Saturday, October 9, 2010

What is our language policy?

asiascape vistas recognizes that intelligent discourse takes place in all languages and, furthermore, we recognize that translation is a suboptimal way to deal with the variety of expression possible in different languages and communicative modes. Hence, this site will publish pieces in their original languages, be that English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean … French, Klingon … and will publish without translation. Comments, responses and discussion can be in any language, most natural to the conversation or to the writer. That is, discourse here should be genuinely multi-lingual.
In addition, we are happy to consider less conventional submissions within the parameters of this inclusive language policy. Taking seriously the notion that techno-culture is transformative of the public sphere, we are happy to accept submissions in graphic forms, audio forms, or interactive forms.

Inquiries can be sent to the editorial collective.

What is digication?

Manga, anime and video game are not only cultural, artistic or technological products, but are also powerful channels to deliver information and promote ideas. Their roles become increasingly prominent in East Asia (and elsewhere), as more and more business sectors, media companies, governments and artists use these media to express ideas and to attract, persuade, or manipulate their target audience. In 2008, the Japanese government produced an animation on the abduction of Japanese nationals by North Korea, which was shown in cinemas and through the internet. While in 2009, the Apple Daily, a tabloid newspaper based in Taiwan and Hong Kong, launched their “3D Animation News” online, bringing about huge controversies over its sensational crime story coverage with detailed violent images. In Korea, comic books have triggered a revival of learning Chinese characters.
Given the increasingly pervasive presence of digital media and the ways in which it is being utilized by various groups, ‘digication’ explores the educational, political, social, and historical significance of media as a channel of communication and expression/persuasion in East Asia in order to highlight how manga, anime and video games are used and the intentions behind their use.

Links:
Animation film MEGUMI: http://www.rachi.go.jp/jp/megumi/index.html
3D Animation News: http://www.youtube.com/NMAworldedition