“华人性”的重塑 : 李光耀社会认同的转变对新加坡的影响 = Reshaping "Chineseness": the impact of Lee Kuan Yew's shift in social identity on Singapore

Abstract

新加坡的国家认同与多元种族和多元文化求同存异的过程紧密相连。被誉为现代新加坡之父的李光耀通过“华人性”的概念重塑了新加坡华人的身份认同。透过分析李光耀的回忆录和公开演说，揭示他如何从语言、文化与姓名层面将“华人性”作为建立国家统一认同的工具。他强调到新加坡华人拥有共同认同的重要性，以减少各个方言群体的隔阂，并为新加坡的社会稳定和繁荣奠定了基础。他通过政策和实践来影响新加坡华人。他注重“华人性”的实际应用，而非抽象的意识形态。在个人层面，李光耀的“华人性”在人生的不同阶段发生转变。他会因为务实性和政治形势的变化而展现特定的“华人性”特质。该研究填补了“华人性”政治视角的空缺，总结出以务实主导的“华人性”概念。该研究对于新加坡华人来说具有历史意义，因为它强调了“华人性”概念如何在多元文化社会中塑造共同的国家认同。同时，这也对其他多元种族国家的执政者提供了借鉴意义，以实现国家统一和多元文化共存。

关键词：李光耀、新加坡、身份认同、华人性、语言

The formation of Singapore's national identity is closely intertwined with the processes of ethnic and cultural diversity. Lee Kuan Yew, revered as the founding father of modern Singapore, played a pivotal role in reshaping the identity of Singaporean Chinese through the concept of "Chineseness." This study delves into an analysis of Lee Kuan Yew's memoirs and public speeches, revealing how he instrumentalised "Chineseness" at the levels of language, culture, and name as a means to establish a unified national identity. Lee emphasised the significance of a common identity among Singaporean Chinese to reduce disunity among various dialect groups and lay the foundation for social stability and prosperity. He wielded considerable influence on Singaporean Chinese through policies and practices, prioritising the practical application of "Chineseness" over abstract ideology. At a personal level, Lee's expression of "Chineseness" evolved throughout different stages of his life, adapting to pragmatism and shifts in the political landscape. This study fills a gap in the political perspective of "Chineseness" and concludes that it is predominantly characterised by pragmatism. It holds historical significance for Singaporean Chinese, emphasising how the concept of "Chineseness" has contributed to shaping a shared national identity in a multicultural society. Moreover, it offers valuable insights for leaders of other ethnically diverse nations aiming to achieve national unity alongside cultural diversity. Keywords: Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore, Identity, Chineseness, Language