It’s not hard to spot Hafiz in a crowd. On any given day, the 25-year-old can be seen sporting a blangkon, a sarong, leather sandals, and sometimes, a keris at the waist — the usual attire. I’d like to think that the cohesiveness of the medley of Hafiz’s cultural motifs, garments, and accessories mirrors that of his linguistic background and interests. There is a Javanese saying that Hafiz personifies: Bhinneka tunggal ika (unity in diversity).
His passion for all things Austronesian has earned him some choice appellations from friends: “Austronesian Otaku”, “Abdi dallem Singapura” (royal servant of Singapore), and “Austronesian Cosplayer”. It’s not hard to see why. Immersed in a linguistic landscape in a country with four official tongues and dozens of unofficial ones, situated in the ASEAN region that is home to about 1,000 languages and dialects (Lim, 2017), Hafiz has grown to be confident enough to hold a conversation in six languages and manifests his pride in those respective cultures through his dress. His linguistic repertoire includes English and Malay, which are taught in school and used in the home domain; and foreign or heritage languages of interest such as Javanese, Tagalog, Kristang, and Baweanese (also known as Boyanese).
The Austronesian Otaku
How did Hafiz pick up four languages that aren’t offered in mainstream schools in Singapore? He recalls one of the first precious moments when he identified a sister language of his first language: “In Primary 1, when I first listened to the song ‘Anak’ by Freddie Aguilar playing on an English-language channel, I thought it was Malay because it sounded like Malay.”
Turns out, the language was Tagalog. Wanting to learn this curious language, Hafiz read books and dictionaries, listened to songs, interacted with Filipinos, and watched Filipino dramas subtitled in Malay (on Malaysian television channels) with his mother.
But why did spoken Malay and Tagalog sound so similar? Could they have been the same language dozens of generations ago? Perhaps! These two languages stem from the Western Malayo-Polynesian branch of the Austronesian language family tree. Such historical links captured in the language history of modern-day languages fascinate Hafiz.
He gives the example of one of his favourite cognate (or word with similar meaning and sound that indicates shared linguistic ancestry) roots: taŋis. This concept is common throughout Formosan and Malayo-Polynesian branches of the Austronesian world, to indicate the verb ‘to cry’. Why is this so? He hypothesises that with the early days of world trade, opportunities for a better life were abundant and so “separation was a constant, even reflected in some of the melancholic songs of the homeland heard during Hari Raya.” According to the Otaku, the meaning had also expanded to take on specific connotations, such as the Malay tangis ‘weeping’, to Tagalog tangis ‘lamenting’ or ‘mourning’, and Malagasy faratani ‘the close of funeral ceremonies’.
“The underlying link between culture and languages in the region, the stories behind certain words and cultural motifs, and the relationships between these languages make them worth keeping alive… Our lives would be much duller without this mosaic of cultures and languages.”
Rightly so, for the Austronesian language family is one of world’s largest (including languages like Hawaiian in the US, Maori in New Zealand, Bugis in Indonesia and Singapore, and Rarotongan in the Cook Islands), covering the largest geographical area with 1,268 languages (Thompson, 2016) and counting!
Though languages from the same branch of the language family are more similar and intelligible than others, there are fun exceptions. Hafiz points out Cham as an example. Spoken in parts of Vietnam and Cambodia, “the Cham language, over time has developed tones, unlike other Austronesian languages that are typically non-tonal”. But with influence from other Austroasiatic languages in close proximity, like Khmer and Vietnamese, Cham developed a tonal and monosyllabic word system over time. Even then, there is variation within the language: “Eastern Cham is more tonal than Western Cham, which is more Khmer,” explains the Otaku. But its Proto-Malayo-Polynesian roots are still traceable in some cognates it shares with sister languages like Malay. For example, empat (‘four’) in Malay is pa in Cham and sepuluh (‘ten’) in Malay is simply pluh in Cham.
Closer to home, one wonders, as Hafiz does: “Would the Malay spoken in Singapore have been different if it were still the lingua franca today [instead of English]? Perhaps it might have developed tones as well”, due to prolonged interaction with the Sinitic languages like Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, and Hakka spoken here.
Abdi dallem Singapura
An avid bookworm and history buff, Hafiz spent much of his time at the public libraries, determinedly treading through pages of times past, and uncovering nuggets of trivia related to culture or etymology. On reading about Malacca’s history, another linguistic gem surfaced: Kristang. “I wanted to hear what this exotic language sounded like — was it like Malay?” The critically endangered status of this fairly-unheard-of Portuguese-Malay creole spoken in Malacca in Malaysia and in Singapore piqued Hafiz’s interest, leading him to discover—and later devour—the single reference text published in 2004 on the Kristang language as spoken in Singapore: ‘The most comprehensive Eurasian heritage dictionary: Kristang-English, English-Kristang’, by Valerie Scully and Catherine Zuzarte. In 2017, Hafiz signed up for beginner’s Kristang classes with the non-profit initiative to revitalise Kristang in Singapore, Kodrah Kristang, in an email written in fluent Kristang.
Since then, he has developed friendly relationships with the local Kristang community and, as a museum docent, has even led guided them on tours of special exhibitions on communities of the Archipelago, such as a Malay Heritage Centre exhibition on the Bugis community in Singapore. A half-Baweanese, Hafiz has also taken time to learn languages and scripts with very little materials for new learners, such as Baweanese and the Bugis script: Lontara. Earlier this year, he even led a public workshop on Baweanese to share his knowledge of the linguistic system and snippets on the history of the diaspora community in Singapore.
A notable part of diasporic history was the role of pondoks, which were the communal spaces where Baweanese (from the island of Bawean in Indonesia) could connect, congregate, and live with their fellow immigrant communities in the foreign land of Singapore. These communal houses formed a village that used to line the Rochor River between Syed Alwi Road and Jalan Besar in Singapore (Jalan Besar Heritage Trail, 2012).
Today, the Singapore Baweanese Association welcomes Hafiz as a member. “But I feel like an outsider because I didn’t grow up with the experience of living in a pondok,” unlike many of the older members who did. “And my accent isn’t Baweanese,” he laments. Though that didn’t stop the linguaphile from sharing his passion for lesser known cultures and languages such as Baweanese and Javanese at the Languages of Singapore Trail as part of the Kristang Language Festival, with more than 1,000 members of the public at the Asian Civilisations Museum. Fifteen heritage languages of Singapore, including Banjarese, Bengali, Bugis, Cantonese, Gujarati, Hakka, Hainanese, Javanese, Kristang, Malayalam, Minangkabau, Peranakan, Punjabi, and Singapore Sign Language, were put under the spotlight at the Trail, to showcase Singapore’s underrated and largely unappreciated linguistic diversity.
“Due to intermarriage and pro-Malay state policies that were propagated by the British (such as free education and benefits only accessible to those who were classified as Malays), many people from a range of ethnic groups [such as Banjarese, Bugis, Javanese, and Minangkabau] now considered ‘Malay’ would try to assimilate.” In the past, Malay also had a much larger role to play as a national lingua franca, thus assuming Malay identity and learning the Malay language—often in place of Banjarese, Bugis, Javanese, Minangkabau, etc—did bring about benefits. At the same time, it dissolved much of the drive for parents and grandparents to pass on their traditional heritage language of the home domain, in favour of Malay.
A common problem faced by the volunteer-run Associations and interest groups representing these Austronesian minority groups in Singapore is “the lack of young blood,” Hafiz points out. But “tak kenal maka tak cinta”. You can’t love something you don’t know. The majority of youths today simply do not invest as much time and effort in their heritage tongues when a more common one understood by more people would suffice. The quantity and quality of interaction between grandchildren and their grandparents are thus also affected.
Were there interested Trail visitors who did not belong to these ethnic communities? “Yes! There were many who were interested to understand how other minority groups interacted, such as how the Peranakans used to engage the Baweanese (called Pak Boyan in these contexts) in wedding processions to ward off evil spirits”, Hafiz explained. They also bore “the lanterns adorned with surnames of the two families enjoined in the marriage, and [carried] sedan chairs of the bride and bridegroom” (Roots Singapore, 2011). Many from within these ethnic communities also attended the Trail to learn about themselves and their family histories. “Most people have not heard of the Baweanese, not even within the Malay community, especially those who are middle-aged and younger. And some Indonesian visitors were surprised that there were diaspora Indonesian communities in Singapore.”
The Austronesian Cosplayer
A keen interest in language and culture has also developed in Hafiz a passion for textiles. The portable, wearable, ornamental nature of clothing and accessories allows the Cosplayer to carry with him a piece of heritage with him wherever he goes, allowing him to weave some history, glamour, and anachronism into his guided museum tours and even Kristang classes! In a test-play session of the bilingual Kristang-English board game “Ila-Ila di Sul” (The Southern Islands) pictured below, Hafiz personified the Temenggong character in the game story, adding to the allure of the treasure-seeking game and the history of Singapore’s dozens of southern islands.
Sourcing textiles and pieces from the region and in local ethnic enclaves, Hafiz treasures the story behind each piece of clothing, be it batik or a warp ekat sarong. The latter originated in Vietnam, where the Cham people tie off portions of thread to resist dyes in order to create patterns. “Ekat means ‘to tie’, explains Hafiz, “and a lot of preparation goes into designing such work. Dyeing itself takes 2.5 months!” For the Cosplayer, it’s all about bringing history to the present moment and making culture relevant to everyday life.
“Culture is reworked, just like how Kodrah Kristang suggests new words for the Kristang language”, to fill gaps and to increase the domains in which the language can be used to talk about everyday life.
Penglipur lara
“One last thing, Hafiz. How young are you?”
“Selawé. In Javanese, it literally means ‘one string’, but indicates a value of 25 — in reference to the value of one string of Chinese coins used during the early days of trading in the region. It shows how connected these cultures were and how connected we all are,” if only we cared to ponder the things we so often take for granted.
One might add another choice appellation to Hafiz’s list of monikers: Penglipur lara — a poetic Malay term, which in English, inadequately translates to one who soothes and enchants through the art of storytelling.
References
Jalan Besar Heritage Trail. 2012. National Heritage Board.
Lim, L. 2017. Speaking in tongues: why Asean members stick to English. South China Morning Post Magazine. Retrieved from: https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/article/2105289/speaking-tongues-why-asean-members-stick-english
Thompson, I. 2016. Austronesian Language Family. About World Languages. Retrieved from: http://aboutworldlanguages.com/austronesian-language-family
[4] Headcloth. 2011. Roots SG. Retrieved from: https://roots.sg/learn/collections/listing/1259897
68 Responses to “Finding unity in diversity”
valeria schumschi
you are great , make me happy ¡
adrian bronks
I’m searching for an online betting platform that offers reliable customer support and quick payouts for players in Bangladesh. Any suggestions on where to look?
Miss Hunt
If live betting gets your heart racing, then you’re in for a treat at https://www.bettingonlinebd.net/betting-apps/ Bangladesh. With their live betting feature, you can place bets in real-time as the games unfold, adding an extra layer of excitement to your betting experience.
bokep indo
thanks for this usefull article, waiting for this article like this again.
spanish to english
It was too late to discover this demonstration. Anyway, one thing to get used to is that such occasions exist.
skibidi toilet
Congratulations! I read this article
niara
Hi. Have you ever used essay writing services from economics? It is very important for me to get everything right, because my final grade depends on it.
대구출장샵
Hi, I think your website might be having browser
compatibility issues. When I look at your webs대구출장샵ite in Opera, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer,
it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!
Other then that, excellent blog!
Tarp
The Tarp Co. is one of the best Online tarp sellers in the USA.
Tarp
Milky Floor
I like this site https://unravellingmag.com/
Nursing papers online
Your blogs are great.Are you also searching for nursing writing services ? we are the best solution for you. We are best known for delivering nursing writing services to students without having to break the bank.whatsapp us:+1-(951)-468-9855
nursing writing papers
Your blogs are great.Are you also searching for Nursing paper writing services? we are the best solution for you. We are best known for delivering nursing writing services to students without having to break the bank.whatsapp us:+1-(951)-468-9855
urgent assignment help
I want to always read your blogs. I love them Are you also searching for Nursing personal essay help? we are the best solution for you. We are best solution for you.
fahadse0
Exploring innovative solutions and features expected to emerge in the continual evolution of large file transfer apps. Reiterating the transformative impact of large file transfer apps on the way individuals and businesses manage and exchange data. windows 10 transfer to new pc
fnf
The depth and diversity of perspectives here are mind-blowing. I’m constantly challenged and inspired by the way you all approach this article.
SMM Bear
Grateful for this insightful blog! Thanks for sharing valuable information. Your expertise is appreciated, making a positive impact on my understanding. Keep up the great work! insta followers panel
จุดเด่นของ slot demo 2023 – 2024 ที่ LSM99LIVE
… [Trackback]
[…] Read More Info here on that Topic: unravellingmag.com/articles/an-interview-with-hafiz-rashid/ […]
Luckyvip777
… [Trackback]
[…] Find More on that Topic: unravellingmag.com/articles/an-interview-with-hafiz-rashid/ […]
prokvazari
Дякую. Цікаве інтерв’ю. Але через останні події вже не так актуальне.
poolvilla pattaya
… [Trackback]
[…] Read More on on that Topic: unravellingmag.com/articles/an-interview-with-hafiz-rashid/ […]
Ninja
Your blog is nice. The content of this article is both enlightening and informative.digital marketing company in gwalior
kostenlose klingeltone
Kostenloseklingeltone has a good variety of ringtones, from classics to quirky sound effects. Downloading was easy, but some reviewers mention annoying ads. Worth checking out for free ringtones, but explore other options if you want a wider selection or are worried about ads.
ร้านดอกไม้อารีย์
… [Trackback]
[…] Read More here to that Topic: unravellingmag.com/articles/an-interview-with-hafiz-rashid/ […]
카지노사이트
It’s a game. Five dollars is free. Try it It’s not an easy game
->-> 카지노사이트 .COM
Singapore Hotel
… [Trackback]
[…] Information to that Topic: unravellingmag.com/articles/an-interview-with-hafiz-rashid/ […]
Ahmad
Very informative article. frpbypassapp.com
John
Nice Information. fixmyspeakerr.com
Penelope Barnes
SmartiMobile has set the bar high for refurbished electronics. Their dedication to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in every interaction. I recently purchased a refurbished iPhone SE, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. The device arrived promptly, packaged securely, and looked and performed like new. SmartiMobile’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence have earned them a customer for life. I’ll definitely be back for more! https://smartimobile.com
Dust Remover
Hafiz Rashid’s story beautifully illustrates unity in diversity through language and culture. 🌍🗣️https://fix-myspeaker.com/
Solar
This blog post provided valuable information. Thanks!
rtp dultogel
… [Trackback]
[…] Find More here to that Topic: unravellingmag.com/articles/an-interview-with-hafiz-rashid/ […]
hfm ดีไหม
… [Trackback]
[…] Find More Information here on that Topic: unravellingmag.com/articles/an-interview-with-hafiz-rashid/ […]
inin
… [Trackback]
[…] Information to that Topic: unravellingmag.com/articles/an-interview-with-hafiz-rashid/ […]
A K A S H
Are you a student of Cost Accounting and are you facing ongoing Accounting assignments Help in UK in college? Are you searching for a assignment helper in your cost accounting assignment, our writers will help you improve your grades in your assignment, send us the assignment document via whatsapp and email.
techmartin
You have a real ability for writing unique content. I like how you think and the way you represent your views in this article. I agree with your way of thinking. Thank you for sharing. 巴哈馬公民的沙烏地簽證
Sonika Jain
Absolutely! Brand-culture fusion is essential for ensuring that brand promises are not just words but lived experiences for both employees and customers. This blog highlights the crucial connection between a strong company culture and delivering on brand commitments. Thanks for sharing this insightful perspective!
Nabil
Hafiz’s dedication to Austronesian cultures and languages is truly inspiring, reflecting a profound appreciation for the rich tapestry of diversity. His unique attire and multilingual prowess symbolize a deep connection to his heritage and the broader ASEAN region. The way he integrates these elements into his daily life is reminiscent of the diverse energy captured in a fesco bill calculator, blending functionality with cultural essence.
arduino
… [Trackback]
[…] Find More Information here to that Topic: unravellingmag.com/articles/an-interview-with-hafiz-rashid/ […]
FB URL Shortener
FB URL Shortener
[…]always a significant fan of linking to bloggers that I love but dont get quite a bit of link love from[…]
agiled8064dbef1
Buffering during IPTV streaming can be frustrating, but it often occurs due to insufficient internet speed or network congestion. To fix this quickly, try resetting your router, reducing the number of devices connected to your network, or upgrading your internet plan. These steps can help ensure a smoother streaming experience without interruptions. https://streamtvuniverse.com/why-iptv-buffering-happens/
สอนวิธีการตรวจหวยลาว จากการแทงหวยออนไลน์
… [Trackback]
[…] Find More to that Topic: unravellingmag.com/articles/an-interview-with-hafiz-rashid/ […]
poppy playtime
That’s a wonderful helping of data. The fact that you just shared this knowledge with us is very much appreciated. Please continue informing us in this manner. It’s quite helpful to have this information.
shower room bangkok
… [Trackback]
[…] Read More on that Topic: unravellingmag.com/articles/an-interview-with-hafiz-rashid/ […]
techmartin
This article is a treasure trove of useful information that is both interesting and well-written. I commend your dedication to this work and thank you for sharing it. I know it’s a site worth revisiting. त्रिनिदाद टोबैगो नागरिकों के लिए कंबोडिया वीज़ा
brookebelinda940
การเล่นสล็อตเว็บตรงผ่านมือถือเป็นหนึ่งในแนวโน้มที่ได้รับความนิยมอย่างมากในปัจจุบัน โดยเฉพาะสำหรับผู้ที่ต้องการความสะดวกสบายและการเข้าถึงเกมได้ทุกที่ทุกเวลา ข้อดีหลักของการเล่น 4×4 สล็อต168 ผ่านมือถือคือคุณสามารถเล่นได้ทันทีผ่านเว็บเบราว์เซอร์โดยไม่ต้องดาวน์โหลดแอปพลิเคชันเพิ่มเติม ทำให้ไม่เปลืองพื้นที่ในโทรศัพท์ อีกทั้งยังสามารถเข้าถึงเกมได้อย่างรวดเร็วและลื่นไหล โดยเฉพาะในยุคที่เทคโนโลยี 5G เข้ามาช่วยให้การเชื่อมต่ออินเทอร์เน็ตเร็วและเสถียรยิ่งขึ้น การเล่นสล็อตเว็บตรงยังให้ความมั่นใจในเรื่องของความปลอดภัย เพราะไม่ผ่านเอเย่นต์ ผู้เล่นสามารถฝาก-ถอนเงินได้โดยตรงกับทางเว็บ ทำให้มั่นใจได้ว่าเงินรางวัลที่ได้จะถูกโอนเข้าบัญชีของคุณโดยตรง
CapCut Pro APK
Download the CapCut Pro APK now for free. Edit videos like a pro, access exclusive effects, and enhance your content creation. https://capcutmod.app/
techmartin
You truly have a gift for creating original stuff. I appreciate the way you articulate your ideas in this piece and the way you think. Your writing style really strikes me. I appreciate you adding to the beauty of my experience. e visas india visa for filipino citizens
dsff
มีหลายเหตุผลว่าทำไมเว็บไซต์นี้จึงโดดเด่นและเป็นที่นิยมในหมู่นักพนัน สล็อตเว็บตรง
sdffsd
1. เกมสล็อตให้เลือกมากมาย WM787ONLINE มีเกมสล็อตให้เลือกมากมายจากผู้ให้บริการที่มีชื่อเสียง เช่น PG Slot, Joker Gaming สล็อตเว็บตรงเครดิตฟรี
dsf
Pragmatic Play ฯลฯ เลือกจากเกมที่หลากหลายตามความต้องการของคุณ เว็บตรงสล็อต
sdfsdf
ไม่ว่าจะเป็นเกมสล็อตคลาสสิกที่ไม่เหมือนใครหรือเกมสล็อตที่มีฟีเจอร์พิเศษและกราฟิกที่สวยงาม สล็อตเว็บตรงวอเลท
sdfds
คุณจะไม่มีวันเบื่อและจะสนุกได้อย่างต่อเนื่อง 2. ประสบการณ์การเล่นเกมที่ราบรื่น สล็อตวอเลท
sdfdsf
เว็บไซต์ของ WM787ONLINE ได้รับการออกแบบมาให้ใช้งานง่าย รองรับการเล่นทั้งบนคอมพิวเตอร์และโทรศัพท์มือถือ สล็อตวอเลทไม่มีขั้นต่ำ
sdffsd
สล็อตวอเลทเว็บตรง ทำให้ผู้เล่นสามารถเข้าถึงเกมสล็อตได้ทุกที่ทุกเวลา
sdffsd
นอกจากนี้ ระบบฝากและถอนเงินที่รวดเร็วและปลอดภัยยังช่วยให้ผู้เล่นจัดการธุรกรรมได้อย่างง่ายดายโดยไม่ต้องรอเป็นเวลานาน สล็อตออนไลน์
sdfsfd
3. โปรโมชั่นและโบนัสที่น่าดึงดูด WM787ONLINE มีโปรโมชั่นการตลาดที่น่าดึงดูด wm787
dsfd
รวมถึงโบนัสต้อนรับสำหรับสมาชิกใหม่ แคมเปญฝากเงินครั้งแรก และโปรโมชั่นแนะนำ ซึ่งเพิ่มโอกาสที่ผู้เล่นจะทำกำไรได้ wm787online
SMM World Panel
This is such a comprehensive piece! You’ve broken everything down in a way that’s easy to understand, even for beginners. Thank you for sharing! top smm seller
bwin88
bewin1688 Do you want extar money?
surya kiran villa
So informative! Your tips on this topic were exactly what I was looking for. Much appreciated!
township in gwalior
Pay Someone To Take My TEAS Exam
We provide support for those looking for ‘Take my GED for me’ or ‘Take my TEAS exam’ solutions. Need help with your GED or TEAS exam? We offer services so you can pay someone to take your GED or TEAS exam, hire someone for exam assistance and solutions
Pay Someone To Take My TEAS Exam
Pay Someone To Do My Dissertation
Are you looking for who will ‘Write My Dissertation For Me?’ We provide support for those looking for ‘Dissertation Writing Services’ or ‘Dissertation Help’. We offer services so you can ‘Pay Someone To Do Your Dissertation’.
Pay Someone To Do My Dissertation
techmartin
Numerous blogs may be found on the Internet. Nonetheless, I have no doubt that your blog is outstanding overall. It possesses every attribute that an ideal blog ought to possess. カナダの入国要件
Marilyn
I’m so glad I found this blog—it’s incredibly useful! For more help, you might want to look into Fix my speaker. It’s been a game-changer for me.
zoevin
Ensure your vehicle drives smoothly and safely with our expert wheel alignment service, designed to improve tire longevity and fuel efficiency.
Trust our skilled technicians to restore your car’s alignment and optimize its performance on the road.
wheel alignment service
Ava Smith
Betor – ( http://dekorastuck.cz ) is a reliable and exciting casino where every player will find something to enjoy amongst a huge selection of games and generous bonuses. Join Bwin and enjoy a safe and vibrant gaming experience with professional support 24/7!
techmartin
The acknowledgment of potential regulatory challenges shows a realistic understanding of the evolving legal landscape for Bitcoin mixers. Prostazen
techmartin
I find it impossible to dedicate enough time to study, much less compose an essay of this caliber. With this content, you’ve really exceeded yourself. This stuff is excellent. vierailu Havaijilla Yhdysvaltain viisumilla verkossa