LIVING THE KATONG LEGACY : CULTURE, IDENTITY AND PLACE IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Living the Katong legacy is a study in cultural geography. At a general level, my primary concern is with documenting Katong culture in the context of a fast-changing modern Singapore. Specifically, my aims are as follows. Firstly, I seek to determine if Singaporeans recognise the existence of a distinctive culture in Katong. If so, I shall attempt to delimit the areal extent of the Katong culture area and to define what this culture is in their terms. Finally, I shall explore their views of the future of Katong culture. In each of these instances, I shall examine differences in the views of those who live in Katong ("insiders") and those who do not ("outsiders"). In order to fulfil these aims, a variety of methods were used. These include a questionnaire survey, in-depth interviews and participant observation. The results of this combined strategy reveal that for many, a distinctive Katong culture existed in the past as well as today although some feel that it was more prevalent in the past. This culture manifests itself most strongly in the heart of the culture area, diminishing gradually in intensity towards its outer boundary. The uniqueness of the culture and the identity of the culture area stem from various elements: material and non-material aspects of culture; distinctive ethnic cultures; and an elusive quality embodied in its spirit or atmosphere. Each of these elements have, however, been eroded gradually over time. The future of Katong culture hinges on factors internal to individuals (such as their ability and willingness to share in the Katong spirit) as well as external structural factors (such as the emphasis on economic development and government policies). In order to maintain the cultural identity of the area, conservation of the built environment is recommended, but only if preserved in tandem with the atmosphere. My results demonstrate that there may be distinct local cultures which have evolved naturally in discrete" places in Singapore. These cultures deserve more explicit attention and appreciation than has thus far been accorded them. Katong, in particular, embodies a unique culture that should be preserved in the face of modernising Singapore. What is more, it is a distinctive unself-conscious showcase of local identity, in contrast to state efforts which have consciously attempted to forge a national identity.