Many of us take our culture for granted. The way we perceive and behave with others is a result of what we have learned either consciously or unconsciously growing up in a particular environment. Culture is therefore learned or “caught” but not often taught. Rarely, do we get to attend organised classes to know our own cultural values as well as those of others and how they influence the way we think, perceive and view ourselves and others.
As Malaysians, we pride ourselves as citizens of a multicultural, multi religious and multi ethnic society but do we really know our own culture and that of others who are different and be able to describe them to others? Are we curious and want to learn about the values and practices of other ethnic groups to enhance our intercultural understanding? Apart from knowing their names and some overt symbols like dressing, food and language, do we know the significance of the rituals, beliefs and celebrations of k, all the ethnic groups in our country?
How many Malaysians know the reasons why Muslims have to do ablutions before they pray, the Chinese have to visit the graves of their forefathers on Cheng Beng and the Indian ladies have to wear coloured dots on their foreheads? In addition you and I may have also come across remarks that are racist and unsavoury made by one race of the practices of the other.
Why is it important?
As an interculturalist, Malaysians have to be able to describe the uniqueness of our multicultural diversity that we enjoy in this country. There has to be an active seeking of understanding across lines of differences so that we are able to overcome our ignorance of those who are different from us and remove our arrogance believing that our culture is superior to others. Malaysians have to find ways to leverage and synergize the unique diversity in truly inclusive ways that would bring benefit to all. From being tolerant Malaysians have to start to celebrate the similarities and differences that exist among all the races that reside in the country. After all, our diversity is what makes us unique as a nation.
The effort to get Malaysians to be curious about the many cultures that reside in Malaysia has to start in our homes, and continue through primary school level into higher institutions of learning. We need to get every Malaysian to be equipped with the appropriate knowledge at both the conscious and unconscious levels of cultural programming. This would mean that Malaysians have to learn both the overt and the hidden aspects of the values and underlying assumptions they received as part of growing up in their respective cultures.
How do we promote cultural literacy ?
To promote cultural literacy, defined as the ability to acquire the appropriate knowledge in terms of concepts, theories and models as well as skills in intercultural matters, Malaysians have to be able to describe why people from different ethnic groups behave the way they do based on how they relate with the environment, with God and other people.
It has to begin on the homefront, where parents have to convey through words and actions the values, norms and beliefs of their own culture. In addition, they should also encourage their children to know the cultural practices and rituals of their friends who come from different ethnic groups. At all times parents have to role model behaviours which will demonstrate respect and understanding for the multicultural and multi religious diversities in the country.
At the institutional level, schools, colleges and universities have to offer courses in intercultural matters with related levels of understanding and comprehension. Through research and literature in the field, structured study sessions, assignments and presentations, students will become more aware of their own culture as well as that of the various ethnic groups in the country. Using experiential learning methods students will be able to reflect on their early childhood experiences and how they have internalised the values and beliefs of their cultures through their own social and cultural programming.
I strongly believe that culture has to be taught as a subject to enable our young Malaysians to demonstrate empathy, develop understanding, appreciate differences and celebrate the rich diversity in Malaysia. Over time, Malaysians will be able to deepen their understanding of the various cultures in the country and enlarge their repertoire of skills to relate effectively in a multicultural society.
Comments