Singapore is an island Republic with a history that is considered quite young compared to other long-standing countries such as England, France, China,… However, the diversity and specialness of Singaporean culture is not inferior to any country in the world. Let’s learn about the special culture of the Lion Island with Phuong Nam Education.
Singaporeans – the factor creating diversity in Singaporean culture
The ethnic groups living in Singapore are extremely diverse. Singapore’s ethnic population consists mainly of Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian and Peranakan communities. They lived together and created the diverse culture of Singapore today. Despite living in an environment with many cultural interferences, Singaporean still retains its own cultural identity, as well as still forming areas with their own cultural characteristics. For example, the Joo Chiat/Katong area is a historic Peranakan neighborhood, while Indian settlers inhabited the area known today as Little India. And the indigenous people of this land, the Malays, have long considered Kampong Gelam to be the ancestral home of their sultans, before Singapore became a colony.
Language diversity is easily seen in signs in Singapore
These peoples still use their native languages, but that does not mean that different peoples cannot communicate with each other. There are four official languages in Singapore, including English, Malay, Tamil and Mandarin. English is the most common language used in Singapore. However, with the national and cultural identities of the peoples in Singapore, English here gradually has a new variation – Singlish – a combination of the languages of Singapore and English – English. Singlish has its own unique vocabulary and grammar Singaporean culture, making it a unique, interesting and certainly one-of-a-kind language. To understand Singlish, you must truly immerse yourself in life in the Lion Island nation.
The special cuisine of Singaporean culture
Cuisine always plays an important role in the shaping and development of any culture. Singapore is no exception. Singaporean Cuisine is as unique and diverse as the culture here – created by all the quintessence from many different cuisines. Singaporean cuisine can be compared to a sumptuous buffet, where all dishes from Asia to Europe converge. You can easily find a variety of dishes from the humble roti prata (traditional Indian flatbread) to super spicy Malay curries and the famous Hainanese chicken rice in the same restaurant in Singapore.
Singapore has a diverse and unique cuisine
Not only that, you can even find fusion versions of these traditional dishes. Most notably, Chinese restaurant Tangra Season Five serves Indian-Chinese dishes such as Sichuan-style curry and basmati fried rice.
Religion in Singapore
Religion in Singapore is characterized by diversity in religious beliefs and practices due to the diverse ethnic mix of peoples originating from different countries. The most widely followed religion in Singapore is Buddhism, with 33.2% of the resident population following this religion.
Unique architecture of Sri Mariamman – Hindu temple in Singapore
Chinese Buddhism has long been the dominant religion in Singapore thanks to the large number of Southern Chinese immigrants and their descendants. Hinduism is also very popular, the faith of migrants from South India. However, today, Christianity is growing exponentially and many young Singaporeans are gradually believing in this religion. There is also a small segment of Singaporeans who do not follow any faith. All of religion in Singapore are respected and all Singaporeans have the right to freedom of belief and freedom to choose their own faith.
Festivals – indispensable features in Singaporean culture
An indispensable feature in Singaporean culture There are a large number of religious festivals that take place throughout the year. 9 August is the country’s national day and has been celebrated with the National Parade since 2005. Additionally, Singapore’s many public holidays reflect its racial, religious and linguistic diversity. language of the country.
August 9 is Singapore’s National Day
These holidays include Chinese New Year, Eid-ul-Fitr, Diwali and Buddha’s Birthday, as well as Good Friday, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Other famous festivals include Pongal, Thaipusam, Buddha Jayanti and Hari Raya Haji.
Besides these holidays, the list of Singapore festival also includes many other holidays, typically the Singapore Food Festival – usually taking place from late June to late July, the Singapore Arts Festival in January every year and the Singapore Night Festival taking place on the last two days. week of August, at the Bras Basah Bugis art district.
Singapore is colorful during the Singapore Night Festival
From May to June, the Dragon Boat Festival or Duanwu Festival in Chinese takes place at Bedok Reservoir, where dragon-shaped boats are rowed by about a dozen people competing in races. Mid-Autumn Festival or Lantern Festival is one of the biggest festivals in the country, marking the 15th and final day of the Lunar New Year festival. The sky over Singapore on that day will be covered with paper lanterns released freely.
With its own unique characteristics and diversity in language, cuisine and festivals, Singapore promises to bring special experiences to any tourists and international students coming to this country. .
Tags: study abroad in Singapore, travel to Singapore, Singapore culture, festivals in Singapore, Singapore people, language in Singapore, religion in Singapore, Singapore cuisine
