The recent Chinese box office hit 'Dear You' has sparked a heated debate on identity and language in Singapore, highlighting the complexities of cultural heritage and linguistic diversity. The film's nostalgic narrative, centred on family, hope, and adversity, is predominantly shot in Teochew, a dialect originating from China's Chaoshan region that continues to be spoken by older generations of Chinese communities across Southeast Asia.
When 'Dear You' premiered in Singaporean cinemas this month, viewers expressed disappointment at the majority of screenings being dubbed into Mandarin, rather than its original Teochew. This decision has sparked a public outcry, with many questioning why the film would not be offered in its original language in a city where a significant number of older Chinese residents still speak Teochew.
The debate has inadvertently reignited a long-standing discussion about Singapore's historical push for Chinese Singaporeans to adopt Mandarin over other Chinese languages. Critics argue that this policy, initially aimed at unifying the Chinese community, has led to the decline of languages like Teochew, Hokkien, Cantonese, and Hakka.
Following public appeals, Singapore's information ministry issued a statement acknowledging the demand for more 'dialect' films in cinemas. The ministry expressed a commitment to adopting a more flexible approach moving forward. This shift comes as reports emerged of Teochew screenings selling out rapidly, with some individuals planning trips to neighbouring Malaysia to experience the film in its original language.
'Dear You' tells the story of a young man's journey from a southern Chinese village to Thailand in search of his grandfather, who fled during the 1948 civil war. The film's narrative, particularly in Teochew, resonates deeply with the historical waves of migration that saw millions of Chinese embark on perilous sea voyages to Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia between the 19th and mid-20th centuries.