THE HAKKA IDENTITY IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The Hakkas literally mean the "guest people". They had experienced five periods of migration before settling down in South China. In the southern provinces of China, they are so labelled to distinguish them from the original inhabitants of these provinces. In the nineteenth century, some of them migrated to Southeast Asia. As of 1990, they make up the fourth largest group of Chinese in Singapore. A Hakka in Singapore has the choice of expressing his identity vis-a-vis other Chinese groups, or vis-à-vis other ethnic groups in Singapore. This thesis examines the nature of Hakka identity in Singapore and aims to contribute to the understanding of the shifting identity of this group. Hakka identity is examined at three levels: Hakka individuals, Hakka associations and the attitude of the state towards them. Through qualitative interviews with Hakka individuals and leaders in the associations, an attempt is made to illustrate how Hakka identity is expressed in Singapore. On the level of the individuals, marriage, language, food and religion will be examined in regard to the nature of Hakka identity today. It appears that the maintenance of boundaries among the Hakkas is declining due to the intervention of the state and interaction with the other ethnic groups in Singapore. At the level of the associations, the activities organised by the associations, their publications and future outlook are considered to understand how Hakka identity is articulated. It appears that a sense of pride is still evident in the publications and that the activities remain those traditionally associated with other associations. However, there is an increasing realisation that there is a need to move in the direction of fostering a Chinese identity. At the state level, the construction of Hakka identity is necessarily constrained by state determined boundaries. An examination of state policies will be done to understand the socio-political context affecting the construction of Hakka identity. Finally I will conclude this study by discussing the future direction of Hakka identity in the light of the above.