A birthday wish that everyone has eaten
Aug 11, 2012
Our nation has just celebrated its 47th birthday.
Within such a short span of time, we have transformed from a developing country into what it is now, a stunning success by any measure.
However, something is diminishing along with the progress: The way we used to greet each other by asking, "Have you eaten?"
We understand this not as an invitation to a meal but as a wish that everyone we meet has enough to eat.
While foreigners may find it weird, such a greeting represents the warmth and kindred spirit among Singaporeans. We are a small nation, and it would be a shame if these traits are lost.
---------------------------------------------
Indeed, let's greet each other with "Chiak Pah Buay?" You have to use this original Hokkien rendition of "Have you eaten?"
When I lived in Australia as a postgraduate student, I sometimes reflexively greeted Aussie acquaintances with "Have you eaten?" They would look at me as if I had "gone tropo". Or, you could see their thought bubble forming: "None of your business, mate, unless you're buying me the meal!"
But here in Singapore, almost everyone -- from all races -- understands its felicitous intent. I am sure our new immigrants can easily pick it up too. So, "Chiak Pah Buay?"
The reply should be: "Chiak Pah Liow" (Yes, I have eaten).
PS. You don't necessarily need to have eaten. But if you want go stay truthful, then say "Aw Buay. Kam Siah." (Not yet. Thank you very much.)
Within such a short span of time, we have transformed from a developing country into what it is now, a stunning success by any measure.
However, something is diminishing along with the progress: The way we used to greet each other by asking, "Have you eaten?"
We understand this not as an invitation to a meal but as a wish that everyone we meet has enough to eat.
While foreigners may find it weird, such a greeting represents the warmth and kindred spirit among Singaporeans. We are a small nation, and it would be a shame if these traits are lost.
---------------------------------------------
Indeed, let's greet each other with "Chiak Pah Buay?" You have to use this original Hokkien rendition of "Have you eaten?"
When I lived in Australia as a postgraduate student, I sometimes reflexively greeted Aussie acquaintances with "Have you eaten?" They would look at me as if I had "gone tropo". Or, you could see their thought bubble forming: "None of your business, mate, unless you're buying me the meal!"
But here in Singapore, almost everyone -- from all races -- understands its felicitous intent. I am sure our new immigrants can easily pick it up too. So, "Chiak Pah Buay?"
The reply should be: "Chiak Pah Liow" (Yes, I have eaten).
PS. You don't necessarily need to have eaten. But if you want go stay truthful, then say "Aw Buay. Kam Siah." (Not yet. Thank you very much.)
No comments:
Post a Comment