A recent Chinese box office hit, "Dear You," has prompted a significant public conversation in Singapore regarding the preservation of traditional dialects and their role in cultural identity. The film, which uses the Teochew dialect, has led to calls for a reconsideration of long-standing language policies.
Filmmakers involved in the discussion, writing in The Straits Times, argued that screening a dialect film today is akin to screening one in French or Malay, suggesting that the "Speak Mandarin Campaign" has successfully established Mandarin as a common language among Chinese Singaporeans and diminished the prevalence of dialects. They proposed that relaxing restrictions on dialect films could signify a national maturity in handling cultural diversity. This sentiment has resonated on social media and drawn the attention of politicians. Opposition Member of Parliament Dennis Tan voiced support for dialects as vital carriers of ancestral traditions and identity.
Dialects and Shifting Language Policies
Since the 1990s, the "Speak Mandarin Campaign" has increasingly focused on English-educated ethnic Chinese, shifting away from its earlier emphasis on Chinese dialects. While English is now the most comfortable language for nearly half of Singaporeans, the campaign's success in promoting Mandarin has, according to some, contributed to the decline of dialect usage.
"Actually a lot of people can't speak dialect [anymore]," stated one commentator, emphasizing the need to revisit current policies to retain cultural heritage. The disappearance of dialects is also linked to the erosion of associated traditions. For instance, a coming-of-age ritual, known in Teochew as "leaving the garden," which was observed when a niece turned 15, is no longer a common practice.
Generational Interest and Preservation Challenges
Despite these trends, there is a growing interest among younger Singaporeans in connecting with their heritage. This includes learning dwindling dialects, taking relevant lessons, and organizing trips to ancestral hometowns in China. However, some academics express skepticism about reversing the decline. Tan Ying Ying, an associate professor at Nanyang Technological University specializing in dialects, noted that while young people can learn dialects as a foreign language, their retention depends on active usage within communities. The public reaction to "Dear You" has been described by Tan as a form of "grieving a loss," highlighting the emotional significance attached to these linguistic and cultural elements.
The debate continues as lawmakers have reportedly inquired with authorities about the possibility of screening movies in their original dialects, indicating a potential shift in how the nation approaches its linguistic and cultural landscape.