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Thursday, April 26, 2007

Uniquely, Singapore.

- As Singapore is a small and relatively modern island made out of mainly Chinese, Malays, Indians and Europeans, the culture of Singapore expresses the diversity of the population as the various ethnic groups continue to celebrate their own cultures while they intermingle with one another.

- However, Singapore has achieved a significant degree of cultural diffusion with its unique combination of these ethnic groups, and has given Singapore a rich mixture of diversity for its young age.

- Singapore has several distinct ethnic neighborhoods, including Little India, Chinatown and Kampong Glam, formed by the Raffles Plan of Singapore in the early 19th century to segregate the new immigrants into specific areas.

- Although the population are no longer segregated in distribution, mainly due to the policies of the Housing Development Board and the ruling People's Action Party, these ethnic neighborhoods retain unique elements of their specific culture.

- The usage of such neighborhoods is mostly commercial or for cottage industry specific to the culture of its ethnic neighborhood, and no longer plays a large part in housing the population, although it was once used for that purpose. Hence, these neighborhoods have patronage of all races who wish to either eat or buy something specific to that culture.

- The policies of the Housing Development Board are designed to encourage a mix of all races within each housing district, with a quota system in place to achieve a minimum of minorities in each block.

- This effect can be observed in all parts of the country; for example a store devoted to selling Malay food might be right next to stores selling Chinese or Indian goods. The aim is to foster social cohesion and national loyalty, which Lee Kuan Yew felt was crucial for sustaining Singapore after independence when he was Prime Minister. There is a weighty emphasis on racial harmony and subsequent case study of historical events, such as the 1964 Race Riots.


Meihui.

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There are many culture in singapore because of the different religion and races of the people. More than 40% of Singaporeans practice Buddhism. About 15% practice Christianity (mostly Chinese and Indians), and 15% profess no religion. Muslims (mostly Malays) account for 14%. Smaller minorities practice Taoism, Sikhism, Hinduism, the Baha'i faith, and others.

Singapore is a mixture of an indigenous Malay population with a third generation Chinese majority, as well as Indian and Arab immigrants with some intermarriages. There also exist significant Eurasian and Peranakan (known also as 'Straits Chinese') communities. Singapore has also achieved a significant degree of cultural diffusion. One example is in Singaporean cuisine.Since the 1990s, the government has been striving to promote Singapore as a centre for arts and culture, and to transform the country into a cosmopolitan 'gateway between the East and West'. The highlight of these efforts was the construction of Esplanade.

Thus i can conculde that singapore is actually a very open country to have so many culture to come up as one. Singaporeans are very fornuate as we can actually learn alot more other culture other than our own.


GLADYS(:

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Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Topic: Culture - Singapore

Singapore Culture

Singapore is a multi-racial society where people live harmoniously and interact amongst the different races. This pattern of the current Singapore stems from the inherent cultural diversity of the island. The immigrants of the past have given the place a mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences.

The areas for different races that were designated to them by Sir Stamford Raffles still remain. The old streets of Chinatown can still be seen; the Muslim characteristics are still conspicious in Arab Street; and Little India along Serangoon Road still has its distinct ambience. Moreover, there are still marks of the British colonial influence in the Neo-Classical buildings around Singapore.

Each racial group in Singapore has its own distinctive religion and there are colourful festivals of special significance all year round. In Singapore, food is readily and widely available. There are a wide variety of cuisines to offer.

Religion in Singapore

Chinese - Followers of Buddhism, Taoism, Shenism, Christians, Catholics and some considered as 'free-thinkers'.

Malays - Muslims.

Indians - Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs.

Religion tolerance is essential in Singapore. Religions often cross racial boundaries and some even merge in unusual ways in this mordern country. Religion is still an integral part of the cosmopolitan Singapore. Many of its buildings are religions, be it old temples, modern churches, or exotic mosques. An understanding of these buildings do play a part in contributing to the appreciation of their art.

Languague in Singapore

There are four official languages in Singapore; Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and English. English is the most commonly-used language and it is also the language which different ethnic groups uses to communicate with each other. Students are taught in English at school, however still learning their Mother Tongue language to make sure they do not lose contact with their own cultural traditions.

- Angela

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Saturday, April 21, 2007

Hi group members. This week's topic is on Culture (general). Please have all your entries in by Thursday, 26 April 2007, 8pm. Thank you.

- Angela.

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