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Yuki Yokohama, Kanto Gakuin University, JapanAbstract
This study explores the educational and cultural roles of three prominent Chinese clan associations in Singapore, referred to as A, B, and C, through semi-structured interviews with their representatives. The research investigates their historical backgrounds, ongoing activities, and the contemporary challenges they face in preserving linguistic and cultural heritage. Each association demonstrates a strong commitment to the preservation and transmission of Hokkien, Cantonese, and Hakka dialects, alongside associated traditional customs and rituals originating from their ancestral regions in China. The findings reveal that these clan associations function as vital institutions within Singapore’s multicultural society, fostering a sense of ethnic identity and community cohesion. They actively engage in educational initiatives, including language classes and cultural workshops, to promote intergenerational knowledge transfer. Despite their successes, the associations confront significant challenges, particularly in adapting to Singapore’s English-dominant national language policies and the declining engagement of younger generations. Furthermore, they must navigate complex relationships with state-driven Chinese community policies while striving to maintain autonomy in cultural preservation. In conclusion, this study highlights the coexistence of a younger generation identified as new immigrants from China alongside the long-established Chinese clan associations. It reveals that these associations occupy a critical role as key components of Singapore’s social capital, fulfilling welfare and educational functions within their local communities.
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