RIMA Brief – November 2024
Discussing Contemporary Malay Language and Literature Advocacy
Speakers: Mr Fadhli Fadzil and Ms Aisyah Lyana
Key Takeaways
1. A cohesive ecosystem involving all literary stakeholders is needed to support sustainable growth and counter fragmented advocacy efforts.
2. Malay language advocacy in Singapore has progressed through Preservation, Promotion, and Evolution phases, each adapting to shifting social and cultural needs.
3. Accessibility, particularly through digital media, is essential to attract young audiences, serving as an entry point to deeper appreciation for Malay literary traditions.
4. Key issues include systemic undervaluing of Malay, limited translation and accessibility, fragmented efforts, and resource constraints, all impacting engagement, especially among youth.
5. Collaboration between senior and emerging advocates is crucial, with each learning from the other to build a future for Malay Language and Literature that honours tradition while embracing new directions.
Background
In recent years, Malay Language and Literature advocacy has been on the rise due to concerns on its usage and relevance. Through both state-sponsored and grounds-up initiatives (Bulan Bahasa, Bahas 4PM, Malay Heritage Foundation, Majlis Bahasa Melayu), the community has seen different forms of activism in this matter. There have been formal forums and seminars, as well as informal social media activism and street interviews.
The webinar seeks to discuss the historical development and current modes of Malay Language and Literature advocacy, as well as the experiences of these advocates. Through engaging with young advocates, RIMA hopes to uncover the current trends and challenges within the Malay Language and Literature advocacy scene.
Summary
Advocacy for Malay Language and Literature in Singapore has evolved from Preservation and Promotion phases focused on standardisation and cultural pride to a modern Evolution phase engaging youth through digital media and bilingual content. Despite challenges like limited economic value, resource constraints, and fragmented efforts, the webinar speakers emphasise accessibility, intergenerational collaboration, and social justice themes to keep Malay literature relevant. A unified approach across generations and stakeholders is vital for sustaining Malay cultural identity in an English-dominant society.
Phase 1: Preservation (Pre-Independence)
The Preservation Phase, occurring before Singapore’s independence, was marked by efforts to unify and standardise Bahasa Melayu. At this time, the Malay language faced inconsistencies due to varied spelling systems and regional influences, partly stemming from colonial rule. Za’ba, a prominent Malay linguist, contributed significantly by developing a phonetic spelling system that simplified and unified Malay spelling conventions, thereby making it more accessible and consistent. This system, although not in use today, laid groundwork for modern Malay by prioritising phonetic spellings over the colonial-influenced orthography.
Cultural pride was also a crucial element in language preservation. Writers under ASAS 50, including Masuri S.N., used literature as a tool for advocacy. Masuri S.N. emphasised the cultural significance of Bahasa Melayu, warning that if future generations neglected it, they risked losing a core part of their identity. During this era, literature served as both an expressive and unifying force for Malay-speaking communities.
Phase 2: Promotion (Post-Independence to Early 2000s)
As Singapore progressed post-independence, English grew in prominence, leading to concerns about the diminishing role and relevance of Bahasa Melayu. This period, spanning roughly from Singapore’s independence until the early 2000s, saw various initiatives aimed at promoting the language and reinforcing its importance. Notably, Bulan Bahasa (Malay Language Month) was established to emphasise the significance of Malay through programs that encouraged correct usage and confidence in speaking. This campaign, continuing annually, has been instrumental in maintaining public awareness and encouraging the community to embrace the language actively.
EDN Media emerged as a key player in this phase, promoting language learning through educational materials, workshops, and competitions. Its content and resources are a staple in Malay language education, providing both formal and informal learning avenues. Through literature, media, and campaigns,
this phase of advocacy sought to instill pride in Malay linguistic and cultural heritage, countering the growing perception that English alone sufficed for socioeconomic success.
Phase 3: Evolution (2010-Present)
Currently, Malay language advocacy is in an “Evolution Phase,” marked by digital engagement and innovative approaches to attract the younger generation. This phase recognises the challenges posed by English dominance and declining Malay language use at home, with recent statistics showing a drop in Malay language use among Singapore’s Malay population.
Language advocacy in this phase has adapted to changing consumption habits and preferences, leveraging bilingual and “translanguaging” approaches. Modern advocates, such as Pusat Bahasa Nusa and media outlets like Berita Harian, are using social media, video, and mixed-language content to reach youth audiences. Pusat Bahasa Nusa, established in 2012, provides tuition services and digital content aimed at increasing youth engagement with Malay language and culture.
Individual advocates contribute significantly to this phase. Through engaging formats such as comics, interactive media, vocabulary lessons, and discussions on cultural identity, advocates are making the language more accessible, relevant, and relatable to younger audiences. These efforts show an adaptive shift in advocacy, combining modern digital platforms with traditional language values to foster a renewed interest in Malay.
Advocacy for Malay Literature in Singapore
Advocacy for Malay Literature in Singapore is about preserving, promoting, and evolving the Malay language and its literary traditions. This effort seeks to strengthen cultural identity, foster social cohesion, and maintain a connection with historical roots. Advocacy plays a critical role in ensuring the ongoing vitality of the Malay Language in a multicultural society increasingly dominated by English and other global languages.
Key Pillars of Advocacy
The speaker frames their advocacy in terms of three core pillars: preservation, promotion, and evolution.
1. Preservation: Preservation of Malay Literature honours cultural history and empowers the community. By safeguarding traditional forms like pantun (a four-line poetic form), syair (narrative quatrains), and bangsawan (Malay opera), advocates connect contemporary audiences with ancestral knowledge and heritage, fostering pride and a sense of belonging. Ground-up initiatives have emerged in recent years, with groups such as Pantunism, Syairpura, and Anggerik Temasek Bangsawan forming to revitalise and share these literary forms.
2. Promotion: Promotion of Malay Literature amplifies Malay voices and provides authentic representation in a landscape dominated by English. Literary competitions like the Golden Point Award and Mencari Kristal, along with workshops, serve as platforms to celebrate and recognise Malay voices. Initiatives like Unggun Creative (a publishing house for Malay writers), Sahabat Sastera (a youth platform), and Maktabah Books (a book-sharing project) further nurture a community of emerging writers, while organisations like Majlis Sastera Asia Tenggara (MASTERA) foster regional literary collaboration.
3. Evolution: For Malay Literature to stay relevant, it must evolve, adapting language, themes, and narrative forms to resonate with contemporary audiences. This evolution is seen in the works of writers such as Muhammad Latiff Muhammad, who reinterprets traditional narratives with a critical eye. Recent trends include using modern slang, blending languages, and exploring themes relevant to modern society. Institutions like the Singapore Book Counciland the National Arts Council support translation efforts, making Malay Literature accessible to a broader audience.
Current Initiatives and Advocacy Groups
Multiple groups are driving the movement to revitalise Malay Literature. Pantun advocacy groups, including KPT, founded by the speaker, preserve the traditional pantun form through workshops, competitions, and performances. The group also conducts creative activities that make Malay Literature more approachable, such as gamifying pantun for young audiences, holding online and in-person workshops, and sharing content through social media. In a similar vein, Meja Conteng, co-founded by the speaker, builds a community for young Malay writers. The group published a zine, Kulihat Mekar Dalam Belukar, and promotes the achievements of its members to uplift young Malay literary talent.
Challenges in Advocacy
Advocating for Malay Literature faces several challenges:
1. Declining Interest and Language Marginalisation: With English as the lingua franca, Malay Language and Literature face marginalization. The younger generation often views Malay Literature as outdated, diminishing its appeal and relevance.
2. Accessibility of Malay Works: Limited translation efforts restrict the reach of Malay Literature to non-Malay-speaking audiences, while cultural and linguistic gaps hinder cross-cultural appreciation.
3. Fragmented Advocacy Efforts: Advocacy groups often operate independently, with limited collaboration, which can dilute their collective impact. Tensions between senior and emerging writers further complicate these efforts, as differences in approach and focus can hinder unified action.
4. Resource Constraints: Limited funding, volunteer burnout, and insufficient institutional support challenge the sustainability of advocacy initiatives. Many advocates balance their work with other commitments, making long-term projects difficult to maintain.
The Importance of Community and Mentorship
To counter these challenges, mentorship and community-building play essential roles. Formal mentorship programs bridge knowledge gaps between seasoned and emerging writers, fostering skill development and cultural understanding. Community-based initiatives such as Gig Puisi (an open mic event by the National Library Board) and digital spaces allow for passive and active engagement with Malay literature.
Summary: Q&A Session
The Q&A session explored several key themes related to the advocacy for the Malay Language and Literature, highlighting the influence of social justice, systemic challenges, as well as the importance of collaboration and accessibility in literature.
- Leveraging Social Justice Trends in Advocacy
Responding to a question about the potential for using social justice issues to promote Malay language and literature, the panelists emphasised that themes like climate change, sustainability, and gender justice resonate with traditional Malay cultural values. They noted that the Malay language already encompasses a deep connection to nature, evident in the specific vocabulary used by communities like the orang laut (sea people). By using Bahasa Melayu to discuss contemporary social issues, practitioners can bring a unique cultural perspective to these global challenges. Examples like the Bahas 4PM debate series showcase how culturally relevant spaces enable discussions on contemporary issues, while Dikir Barat and Pantun competitions offer platforms where participants tackle modern themes, helping to keep the language dynamic and relevant.
- Current and Systemic Challenges
A question on whether enough has been done to preserve and evolve the Malay Language and Literature brought to light systemic issues that continue to impact Malay Language appreciation. Despite considerable efforts, the Malay Language often suffers from a perception of limited economic value, which leads to its marginalization within educational and professional contexts. Panellists also discussed how the language’s role in academia and government is often seen as a mere requirement or hurdle rather than as an asset. Such systemic barriers weaken community motivation to preserve and advance Malay Language and Literature. Additionally, panelists underscored the fragmented nature of advocacy efforts, which operate mainly in isolation. Strengthening a cohesive literary ecosystem that includes readers, writers, editors, publishers, and critics is essential to address these fragmentation issues and support holistic language development.
- Balancing Accessibility and Literary Form
Accessibility was highlighted as a priority over form. The panelists argued that making literature accessible to a wider audience is essential for sparking interest and engagement. By drawing people into Malay Literature first, there can be opportunities to expose them to different literary forms and deepen their appreciation over time. In today’s digital era, using platforms to present bite-sized, engaging content can be instrumental in reaching younger generations. This accessibility, they noted, does not mean sacrificing quality; rather, it can serve as a gateway to exploring the diversity and richness of Malay literary traditions.
- The Roles of Senior and Emerging Advocates
The dialogue also underscored the importance of intergenerational collaboration. The panelists acknowledged that while emerging writers need to learn from past literary traditions, it is equally important for senior advocates to be open to evolving visions for the future of Malay Language and Literature. This mutual exchange allows for a more inclusive development path that respects tradition while embracing new directions. Efforts by younger advocacy groups, like Meja Conteng, reflect this balance by actively engaging with senior writers to align visions and build a sustainable literary future.
Future Directions
Fadhli concluded by emphasising the need to honour past efforts while innovating for the future, as embodied by the Malay proverb “Yang Lama Dikelek, Yang Baharu Dikendong” (Embracing the old while advocating the new). This balanced approach — respecting historical contributions from pioneers like Za’ba and Masuri S.N. and adapting to digital platforms — is seen as essential to keeping Bahasa Melayu vibrant and relatable in a globalised, bilingual Singapore.
On the other hand, Aisyah concluded that Malay Literature advocacy is a holistic effort that encompasses preservation, promotion, and evolution. By actively working to maintain and adapt Malay literary forms, advocates ensure that these traditions remain vibrant and relevant for future generations. This multi-faceted approach not only sustains the Malay Language but also empowers the community, enriching Singapore’s cultural landscape. The goal is to create a lasting impact by strengthening Malay cultural identity and fostering social change through literature.
About the speakers
Aisyah is an award-winning writer and poet who won First Prize at the National Poetry Competition 2024 & 2020 and Hadiah Sulam Kalam 2021, among others. She also won special prizes at the Berita Harian Poetry Writing Contest 2024 and Golden Point Awards. Aisyah co-founded two youth literary collectives in Singapore, Kelana Pantun Temasek (2017) and Meja Conteng (2024). Aisyah graduated in 2022 from NUS Global Studies (Honours with Highest Distinction) and is now working in the Trust & Safety – Incident Management team at TikTok.
Fadhli is a young writer who emerged in First and Third Place in the short story category for Golden Point Award 2023 and has since published two books, including a zine titled ‘Kulihat Layu dalam Melayu’. His writing revolves around themes of language and cultural preservation, mental health, and alternative history. He also runs an Instagram page focused on Malay grammar, offering tips and insights to enhance the use of the Malay language.
Both Fadhli and Aisyah are co-founders of MejaConteng, a collective of young budding Malay writers of multidisciplinary backgrounds, based in Singapore. They strive to spark a new movement in the local Malay literature scene which has been paved by the senior Malay writers and literary groups in the past. Their works are focused on publishing and storytelling in various forms but not limited to poetry, prose, and theatre.
Click on the link to download the RIMA brief – 2024-11 RIMA brief_Malay Lang Advocacy
