Open Access
The Global Flow of Culture on Wikipedia: Quantitative Analysis of Cross-Cultural Interconnections
4
Department of Information and Communication Studies, Sophia University, Japan
Abstract
This study explores the role of Wikipedia as a tool for understanding global cultural networks through a quantitative analysis of its content. Wikipedia, as one of the largest user-generated knowledge platforms, holds significant potential for revealing patterns of cultural interaction, influence, and exchange. By examining the interlinking structure of Wikipedia articles, we aim to map the relationships between cultures as they are represented on the platform. Using network analysis techniques and a corpus of Wikipedia articles across multiple languages, this research uncovers how cultural references are interconnected, identifying cultural hubs and the flow of information across borders. The findings suggest that Wikipedia acts as a digital reflection of global cultural networks, with particular emphasis on the influence of major cultures, such as the U.S. and Western Europe, while highlighting the marginalization of smaller cultural representations. This study contributes to the growing body of research on digital cultural exchange and the role of online platforms in shaping global cultural dialogue.
Keywords
Wikipedia,
cultural networks,
network analysis
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How to Cite
The Global Flow of Culture on Wikipedia: Quantitative Analysis of Cross-Cultural Interconnections. (2025). Global Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 4(05), 1-9. https://www.grpublishing.org/journals/index.php/gjhss/article/view/170
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