Metaphors are crucial for our understanding of the world. Without metaphors we would not be able to understand abstract concepts such as emotions, time and life as such. They do offer a great insight in how our cognitive processes are structured. In addition, it is interesting to see whether completely different languages share the same of different conceptual metaphors. Not only for metaphor understanding but also for the understanding how culture and metaphor are interrelated, the concept of embodiment plays an important role. This present work will show that there exist metaphorical conceptualizations that are almost universal and that we can also find metaphorical aspects that differ across cultures.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Intercultural Management
3. European Cultural Identity through Cultural Policy
4. European Capital of Culture
5. Pécs the borderless city
6. The borderless city in question
7. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
The core objective of this study is to examine the practical implementation of intercultural management within the framework of the "European Capital of Culture" program, using the Hungarian city of Pécs as a primary case study to investigate the potential disparity between official project goals and the experienced reality of local minority groups.
- Theoretical analysis of intercultural management and globalization.
- Evaluation of European cultural policy and the construction of identity.
- Investigation into the administrative and political challenges of the ECoC 2010 project.
- Critical review of the "Borderless City" motto vs. local minority inclusion.
- Assessment of intercultural mismanagement in regional development projects.
Excerpt from the Book
6. The borderless city in question
When taking a closer look at the actual implementation of Pécs’ official promises that were made in the application and the official promotion material on the website, one can notice a glaring discrepancy. There is a great distinction between the public self-portrayal and experienced reality (Pester Lloyd3, 2010). Pécs does have a long intercultural and multi-ethnic history, however, the project of Pécs European Capital of Culture 2010 may has to be seen as an example of failed intercultural management. It is an example, where different cultures are not really treated equally, but where minorities are used to adorn oneself with borrowed plumes. In the case of Pécs, the so called “Borderless City”, the involvement of minorities and the promised intercultural dialogue between the various ethnic groups, were to a great extent, empty promises and functioned as means to win the title. Or in other words: as means to get a financial support for big investments that without the title would have never been possible. These investments were mainly spent for big construction projects in the city. Pécs is in deed a borderless city in question.
Chapter Summary
1. Introduction: Outlines the research focus on the "European Capital of Culture" program, specifically investigating the gap between official promises and the actual experience in Pécs.
2. Intercultural Management: Defines the theoretical foundations of intercultural management as a discipline linked to globalization and cultural standardization within organizational contexts.
3. European Cultural Identity through Cultural Policy: Explores how the EU utilizes cultural programs and symbols to foster a sense of unified identity alongside national heritage.
4. European Capital of Culture: Details the history, selection, and objectives of the ECoC program, emphasizing the EU's mission for mutual cultural understanding.
5. Pécs the borderless city: Summarizes the official narrative and strategic "pillars" used by Pécs to secure its ECoC 2010 nomination based on its multicultural history.
6. The borderless city in question: Critically evaluates the implementation of the project, highlighting failures in minority inclusion and allegations of mismanagement and corruption.
7. Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, confirming that the "Borderless City" project largely failed to meet its intercultural promises and functioned primarily as a tool for infrastructure funding.
Keywords
European Capital of Culture, Pécs, Intercultural Management, Cultural Identity, European Union, Globalization, Minority Inclusion, Cultural Policy, Borderless City, Mismanagement, Ethnic Diversity, Regional Development, Xenophobia, Public Involvement, Symbolic Capital
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines how intercultural management is practiced within the European Capital of Culture program, with a specific focus on the failures and discrepancies observed in the city of Pécs during 2010.
What are the primary thematic fields covered in the work?
The study bridges political science, cultural studies, and business management, specifically addressing European integration, urban development, cultural policy, and minority rights.
What is the main research question of the thesis?
The research asks how intercultural management functions in practice within the European Capital of Culture 2010 and evaluates if Pécs successfully lived up to its promise of being a "Borderless City."
Which academic and research methods are utilized?
The author uses a case study approach, analyzing official EU documents, project applications, promotional materials, and comparing these against investigative journalism and interviews with local stakeholders and minority representatives.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the work?
The main body covers the theoretical definitions of culture, the evolution of EU cultural policy, the specific goals of the ECoC project, and a critical analysis of the events in Pécs involving minority exclusion and political mismanagement.
What are the characterizing keywords of the study?
Key terms include European Capital of Culture, Intercultural Management, Cultural Identity, Minority Inclusion, and the critical case of the "Borderless City" in Pécs.
How does the author define the discrepancy in the Pécs project?
The author identifies a contrast between the city's official rhetoric of multiculturalism and tolerance versus the practical reality, where minorities were sidelined and funding was prioritized for construction over genuine cultural dialogue.
What specific political context in Hungary is noted as a hindering factor?
The paper highlights the rising influence of right-wing political sentiment, particularly the Jobbik party, as a major obstacle to the success of true intercultural understanding and minority safety in the region.
- Citation du texte
- Master of Arts Julia Klar (Auteur), 2011, Pécs - European Capital of Culture 2010, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/200168
