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文化の断絶とアイデンティティ:紛争下の帰属意識」の英語長文問題

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The recent conflict in the fictional nation of Atheria has brutally exposed the fragility of its seemingly unified national identity. For decades, the narrative of Atherian unity, emphasizing a shared history and culture, masked deep-seated ethnic and religious divisions. This carefully constructed image of national cohesion was primarily the product of a powerful centralized government that suppressed dissent and promoted a singular, dominant culture, often at the expense of minority groups. However, the collapse of the central government during the conflict has revealed a fractured society. Different regions, each with its own unique cultural heritage and historical grievances, are now vying for autonomy or outright independence. The dominant Atherian culture, once presented as a unifying force, is now seen by some as a symbol of oppression and historical injustice. This shift in perception has led to a complex interplay of loyalties, where individuals find themselves torn between their ethnic or regional identity and a weakened sense of national belonging. In the northern province of Eldoria, for example, the local population, predominantly belonging to the minority group of the Xylo, have long experienced cultural marginalization. Their distinct language and traditions have been actively suppressed, leading to a feeling of alienation and resentment towards the central government and the dominant culture. Now, with the government weakened, Eldorian Xylo are actively promoting their culture and language, even as they grapple with the challenges of establishing a functioning autonomous region. Their situation highlights the difficulty of forging a new national identity in the aftermath of conflict, particularly when such an identity must be inclusive and equitable. Meanwhile, in the southern region of Solara, a more complex situation unfolds. While sharing the same national language as the dominant culture, Solara has its own unique cultural practices and historical narratives that have often been ignored or distorted. The conflict has allowed Solara to re-assert its cultural distinctiveness, but this assertion has not necessarily translated into a straightforward push for independence. Instead, many in Solara are struggling to reconcile their regional identity with a renewed sense of national identity, seeking a future where their distinctive culture is respected and valued within a reformed Atherian state. The experiences of Eldoria and Solara represent contrasting yet interconnected aspects of the broader challenge Atheria faces in rebuilding its nation in the wake of conflict. Understanding how culture shapes individual and collective identities within these contexts is crucial to achieving a lasting peace and a more inclusive national framework.

1. According to the passage, what was the primary factor that masked the deep-seated divisions in Atheria before the conflict?

2. What is the significance of the Eldorian Xylo's situation in the context of the passage?

3. How does the situation in Solara differ from that in Eldoria?

4. What is the central theme explored in the passage?