Date of Award

4-29-2026

Thesis Type

Masters

Document Type

Dissertation

Divisions

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Department

Department of Media and Communication Studies

Institution

Universiti Malaya

Abstract

This study aims to analyze how local cultural elements are depicted through illustrations in children’s books by Emila Yusof, as well as the comparison between local cultural elements and the influence of globalization on the representation of Malaysian cultural heritage, in addition to examining the visual techniques used to integrate cultural elements in her works. A qualitative approach with a case study design and content analysis was conducted on six selected books chosen based on the presence of significant cultural elements, grounded in Stuart Hall’s Cultural Identity Theory. The analysis focuses on traditional clothing, heritage food, daily activities, village settings, and visual symbols, alongside visual styles and techniques such as the use of symbolic colors, balanced composition, idealistic style, and the choice of media (digital, ink, watercolor, and collage). The findings reveal that Emila Yusof consistently integrates local cultural elements with global influences, making her illustrations fresh and relevant to modern children without neglecting the original cultural values. This study concludes that illustrations not only function as complements to the narrative but also play an important role as an educational medium, a representation of culture, and a reinforcement of cultural identity in facing the challenges of globalization.

Initial

khm

Additional Information

Dissertation (M.A.) – Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya, 2026.

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