Author(s): Samuel Ikendi, Reagan Mulungi Mwenyi, Rosemarie Somers, Samrat Sikdar and Brenda Asasira Kakungulu

Abstract: Global citizenship development has become central in higher education. This study adopted the global citizenship education and cross-cultural competence frameworks to uncover the intrinsic meaning of national anthems and flags from 18 countries purposively selected across the six continents. The purpose was to assess how interaction with these regalia promote cross-cultural competence and global citizenship development among students eganged in global education programs. Analysis of national anthems revealed five themes: victory, loyalty, divine protection, identity development, and natural endowments. In victory, for instance, the Star-Spangled Banner applauds Americans’ fight for liberty; in loyalty, Kimigayo echoes the significance of imperial family in Japanese culture; and in divine protection, Emirates anthem praises the Islamic fabric, much alike the Jamaican anthem. While the Russian anthem holds Russia’s Soviet past in search of a distinct identity. Analysis of national flags revealed six themes: unity, forward-motion, inspiration, faith, territory growth, and Southern Cross/Crux. In unity, for instance, the Union Jack’s crosses and saltires indicate countries in the Great Britain, the forward-motion of grey crowned-crested crane on the Ugandan flag represent progress toward brighter future much alike the Indian flag, embossed with Ashoka chakra with 24 spikes indicating life in movement. Additionally, Australian flag reflects growth in territory where the seven points on six stars represent Australian territories and future states, while the astronomical stars on the Brazilian flag represent the Southern Cross, a navigation tool. In summary, national flags and national anthems are not just pieces of clothes or songs, they represent values that govern nations. To become globally competent, one must understand their identity and be aware of factors that shape other countries’ deep-rooted cultural ideals embedded in their national regalia. Education institutions can use anthems and flags in orientations to help students understand their new cultural environments. Understanding the inherent meanings of the national regalia of the destination countries can significantly assist learners in developing cultural empathy and intelligence to prosper in those nations and strengthen mutual understanding and collaboration as global learning groups.

DOI: 10.22271/27891607.2025.v5.i2d.346

Pages: 307-321 | Views: 371 | Downloads: 249

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