A journey to Canto

Abstract

Cantonese as a Chinese ethnic group was and still is the third largest dialect group in Singapore since the very first of our forefathers came ashore in 1821. Majority of the Cantonese people came from the Guangdong province and brought along many of their traditions and customs that were specific and unique to where they came from. But what still exists or is even remembered of these traditions and customs today and how are they reflected in our Singapore history as a part of the Cantonese culture? The first and main purpose of this research is to embark on my own personal journey to find out what being “Cantonese”means in Singapore. To explore and understand what denotes Cantonese tradition and culture as a dialect group in Singapore. It is to find what has been forgotten and to pursue what has not been recorded, be it the intangible customs, experiences and symbols that represent Cantonese as a people and culture, and to personally denote the stories behind them. This second part of this research aims to interpret what Cantonese culture is through the lens of design of their operas, architecture, crafts, ceremonies and so on. It will also record and explain what exactly is considered to be Cantonese culture and customs so that it does not get forgotten by the younger generation of Singapore, and to allow me to finally understand what does it mean to be a Cantonese (Gong Fu Yan) in Singapore.