I-YES 2024: Unveiling the Meaning of a Name as a Cultural Bridge

HUMANIORA – (September 11, 2024) The second day of the International Youth Enhance Study (I-YES) 2024 was filled with enthusiasm. With the theme "Empathy to Action: Sparking Humanitarian Endeavors," participants from various countries joined the Intercultural Talk session, led by Ribut Wahyudi, Ph.D., Head of the English Literature Program at the Faculty of Humanities, UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang.

This session highlighted a fascinating and relevant topic—the significance of names as a starting point for understanding culture. In a warm and inclusive atmosphere, participants from diverse cultural backgrounds shared their views and experiences regarding the tradition of naming in their respective cultures. The discussion was open, encouraging everyone to feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and exchanging ideas.

Ribut Wahyudi, Ph.D., guided the conversation with both warmth and depth. He emphasized that cross-cultural understanding doesn't always have to begin with complex matters. "Cross-cultural understanding can start with simple things like naming, which is often influenced by culture and circumstance," he said. According to him, names often reflect the richness and diversity of the cultural and social backgrounds in which people are raised.

The discussion delved deeper, exploring the profound meanings behind names from various cultures. Participants were encouraged to see names not only as identifiers but also as symbols representing history, values, and social characteristics. In Ribut Wahyudi’s view, understanding the meanings behind names can open a window to a broader comprehension of the world's cultural diversity.

This topic was warmly received by the participants, who actively engaged and enriched the discussion with their unique perspectives from their own cultures. The freedom to express opinions, coupled with the inclusive atmosphere created by Ribut Wahyudi, Ph.D., fostered a sense of unity in this cross-cultural dialogue.

The hope is that through this discussion, participants not only broaden their understanding of cultural differences but also develop deeper empathy and tolerance for diversity. Understanding the uniqueness of names from different cultures opens the door to greater appreciation of other cultural values.

With a spirit of sharing knowledge and experiences, the Intercultural Talk session at I-YES 2024 successfully facilitated meaningful dialogue, bridging differences, and strengthening intercultural bonds. This forum significantly contributed to building cross-cultural understanding and promoting harmony in a diverse global community. [ni]