In 'A Dictionary of Cebuano Visayan' by John U. Wolff, readers are presented with a comprehensive guide to the Cebuano Visayan language. This dictionary not only provides translations for commonly used words but also delves into the intricate nuances of the language, making it an invaluable resource for language enthusiasts and scholars alike. The book is structured in a user-friendly manner, with clear definitions and examples of word usage, reflecting Wolff's meticulous research and expertise in the subject. With its focus on the Cebuano Visayan dialect, this book enriches our understanding of a vibrant language and culture. John U. Wolff's scholarly approach to compiling this dictionary showcases his dedication to promoting linguistic diversity and preserving the heritage of the Cebuano Visayan people. His deep connection to the region and its language is evident throughout the book, making it a truly authoritative source for anyone interested in learning or studying Cebuano Visayan. I highly recommend 'A Dictionary of Cebuano Visayan' to anyone looking to expand their linguistic horizons and explore the richness of this unique dialect.

The fifteen chapters in this volume explore both new and tested theoretical perspectives on literature and culture at large; this multiplicity of discourses is a reflection of the implicit discontent in conforming to the New World Order, and a contestation against hierarchical relationships between countries, which inform the social, cultural and political climates of weaker nations. With the political and economic hegemony of stronger nations, weaker nations run the risk of being dominated, or at the very least, having their own national identity and sovereignty steeped in ambivalence in the face of a globalised culture. This volume hopes to bring together critical views in relation to the construction of cultural studies in the Western framework, the application of literary theory in the readings of vernacular literature, contestation of the mainstream scientistic methodology of cultural evaluation, the role of English literature in Asian cultures, the application of postcolonial theory in literature, literary ethics in relation to Islamic literature, as well as the Islamic and Western conceptions of democracy. More than half of the articles in this collection centre on Islam as a guiding principle, or as a context through which critical perspectives are made on literature and culture in today’s globalised world order. This inadvertent foregrounding of Islam reflects a continuing dialogue on and with Islam and its significant impact on existing academic discourses founded upon Western-style scholarship.