Preserving Culture through Policy
In a rapidly globalising world, people often overlook cultural heritage. Coupled with exponential advancements in technology and innovation, cultural identities are increasingly at risk of erosion. This is especially harmful, as proponents of the culture often lack the means to promote it themselves. Hence, the burden falls on governments to protect a nation's culture.
Take Singapore, for example: Although the country is still relatively young, it already has a rich culture, with diverse traditions, languages, and festivals. Singaporeans celebrate Chinese New Year with Ang Baos and enjoy fragrant Rendang during Hari Raya, appreciating countless aspects of their vibrant culture. Yet, not all aspects of this culture are equally prominent, and the passage of time threatens to erode traditional Singaporean culture as we know it. Fortunately, the Singapore government has implemented policies to preserve this culture.
For example, the Speak Mandarin Campaign aims to promote Mandarin among Chinese Singaporeans while acknowledging the importance of other ethnic languages in Singapore. The government launched this campaign in 1979, during Singapore’s formative years, shortly after its independence from Malaysia. To improve its image as a globalised hub and commerce, English quickly became the most prominent language in Singapore. Yet the government recognized this as an issue when younger generations were no longer exposed to Mandarin through day-to-day interactions. Hence, the government used education, providing free Mandarin classes and creating annual themes to encourage its use in daily conversation.
Even though the government was primarily focused on economic development during Singapore’s formative years, its leaders still made a conscious effort to preserve aspects of the nation’s culture through policies, such as the Speak Mandarin Campaign. This decision proved to be far-sighted, as the policies ultimately provided diverse benefits across multiple dimensions.
Most directly, the policies helped to foster a sense of identity and belonging. Language is, and always will be, the cornerstone of cultural identity. This campaign strengthened bonds among many Singaporeans by promoting a shared linguistic heritage. At the same time, the policies also provided immense economic benefits. The preservation of Singaporean culture has attracted tourists from around the world, driving revenue through heritage sites, festivals, and other attractions. By living out traditional practices and embracing the Singaporean culture, both foreigners and locals can benefit from the booming tourism industry.
In conclusion, culture is an integral part of a nation’s identity. By understanding the current policies of various countries, proponents of the culture can advocate for value-added policies. Engaging in community cultural initiatives, supporting the evolution of artistic practices, and celebrating diverse cultural identities are all ways to help preserve a nation’s cultural heritage through public policy.
