Singapore Tamil Youth Conference 2016 Manifesto NUSTLS Singapore Tamil Youth Conference 2016 Manif | Page 68

Issue 11: Tamil Diaspora and Identity
Pre-Panel Discussion
1. What constitutes the identity of a Singaporean Tamil?
• Speaking of Tamil: Many youths are proud that Tamil has been accorded the status of an
official language in Singapore.
• Fluent in fusion between the English and Tamil languages, as some youths feel that they
borrow aspects of other languages to express themselves better.
• Some youths felt that ‘Tanglish’ is much more prevalent in India than in Singapore. They
felt that Indian Tamils tend to speak simple Tamil words in English while Singaporean
Tamils only use English when they cannot express themselves in Tamil, possibly due to
limited vocabulary.
• Tamil youths can converse to people of other ethnicities (multiculturalism).
• Traditions: Traditions are customised according to the busy lifestyle here e.g. Pongal is
not celebrated over all 4 days here. It is celebrated only on the first day. This is unlike
Tamil Nadu, where Pongal is celebrated very extensively.
• ‘Thaipusam’, though considered a religious event, has very close associations with the
Tamil community. In Singapore, Thaipusam is celebrated very extensively as compared to
India. Some youths felt that Thaipusam is regarded as an ‘overnight party’ where people
consume alcohol and play Tamil movie songs instead of worshipping the God.
• Some youths felt that they follow traditional beliefs and practices though they are
unaware of their significance.
• Arts: Classical arts e.g. Bharatanatyam have seen changes to adapt to the modern society
in Singapore.
• Westernised form of theatre has been introduced to bring a refreshing perspective to
Tamil theatre.
• Offering to the Guru is not as ritualistic as compared to India, and is constantly adapting
to Singapore’s situation without completely losing its essence.
• Religious Unity: Regardless of type of religion i.e. Hindu, Muslim or Christian that one
practices, their Tamil identity brings them together with other Tamils. This is not the case
in Malaysia or India.
• For instance, in Malaysia, the Indian Muslims tend to be more closely associated with
Malay Muslims instead of their fellow Tamils. However, in Singapore, when Tamil Muslims
break their fast (Iftar), Tamil Hindus and Christians would participate.
• Others: Different style of making traditional Indian food.
• Traditional Indian wear such as Saris and Veshtis are considered as more of a costume
wear than a daily wear.
Issue 11: Tamil Diaspora and Identity
PAGE 68