Singapore has a rich heritage of writing in the various local vernaculars. This course will examine how English-language writers handle the task of the creative expression of Singapore life and society, and whether such work contributes to or tracks the formation of a specifiable Singapore identity/culture. The following topics will also be addressed: use and representation of history, multiculturalism and cosmopolitan identity, integration versus enclavism, relation between art and society/politics, place and function of Singapore Colloquial English (aka Singlish).
Programme: ELH(HSS)
Singapore has a rich heritage of writing in the various local vernaculars. This course will examine how English-language writers handle the task of the creative expression of Singapore life and society, and whether such work contributes to or tracks the formation of a specifiable Singapore identity/culture. The following topics will also be addressed: use and representation of history, multiculturalism and cosmopolitan identity, integration versus enclavism, relation between art and society/politics, place and function of Singapore Colloquial English (aka Singlish).