India—a region characterised by the convergence of agrarian rural and rapid urbanisation. Utilising a cross-sectional sample of 665 women across three generational cohorts, the analysis applies a negative binomial regression framework to assess the impact of socio-demographic, economic, and cultural determinants on fertility outcomes. One-way ANOVA result reveals a significant generational decline in mean number of children (p = 0.004); with participants of Generation I (1.89) showing the highest mean number of children than the participants of Generation III (1.38). Negative binomial regression results showed that women from Generation II (IRR = 0.99; CI: 0.72–1.37; p < 0.001) and Generation III (IRR = 0.95; CI: 0.60–1.49; p = 0.001) exhibiting significantly lower fertility compared to those from Generation I. Key predictors of reduced fertility include higher educational attainment among women (IRR = 0.95; CI: 0.72–1.26; p < 0.01) and their spouses (IRR = 0.99; CI: 0.85–1.25; p < 0.05), engagement in white-collar occupations (IRR = 0.93; CI: 0.72–1.22; p < 0.01), prioritisationof leisure time (IRR = 0.51; CI: 0.85–1.18; p < 0.05), fewer siblings (1–2) of the husband (IRR = 0.99; CI: 0.81–1.28; p < 0.05), higher household crowding (HCI) (IRR = 0.99; CI: 0.85–1.14; p < 0.05), and greater economic status within the upper expenditure quintile (IRR = 0.95; CI: 0.79–1.15; p < 0.01). Fertility preferences increasingly reflect modern aspirations related to lifestyle enhancement and personal autonomy. However, traditional influences—such as perceived necessity of children for life fulfilment and old-age dependency—continue to exert a reduced but noticeable effect. Significantly, higher fertility rates among Muslim participants (IRR = 1.04; CI: 0.81–1.14; p < 0.01) highlight the enduring impact of religious and economic disparities. IDIs observed a clear generational shift; older generations follow traditional childbearing norms, while younger ones lean toward modern views. The study concludes that fertility transition in the Howrah district is shaped by a dynamic interplay between persisting traditional norms and evolving individualistic values, positioning generational change as a crucial lens for interpreting India’s ongoing demographic transformation.