Preserving Culture through Policy
In a rapidly globalising world, cultural heritage is easily overlooked. 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 the culture for themselves. Hence, the burden falls onto governments to protect the culture of a nation.
Take Singapore for example: Although the country is still relatively young, it already has a rich culture, made up of diverse traditions, languages, and festivals. From celebrating Chinese New Year with Ang Baos, or eating fragrant Rendang during Hari Raya, countless aspects of the unique Singaporean culture can be appreciated. 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. This campaign was launched in 1979 when Singapore was still in its 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 found this to be an issue when newer generations were no longer exposed to the Mandarin language from day-to-day interactions. Hence, the government made use of education, providing free Mandarin classes, and creating annual themes to encourage Mandarin use in daily conversation.
Even though the government was primarily focussed on economic development during Singapore’s formative years, its leaders still made a conscious effort to preserve various aspects of the nation’s culture through various policies much like 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 helped to strengthen the bond 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 all over the world, driving revenue through heritage sites, festivals, and tourist attractions alike. 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 implemented by various countries, proponents of the culture will be able to advocate for value-adding policies. Engaging in cultural initiatives in the community, supporting the evolution of cultural practices, and celebrating different cultural identities are all ways to help preserve a nation’s cultural heritage through public policy.
