Digital media and cultural identity: Representation of far Eastern cuisine in Netflix

This thesis investigates the representation of cultural identities in digital media, focusing on Far Eastern cuisine in the Street Food: Asia documentary series on Netflix. As digital media platforms, particularly streaming services, shape global perceptions of culture, this study explores how cultural identities are constructed and disseminated through food representation. The research employs semiotic analysis to decode the visual and auditory elements used in the documentary series, examining the cultural symbols and signs that contribute to the portrayal of Far Eastern cuisine. The thesis aims to understand how cultural identities are represented through food, emphasizing in global reach of Far Eastern cuisine. The study addresses several key questions: How is Far Eastern cuisine represented in Netflix content? What cultural symbols are associated with Far Eastern cuisine in digital media? Which visual and auditory elements are used in the representation of this cuisine? Through which cultural context is Far Eastern cuisine depicted in streaming services? By examining the representation of Far Eastern cuisine in Street Food: Asia documentary, this study contributes to the growing body of research on cultural identity in digital media, specifically in relation to food culture. The thesis emphasizes the role of streaming platforms in shaping global cultural narratives and provides a comprehensive understanding of how cultural identities are transmitted through food representations in digital media. The findings of this research have implications for media studies, cultural analysis, and the broader understanding of how digital platforms influence the global dissemination of cultural content. Keywords: Far Eastern Cuisine, Digital Media, Cultural Identity, Food Representation, Cultural Symbols, Cultural Analysis, Food Culture, Visual and Auditory Elements, Documentary Series