THE SINGAPORE HADRAMI ARAB IDENTITY

Abstract

This paper aims to look at the various processes that help explain the formation of ethnic identity of a particular group, the Hadrami Arabs in Singapore. This is interesting because the popular understanding of ethnic identity often focuses on observable behavior such as culture, dress, language, and even attitudes. It carries several implications for the Singapore Hadrami Arab community. Their resemblance to the Malays in several respects have often led to the belief by others and even by some of the Arabs themselves that they no longer have the right to call themselves Arabs. Such an opinion emerges when one compares the Arabs now and in the past and sees the stark contrast. However, the paper argues that while a particular ethnic group may initially resemble the 'source' from where it came from, the ensuing processes in the new environment would result in adaptation and renegotiations by the social actors. This is particularly so in a context where the group is a minority. Thus, the paper looks at the context of Hadrami/Yemeni Arabs who settled in Britain, Malaysia and Singapore at about the same period and compares how the context they are situated in redefines their ethnic identity. The background to this argument is largely discussed in the third and fourth chapter. The main argument however is that ethnicity should be a self-ascribed identity, although rooted within a relatively accurate 'myth of origin'. This subjective nature of ethnicity implies a fluid reworking of ethnic boundaries. Indeed it is interesting to observe the factors that affect the nature of one's ethnic identity in a particular context and the impact it has on inter-ethnic interactions.