Although Singapore is just a tiny dot on the map, it encompasses immense dreams and goals of all Singaporeans. Being a small country, we have our own weaknesses and strengths. Singapore does not have any natural resources but we have overtaken many other countries. So, what exactly is our secret weapon?? WE HAVE TALENTS! In school, I learn and play with my Malay and Indian friends even though I’m a Chinese. What makes us united as one Singapore? We respect each races, religion and culture! We can’t see all these in other countries and this is what that has made us unique. I could say, Singapore’s economy have come this far because we do not see riots and conflicts within this island. Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Europeans [more accurately westerners] are the four main races in Singapore. Singapore itself gives us opportunities to interact with each other through work, school and activities, in all ages and generations. Although, Chinese people speak Mandarin, Malays speak Malay, Indian speaks Tamil, but we are still able to communicate with one another. We have a common language which unites different ethnic groups, that is English, the international language of communication. However, here in Singapore, we give English a run for its money.
Why? Here in Singapore, you will see a localized anomaly- Singlish. I’m a Chinese but I do use some Malay languages in my conversation. Here are some examples: “Do you want to have our lunch here?” “No, I have makan le, you have better chope a seat before someone does.” “Are you done with your homework?” “I have not completed yet, the questions were so cheem.” A special and unique language from different languages and dialects, which represents the true spirit of Singapore. There are Hindus, Muslims or Sikhs in the Indian population. The Chinese are predominantly followers of Buddhist, Taoist, Christians, Catholics and ‘free-thinkers’. Malays were Muslims.
In Singapore, we have a few notable areas based on the races that resided there during colonial times. We have Chinatown for the Chinese, Little India for the Indians, Arab Street for the Malays and few significant buildings in the Central business district for the European. These sites were not meant to discriminate or differentiate the ethnic groups. It was meant for other purposes. If you are an India immigrant, you can visit the Little India if you miss your hometown. This applies to all races. I remember one of the excursions to Little India organized by my primary school. It enhances our stark understanding of Indian culture.
Old temples, modern churches, exotic mosques are buildings that are worth for art appreciation.
~Chinese temple~ 
~ Indian temple~ Credit: http://www.biocrawler.com/w/images/thumb/2/29/225px-SriMariammanTemple.jpg
~Catholics Church~
~Mosque~
~Catholics Church~ Credit: http://www.veritas.org.sg/images/churches/ladylourdes.jpg
With the diversity of different races in Singapore, we can count ourselves lucky to enjoy more public holidays, learn more languages, enrich our knowledge and even taste the different delicacies. Generally Chinese foods are less spicy than Indian and Malay food. Malays more often add coconut milk as their main ingredients. For Chinese, we have chicken rice,油条 (you tiao), 云吞面(wonton noodle), 红豆砂(red bean soup), 鮑魚(abalone), 魚翅汤(shark’s fin soup), 燕窩(bird’s nest), 薄饼(popiah) etc. For Malay, we have Nasi Lemak, Satay, Laksa, Sambal Sotong, Mutton soup etc. For Indian, we have Roti Prata, Alu Roti(Potato filled bread), Bhel Puri(Crispy Indian snacks), Chai(Indian tea), Kulfi(Indian ice-cream) etc. For European, we have pizza, pork chop, chicken chop, cutlet fish fillet, French fries etc. Last but not least, we have “Rojak” for Singaporean. “Rojak” means a mixture of things which imply a mixture of ethnic groups.
Credits:
With the diversity of different races in Singapore, we can count ourselves lucky to enjoy more public holidays, learn more languages, enrich our knowledge and even taste the different delicacies. Generally Chinese foods are less spicy than Indian and Malay food. Malays more often add coconut milk as their main ingredients. For Chinese, we have chicken rice,油条 (you tiao), 云吞面(wonton noodle), 红豆砂(red bean soup), 鮑魚(abalone), 魚翅汤(shark’s fin soup), 燕窩(bird’s nest), 薄饼(popiah) etc. For Malay, we have Nasi Lemak, Satay, Laksa, Sambal Sotong, Mutton soup etc. For Indian, we have Roti Prata, Alu Roti(Potato filled bread), Bhel Puri(Crispy Indian snacks), Chai(Indian tea), Kulfi(Indian ice-cream) etc. For European, we have pizza, pork chop, chicken chop, cutlet fish fillet, French fries etc. Last but not least, we have “Rojak” for Singaporean. “Rojak” means a mixture of things which imply a mixture of ethnic groups.
Credits:
4) nasi lemak: http://www.rasamalaysia.com/uploaded_images/nasi_lemak.jpg
7) chicken chop:http://rinaz.net/images/2007/12/chickenchop.jpg
#Joscelin#
*Abigail: correcting of grammar errors
#Joscelin#
*Abigail: correcting of grammar errors
2 comments:
weiling
i think you are too long winded in giving examples of the food each races eat.i think u can just list a few down and that will be good enough..phrasing is nice and its great!
Yifang
Good job. U listed down all the different kinds of example from food to their religion. U even talk about what u experience about racial harmony from young, at the same time, keeping it short and simple.
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