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Personal Growth from Singapore's Cultural Cues

Gradient Ocean

Alan Groh

May 20, 2022

Singapore

Categories:

Culture, Personal Growth, Asia

While Singapore's physical facade appears to change constantly, there are still vital elements of identity, specifically cultural ones, that have gone unchanged. Perhaps, some of these cultural cues offer lessons for our personal growth.


A legacy of British colonial rule has been the development of a local creole language called "Singlish." Singlish has a unique vocabulary and grammar, influenced by Malay, Hokkien, Cantonese, Teochew, Tamil, and other languages across South, East, and Southeast Asia. Historically thought of as "inferior" to the English language, there has been some pushback from Singaporeans, and now considered a unique part of the city nation's heritage. Shigga Shay, hip hop artist, songwriter, and music director, uses it in his work, and Singlish is seen in literary works too.


An essential bit of information for visitors but a monotony for the locals is that you should be careful with what you do and where you do it. Singapore has a reputation as a city that loves giving out fines. You cannot chew gum or smoke anywhere you like. Instead, you must constantly lookout for spots where you can indulge in your habit legally and without consequence. Littering carries a fine, so don't throw that wrapper just anywhere.


Singapore, as a city-state, does not resemble a concrete jungle at all, considering how densely urban it is, unlike other cities worldwide. One thing noticeable in Singapore is a large amount of green space. With the nation located at the equator, the abundance of green space offers some relief from the heat. Urban designs and nature are often integrated and allow for a healthier and less polluted megalopolis to function. This fusion preserves natural areas and provides for increasing intensity of buildings while retaining a very livable and appealing place.


For a city that works hard, it parties hard as well. The city's nightlife runs from mild to wild. There is something for everyone with clubs here open till the wee hours for party animals to unwind. Supermarkets and fast-food chains are commonly open 24 hours, and other vendors close their shutters very late. Nighttime is not dangerous here, so expect to see people buzzing about till late.


You will notice how clean the city is for such a crowded city in a small space. Garbage cans are a common sight, and an effective waste disposal program has meant the city streets are spotless. As warned, littering carries a fine, so there's a deterrent for people not to casually throw away their food packets or napkins. Singaporeans have a strong sense of etiquette to keep garbage off the streets. Interesting tidbit: besides a fine, one of the most popular ways to punish offenders who litter is to make them do community programs to sweep the streets.


Singaporeans learn to queue for a long time. Queuing has become a national pastime here. With a large population constantly on the move, there is always a line somewhere, whether for the next iPhone, public transport, or the newest blockbuster toy. Singapore has a reputation for organization and order, and it's no wonder that queuing is part of the culture. Even walking on the escalator, you will see a line form on the left while the right-hand side is for those in a rush. This deference to people in a hurry is a welcome delight considering the rather hectic pace at which Singapore runs. Yet, people are patient and queue to wait their turn.


One of the benefits of globalization is the unprecedented opportunity to learn and grow from the experiences of other cultures. In this short article, one can take away lessons about:

Patience.
Love of our heritage.
Care and concern for the local community where we live.
An appreciation of nature.
Reflections on integrating nature with our human environment.
The values of politeness and civility towards other people.


Cultural diversity benefits us all, often intangibly.

Photo by Mike Enerio on Unsplash.

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Catalog #:

0422.102.01.052022

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