《南洋商报》(1946-1955) : 论新加坡旧体诗在20世纪中叶的发展与趋势 = NANYANG SIANG PAU (1946-1955): THE DEVELOPMENT AND TRENDS OF CLASSICAL CHINESE POETRY IN SINGAPORE DURING THE MID-TWENTIETH CENTURY

Abstract

Since the emergence of Malayan Chinese Modern Literature, the study of Classical Chinese literature has been neglected by many scholars. Of all the categories in Classical Chinese Literature, classical Chinese poetry has generally been ignored by these scholars despite the abundant resources presented itself in the form of old newspapers. It is to be noted that Classical-style poetry was the origin of Singapore Chinese Literature, hence the value in understanding the development of Classical Chinese Poetry in Singapore, so as to understand the emergence of Singaporean's identity and the shift in Singapore's culture and way of life. In addition, Nanyang Siang Pau had been one of the most important Chinese newspapers in the Nanyang region in publishing the Classical Chinese poetry consistently and with greater volume. Thus, it is an interesting trend to note on the reasons behind the consistency of publishing Classical Chinese Poetry, despite the emergence of Malayan Chinese Modern Literature. Hence, this thesis aims to answer the following research question: What is the development and trends of Classical Chinese Poetry in Singapore back in the mid-twentieth century? The research scope of this thesis is set to be between 1946 to 1955 of Nanyang Siang Pau. This is due to avoid the conflict of nationalism when Singapore gained independence and to limit the scope of the research. Through observing the trends between 1946 to 1955 understanding the relationship between Nanyang Siang Pau, Classical Chinese Poetry and the Poets, as well as the roles and functions of the Classical Poetry, there is the tendency of the Classical Chinese Poetry in Singapore to develop in the trend of localisation and local sentiments amongst the poets, especially after World War II. The main methodology adopted by this thesis is the use of a comparative mechanism, in order to achieve a more comprehensive view of the localisation and local sentiments presented in the Classical Chinese poetry, as well as the constructed imagination of "Nanyang flavours". The introductory chapter aims to establish the value and significance of this research. The second chapter will focus on identifying the trends of Classical Chinese Poetry in Singapore and explaining the constructed imagination of ‘‘Nanyang flavours". The third chapter examines the reasons behind the consistency in the publishing of Classical Chinese Poetry in Nanyang Siang Pau despite the threats from Modern Chinese literature through studying the relationships between Nanyang Siang Pau, Classical Chinese Poetry and the Poets. The fourth chapter will focus on the roles and functions of Classical Chinese Poetry in the mid-twentieth century. This thesis finally concludes by summarising the findings and discussing the apparent trend of “Nanyang flavours’’ and localisation and in turn, highlighting the limitations of this research.