Culture, Religion, Language
|
|
Culture in Singapore
Despite Singapore's small size, the local customs and culture are unique and is a mixture of various ethnic influences. Modern Singapore is a cosmopolitan society where people live harmoniously and interaction among different races are commonly seen. The immigrants of the past have given the place a mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences, all of which have intermingled. "Multi-culturalism" or cultural diversity of the island was inherited from centuries as an important trading port since spice trade began. |
Each racial group has its own distinctive religion and there are colorful festivals of special significance all year round. Although the festivals are special to certain races, it is nonetheless enjoyed by all.
In Singapore food is also readily and widely available. There are lots of cuisines to offer. There are, Malay, Indonesian, Peranakan, Chinese, Indian, Korean, Japanese, Western, Italian, Spanish, French, Thai and even Fusion. It is very common to savour other culture's food and some of the food can be very intriguing. Indian, Malay, Indonesian food are relatively spicier. Malay cooking uses coconut milk as their main ingredient, that makes their food very tasty. Chinese food is less spicier and the Chinese enjoy seafood.
In Singapore food is also readily and widely available. There are lots of cuisines to offer. There are, Malay, Indonesian, Peranakan, Chinese, Indian, Korean, Japanese, Western, Italian, Spanish, French, Thai and even Fusion. It is very common to savour other culture's food and some of the food can be very intriguing. Indian, Malay, Indonesian food are relatively spicier. Malay cooking uses coconut milk as their main ingredient, that makes their food very tasty. Chinese food is less spicier and the Chinese enjoy seafood.
|
Chinatown was the area where many of the Chinese immigrants settled in the early days in the 1800s when they arrived from Southern China. The "Old Street and buildings" of Chinatown can still be seen, abeit adopting a more "modern" look.
|
|
The Muslim characteristics are still in Arab Street where Sultan Mosque stands. Also known as Masjid Sultan, the impressive Sultan Mosque in historic Kampong Glam is the focal point for Singapore’s Muslim community.
|
|
|
With a history that dates to the early 1800s, Little India began as a colony set up by Indians who came to Singapore as prisoners. On their release there were those who chose to stay in Singapore and they began this little colony called Little India. And Little India along Serangoon Road still has its distinct ambience.
|
|
To the untrained eye, Singapore may appear as just another modern city, with its typical skyscrapers and tall buildings. Take a closer look, and you will notice the various architectural styles present here that paint a story of Singapore’s past. Possibly one of the best-designed Neo-Classical buildings in Singapore is the Old Supreme Court which was built between 1937 and 1939, and cost a grand total of 1.75 million British Strait Settlement dollars. The Old Supreme Court is now known as the National Gallery Singapore, a Museum of Singapore where Southeast Asian arts are housed.
|
|
Singapore is a Fine City
Singapore is largely defined by peace, justice, and social and religious harmony. There is a saying that Singapore is a “FINE” city. This is not only to refer to its cleanliness or its quality of life. In fact, to ensure safety and order in Singapore, the government has prohibited various things. If you don’t want to pay a heavy fine or even spend time in jail, you should avoid the following:
- chewing gum
- spitting
- littering
- graffitti
- jay walking
- smoking indoors
- drinking and driving
- public drunkenness
- taking drugs
Religion in Singapore
Most Singaporeans celebrate the major festivals associated with their respective religions. The variety of religions is a direct reflection of the diversity of races living in Singapore.
- The Chinese are predominantly followers of Buddhism, Taoism, Shenism, Christians, Catholics and some considered themselves as 'free-thinkers' (Those who do not belong to any religion).
- Malays have the Muslims.
- Indians are Hindus.
- There is a sizeable number of Muslims and Sikhs in the Indian population.
Language in Singapore
|
Singapore adopted four official languages, namely
However English is the most common language used, means expatriates and foreigners living in Singapore find Singapore one of the most easily adaptable countries in Asia to live in. Children are taught in English at school but also learn their mother tongue to make sure they don't lose contact with their traditions. Nearly everyone in Singapore speaks more than one language, with many people speaking three or four. Most children grow up bilingual from infancy and learn more languages as they grow up. Naturally the presence of other languages (especially various varieties of Malay and of Chinese) has influenced the English of Singapore. The influence is especially apparent in the kind of English that is used informally, which is popularly called Singlish. Singlish is a unique identity for many Singaporeans. Expatriates and foreigners may encounter language problems in the beginning of their stay in Singapore as many Singaporeans use Singlish to communicate. Singlish is a mix of English with other languages mixed into the English, sometimes phrases can end with funny terms like 'lah', 'lor', meh'. Be patient and you’ll grasp the key phrases and expressions soon enough. |
Singlish
Singapore English usually come from other languages spoken in Singapore, especially Malay and Hokkien. Singlish is a unique identity for many Singaporeans. Example of Singlish:
Singlish will usually end a sentence with a distinctive exclamation. The three most common are lah, lor, ley, can and what. Common Examples:
|
