Singapore’s streets buzz with a blend of languages and cultures, creating a vibrant tapestry that defines the nation. Yet, behind this diversity, there’s a growing concern: the decline in mother tongue usage at home. During the Mother Tongue Languages Symposium 2023, Minister for Education, Mr. Chan Chun Sing, emphasized the urgency of preserving bilingualism amidst this worrying trend.
Enter Qrious Culture, a groundbreaking podcast and public showcase supported by the Lee Kuan Yew Fund for Bilingualism. This platform is revitalizing the conversation around bilingualism, particularly among Singapore’s youth, by presenting compelling stories that highlight the deep connections between culture and community.
Spotlight on Storytellers: Priyanka Tamilarasan and Yusri “Shaggy” Sapari
In the latest season of Qrious Culture, two storytellers, Priyanka Tamilarasan and Yusri “Shaggy” Sapari, take center stage with their bilingual documentaries that explore the heart of Singapore’s cultural landscape.
Priyanka’s “Abinayam”: This documentary is a tribute to Bharatnatyam practitioner Ambiga Krishnasamy, whose passion for dance remains unshaken despite her battle with multiple sclerosis. Inspired by Ambiga’s resilience, Priyanka deepened her Tamil language skills to tell this powerful story with authenticity.
Shaggy’s “Trailer Boys”: Offering a glimpse into Singapore’s heavy vehicle driver community, this documentary captures the true essence of the drivers’ lives. Originally in English, Shaggy found that mixing English, Singlish, and Malay brought the voices of his subjects to life, a decision that earned him the Audience Choice Award at the Viddsee Juree Awards in 2019.
Why These Stories Matter
These documentaries are more than just films; they are vital links that connect different cultures and promote a deeper understanding of Singapore’s diverse heritage. Through their work, Priyanka and Shaggy underscore the importance of embracing our cultural and linguistic roots.
Join us in celebrating Singapore’s diversity through the powerful narratives presented by Qrious Culture. Priyanka and Shaggy are open to interviews where they can share:
- Their experiences and challenges in documentary filmmaking
- Insights into Singapore’s multicultural landscape
- The role of bilingualism in enriching their storytelling
- The impact of their documentaries in fostering cultural understanding and empathy
Discover how these storytellers are using bilingual films to celebrate and preserve Singapore’s unique cultural identity.
