The Babas

The Babas

Author: Felix Chia

Publisher: Landmark Books Pte Ltd

Published: 2015

Total Pages: 15

ISBN-13: 9814189561

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This fourth edition of the social history of the Babas and Nonya makes the seminal work by Felix Chia available again after being long out of print. Now illustrated throughout by full-colour pictures of a rich array of Baba artefacts sourced from private and public collections, this beautifully designed full-colour book will captivate and entrance both readers who are familiar with and new to Baba culture. Baba Felix Chia gives a witty, frank and lively exposition of the way of life he grew up in. His reminiscences and personal anecdotes are given additional weight by oral history and research. The result is an exceptional book where text and pictures combine to encapsulate the fascinating origin, language, practices, festivities and character of the Baba. The Babas, first published in 1980, won the Highly Commended Award for English nonfiction by the National Book Development Council of Singapore in 1982.


Memories Revisited

Memories Revisited

Author: Vijay Joshi

Publisher: Vijay Joshi

Published:

Total Pages: 120

ISBN-13:

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This Book is based on real life stories, almost all the protagonists in the articles that i have penned till date are every day common people, people whom we meet in our day to day life. These everyday common people have much much more to share, for they are the once who face all kind of hardships in their lives and survive, for people like me to tell their tales. All the tales in this book are real life stories that i’ve experienced. Each story gives you some moral, some thought to ponder over.


A Grammar of Modern Baba Malay

A Grammar of Modern Baba Malay

Author: Nala H. Lee

Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG

Published: 2022-02-07

Total Pages: 399

ISBN-13: 3110745062

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This book documents modern Baba Malay, a critically endangered Austronesian-based contact language with a Sinitic substrate. Formed via intermarriage between Hokkien-speaking male traders and indigenous women in the Malay Peninsula, the language has less than 1,000 speakers in Singapore and less than 1,000 speakers in Malacca, Malaysia. This volume fills a gap for reference grammars of contact languages in general. Reference grammars written on contact languages are rare, and much rarer is a reference grammar written about a critically endangered Austronesian-based contact language. The reference grammar, which aims to be useful to linguists and general readers interested in Baba Malay, describes the language’s sociohistorical background, its circumstances of endangerment, and provides information regarding the phonology, parts of speech, and syntax of Baba Malay as spoken in Singapore. A chapter that differentiates this variety from that spoken in Malacca is also included. The grammar demonstrates that the nature of Baba Malay is highly systematic, and not altogether simple, providing structural information for those who are interested in the typology of contact languages.


Dynamism of Local Knowledge Revisiting History and Culture (Penerbit USM)

Dynamism of Local Knowledge Revisiting History and Culture (Penerbit USM)

Author: Nurul Farhana Low Abdullah

Publisher: Penerbit USM

Published:

Total Pages: 241

ISBN-13: 9674612025

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Dynamism of Local Knowledge: Revisiting History and Culture give readers a critical view of history and culture through the lenses of contributors’ understanding of local knowledge and its epistemology. The essays in this volume explore the various facets of Malaysian traditions, culture, history and lifestyle. The perspectives of history and culture take a dynamic turn through exploring genres such as dance, literature, traditions and language. This book will highlight the new dynamic in local knowledge through its publication as the selected essays discuss a wide range of topics that reflect the transdisciplinary research perspectives of the respective contributors.


Peranakan Chinese Identities in the Globalizing Malay Archipelago

Peranakan Chinese Identities in the Globalizing Malay Archipelago

Author: Leo Suryadinata

Publisher: ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute

Published: 2022-02-21

Total Pages: 289

ISBN-13: 9814951706

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Peranakan Chinese communities and their “hybrid” culture have fascinated many observers. This book, comprising fourteen chapters, was mainly based on papers written by the author in the last two decades. The chapters address Peranakan Chinese cultural, national and political identities in the Malay Archipelago, i.e., Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore (IMS). This book is divided into two parts. Part I which is on the regional dimension, contains nine chapters that discuss the three countries and beyond. Part II consists of five chapters which focus on one country, i.e., Indonesia. This book not only discusses the past and the present, but also the future of the Peranakan Chinese.


A Peranakan Legacy

A Peranakan Legacy

Author: Peter Wee

Publisher: Marshall Cavendish International Asia Pte Ltd

Published: 2011-11-15

Total Pages: 282

ISBN-13: 9814677531

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A Peranakan Legacy captures the rich heritage of a fast disappearing way of life and put on record many traditions and practices which were previously handed only down from generation to generation. The term ‘Baba’ is used to refer to the Straits-born Chinese or Peranakans. The Babas boast a unique culture and way of life that is an amalgamation of Chinese and Malay customs and etiquette. Their culture is perhaps best captured in the beautiful clothing, stunning jewellery, pretty porcelain and other artefacts used in daily living. Girls were taught, from a young age, how to cook a variety of elaborate meals as well as crafts such as beading and embroidery. The result is a rich legacy of splendid kebayas (embroidered blouses), beadwork and various other items. Through lavish, full-colour photographs of Peranakan artefacts and clothing, this book explains the origins of the various customs and traditions. While some customs are still practiced today, other more complicated ones have disappeared as modern babas adapted to contemporary lifestyles which are deemed more convenient and practical.


The Business of Politics and Ethnicity

The Business of Politics and Ethnicity

Author: Sikko Visscher

Publisher: NUS Press

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 396

ISBN-13: 9789971693657

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This book describes the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce's changing relationship with the state and with businesses in the region. Some of the wealthiest and most influential businessmen in Singapore and Malaysia have served as leaders of the Chamber. Drawing on archival materials and extensive interviews, Visscher provides lively biographical sketches that highlight the circumstances and personal values that propelled these and other leading Chinese businessmen to success and to prominence. He also examines Chinese business practices, considering cultural elements as well as state and market forces, and highlights unique features of the Chinese experience in Singapore. By viewing Singapore from the perspective of a well established non-governmental organisation as it struggled, negotiated and cooperated with the state, this book offers an alternative to conventional political histories.


Ayodhya Revisited

Ayodhya Revisited

Author: Kunal Kishore

Publisher: Prabhat Prakashan

Published: 2016-01-01

Total Pages: 822

ISBN-13: 8184303572

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This work of monumental research is a treatise on Ayodhyã with utmost authenticity and absolute accuracy. Based on original sources and scientific investigation it propounds a new thesis; which demolishes many popular perceptions. It exonerates the intrepid warrior Babur from the charge of demolishing a temple on the birthplace of Rāma and constructing the mosque which has been a source of contention and dissension for long. It further shows how inscriptions in the mosque were factitious and Mir Baqi of inscriptions is a fictitious person different from Baqi Tashkindi/ Shegawal of the Baburnama. The book produces incontrovertible evidence which indubitably proves that there existed a Rãma temple on the Rămajanmabhumi. The exact birthplace of Rāma was earmarked by a rectangular Bedi measuring 18' 9" in length and 15' in width; and was located in the inner portion of the disputed shrine. The demolition of the temple and the construction of the mosque did not take place in 1528 A.D. but in c. 1660 A.D. when Fedai Khan was the Governor of Aurangzeb at Ayodhyã. It is a historical fact that until the British takeover of Awadh administration in 1858 both the Hindus and Muslims used to perform puja and offer Namaz respectively inside it. All Mughal Emperors from Babur to Shah Jahan were magnanimous and liberal rulers and the Bairãgìs of Ayodhyã enjoyed patronage of the first four Nawabs of Awadh. However; during the long rule of Aurangzeb the country was engulfed in the fire of fanaticism. It has been shown in this book how an absolutely unfounded rumour in 1855 A.D. that the Hanumangarhi temple was constructed on the site of a mosque created cleavage between the two communities; and the resultant festering wounds have not healed despite best efforts by saner elements of both the communities. The book exposes many eminent historians' hypocrisy and their lack of objectivity in writing history and it may be said that their presentation of contrived history on Ayodhya has caused irreparable damage to the cause of harmonizing communal relations in the country. In contrast; this text earnestly tries to take away the toxin from the polluted body of Indian politics. For the first time a number of unexplored documents have been incorporated in this book as evidence; and it may be proclaimed with pride that this book contains much more information on Ayodhyã than available hitherto. Justice G.B. Patnaik; a former Chief Justice of India; after going through the manuscript; has endorsed the author's thesis in his Foreword. It is hoped that the book will put a quietus to the long-standing dispute. Selected Stories of Honoré de Balzac by Honoré de Balzac: In this collection, Honoré de Balzac presents a selection of his acclaimed short stories, showcasing his incredible talent for vivid storytelling and character development. With its rich language and engaging narratives, this book is a must-read for fans of classical literature. Key Aspects of the Book "Selected Stories of Honoré de Balzac": Collection of Short Stories: The book features a collection of acclaimed short stories by Honoré de Balzac. Vivid Storytelling and Character Development: The stories showcase Balzac's incredible talent for vivid storytelling and character development. Useful for Literature Enthusiasts: The book is useful for fans of classical literature and those interested in the works of Balzac. Honoré de Balzac was a French novelist and playwright who is regarded as one of the greatest writers of Western literature. His book, Selected Stories of Honoré de Balzac, is highly regarded for its captivating storytelling and rich language.


Gateway to Peranakan Culture (2009 Edition - EPUB)

Gateway to Peranakan Culture (2009 Edition - EPUB)

Author: Catherine Lim GS

Publisher: Asiapac Books Pte Ltd

Published: 2018-10-11

Total Pages: 178

ISBN-13: 9812299076

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You are probably familiar with the spicy Peranakan cuisine or even have friends who are great at cooking it. But there is definitely more to the Peranakan culture than what's cooking in the kitchen. Have you ever wondered why they speak the way they do? Why are they always singing the dondang sayang? What is the big deal about cherki games? And, more importantly, what does it mean to be a Peranakan? With a heritage that combines the best of the Chinese and Malay cultures, the hybrid nature of the Peranakans has yielded enviable works of art in the realm of architecture, embroidery, beadwork and the culinary arts. Join us on a colourful journey into the history, lifestyle and unique character of the Peranakan people.


Historical Dictionary of Singapore

Historical Dictionary of Singapore

Author: Justin Corfield

Publisher: Scarecrow Press

Published: 2010-12-02

Total Pages: 397

ISBN-13: 0810873877

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In spite of Singapore's small size, it has long had a major impact on the world because of its geographical location and its wealth. The British initially made the island a major port for the shipping of goods and later as an airline hub for the region. These factors, along with a steady government, have helped to contribute to the country's affluence. This multicultural, multiracial, and multi-religious island-nation is the envy of many countries in the world, which have tried to emulate the economic success of Singapore. The new edition of the Historical Dictionary of Singapore has been completely rewritten since the first edition was released 20 years ago. It relates the history of this country through a chronology, an introductory essay, an expansive bibliography, and over 500 cross-referenced dictionary entries on significant persons, events, places, organizations, and other aspects of Singapore history from the earliest times to the present.