Chinese Literature in Singapore and Malaysia

If you take a look around you on the streets in Singapore you'll discover that the people, for the most part, all have yellow skin and black eyes. If it were not for the government housing, the Malays in their colorful traditional clothing, and the shuttling of Indians, a traveler from Taipei probably wouldn't realize he was in another country.

Upon taking a closer look, you would discover many differences from Taipei. The major difference is that although Singapore is heavily populated with Chinese it is difficult to find things written in Chinese or hear the language being spoken.

Road and shop signs, along with bus stop signs, are all written in English. Just about the only signs in Chinese are those in local eateries. English is used in post offices, banks, and even taxis. The first word spoken after picking up the receiver is "hello."

English has become the "living language" of Singapore. Although English, Chinese, Malaysian, and Indian are used here, and education is bilingual, most of the younger generation of Chinese are only able to carry on a basic conversation in Chinese. Most lack an interest in studying advanced Chinese.

The situation is similar in Malaysia. In primary school, classes are held in the student's native tongue, which may be Malaysian, Chinese, or Indian. In public middle school, classes are taught in Malay, and textbooks are also in Malay. Children of Chinese people, who wish to be educated in their native tongue, may study at a private middle school.

Under such conditions, the development of Chinese literature in Singapore and Malaysia has met with numerous obstacles, but still has some splendid points.

Undoubtedly, people are the most important factor behind the development of literature. With the population of Singapore at 2.6 million, of which seventy percent are Chinese, and with approximately seven million Chinese in Malaysia, one-third of the total population, these people can have a large impact on the development of Chinese literature abroad.

Before Singapore broke away from Malaysia in 1965, Chinese literature in both places was called "Malaysian-Chinese literature."

At present Chinese newspapers and magazines are restricted from crossing between Singapore and Malaysia. Of course circulation is not as convenient as it would be if the nation were not divided. Newspapers no longer carry works from the other side of the fence. Over a period of time the writers on both sides have become unfamiliar with each other's works. "We probably know more about Taiwan authors than Singapore authors," says Leo Huat, head of the South Malaysia Literary Research Association.

The two sides still have something in common--Chinese newspapers are a big business. Some who visit describe the Chinese literature of Malaysia as "supplement literature."

In Malaysia there are more than twenty Chinese newspapers, most of which contain literary supplements. But since most are town newspapers, their impact is limited.

Wen Jen-p'ing, head of the Malaysia Association of Writers, says that no one knows when the next issue of a Chinese literary magazine will come out. They stop then start up again. "The major reason for this is that they can't find the financial support. A sale of 1,000-2,000 copies is not enough to keep above water. Most authors have to dig into their own pockets before they're able to publish."

In 1983, there was a large merger of newspapers in Singapore, and the supplement page was greatly reduced. The availability of the Chinese language does not necessarily mean higher standards in Chinese literature, yet it can create new readers. For now, Chinese authors in Singapore and Malaysia have their eyes on the future. They believe that they are in the waiting period before the flower blooms.

"Where are our readers? What types of literary works do they need?" These are some of the questions that run through the minds of authors.

In the 1950's, Hong Kong's lustful novels were the local literary forum.

In the 1960's, some modern poets on Taiwan were criticized for their so-called "void, obscure" style.

In 1984, the Singaporean--Chinese poet Wong Yoon Wah, was awarded the Southeast Asia Writing Award. In 1972, the Malaysian-Chinese poet Leo Huat received the Malaysian National Literature Award.

It appears that Chinese literature has received affirmation after seventy years of development in Singapore and Malaysia.

Some authors feel that with the decline in quality of Chinese literature in Singapore and Malaysia, the publishing industry at a low, and the economic problems, the outlook for the future development of Chinese literature is not so bright. But we must bear in mind that these are only temporary conditions. Perhaps things will change tomorrow. No one can say for sure.

[Picture Caption]

Few Chinese magazines can be found on the newsstands in Malaysia.

Wong Yoon Wah, Head of the Singapore Association of Writers, is one of the important leaders in the development of Chinese Literature in Singapore and Malaysia.

The content of the new generation of Malaysian-Chinese literature is mainly based on local living.

The supplement of the Chinese language newspaper is an important expression for Chinese literature in Singapore and Malaysia.

Private middle schools in Malaysia offer local Chinese residents education conducted completely in Chinese. (photo by Vincent Chang)

Wong Yoon Wah, Head of the Singapore Association of Writers, is one of the important leaders in the development of Chinese Literature in Singapore and Malaysia.