Malaysia Culture
Amongst the very few countries in the world stands
Malaysia, with people from different countries and cultures. Despite being
influenced by diverse cultures, Malaysia has made its mark by furnishing its
own identity to the world. Its rich culture can be depicted as an assortment,
where you can find variety harmonizing the global standards. A glimpse of
foreign tang can be seen in its language, music, dance, architecture, people,
and handicrafts as well.
Though Malay is the national language, English is widely understood and spoken
in the country. Malaysia has its own film industry that churns out about 15
films and 300-400 dramas every year. This multi-religious country is home to
different people, though Islam has remained its predominant religion. Be it
festivals or cultural celebrations, Malaysians have the courtesy to commemorate
events with equal fervor.
Talking about cultural activity, there are ample of arts and crafts including
theatre, music, dance, handicrafts to keep people engaged. British architecture
is best observed in courts, but traditional Malay houses are also not out of
the sight. Museums and art galleries in Malaysia never fail to impress their
visitors with their great paintings and sculptures. To know more about the
Malaysian culture, click on the links given below.
Architecture
Malaysia has observed a fast growth after independence and
regarding its architecture, Petronas Towers is the best example which has been
declared amongst the tallest buildings of the world. Like any other country,
Malaysian architecture emerged out of requirement and in the earlier times,
factors such as Mother Nature, topography, climate, economy, lifestyle,
material availability and religion preferences influenced the structural design
in Malaysia.
The conventional edifices like lodgings, castles of the Malay Sultans, mosques
and halls (built in wooden materials) create the inimitable architectural
picture here. The style & design of these buildings did justice to both,
the purposes of people and the various other constructional aspects. However,
such buildings used to be build by means of restricted variety of tools. It
closely formed the distinctive Malaysian architecture, visible in different
parts of the country.
Formerly, when Malaysia was very prone to natural disasters, economy was also
not very good and even food generation was a concern, the houses or other
structures were erected with the available materials, keeping all the factors
in mind. Nobody could have ever imagined that architecture of Malaysia that
started with simplicity and least resources would become so famous in the
world. With changing times, Malaysian architecture evolved to suit the
lifestyle of people.
In fact, invention of new tools gave rise to the construction of more stable,
bigger and much better dwellings. Like this, innumerable new styles and shape
of the architecture took birth, which is discernible in various regions. The
colonial impact is evident in the country's architecture. Buildings, featuring
the British architecture, are commonly found in Penang. Influence of India,
China and Islam is apparent in the architecture of religious buildings in
Malaysia.
On the whole, architecture of Malaysia is not just about lofty buildings but
also about traditional Malay houses, pre-war houses and colonial buildings.
Theater in Malaysia
About Malaysian Theater, it can be said that performing arts
has not been provided a right platform here. However, from the past few years,
the Government is making efforts to encourage the show business. The
traditional theatrical forms include music, theatre, dance and drama. Earlier,
the dialogues of the play used to be spontaneous without any scripts. Majority
of the plays contended with folklores and fairy tales, which were passed
verbally from one generation to the other.
No matter what was going on, but it caused problems like documentation,
preservation and reconstruction of such theatrical forms. Today, the scenario
of theatre in Malaysia has changed and it is getting recognition. Malay theatre
is short of right infrastructure, though plays are performed by many
proletarian groups in Kuala Lumpur. Before the Second World War, there were
numerous specialized theater groups functioning in both, urban and backwoods.
Wayang Kulit is possibly the well-known traditional theatre of Malaysia.
Essentially a shadow puppet theatre, it is distinguished in the state of
Kelantan. In this, the puppeteer makes use of puppets to portray scenes from
Hindu epics such as Ramayana. Influenced by Thailand, Mak Yong is actually an
ancient dance-theater form integrating the basics of stylized dance, acting,
story, song, vocal and instrumental music as well.
Manora is a type of folk-dance drama, emanating from Buddhist source.
Recognizable by every culture of South-East Asia, it commonly illustrates a
love story about a prince and a princess of Kinnara origin. In the late 19th
century, Bangsawan originated in Penang and defined the 'Opera' of Malaysia.
Characterized by martial arts and comedy, this operatic theater form is
episodic and comprises features like spontaneous dialogue, song, dance, music
and poetic language.
Boria is a different Penang-based theatre form which instigated out of
religious rituals and later evolved to a secular performance. Well-liked in the
Straits of Malacca and Penang, Dondang Sayang is a call-and-response theater
form of song performance. Thanks to the pains taken by the government,
Malaysian Theater is making progress and getting popular, or else the theatrical
forms would have been kept exclusively for occasions like Sultan's birthday.
Music of Malaysia
'Music speaks what cannot be expressed in words.' The rich
and varied cultural heritage of Malaysia has also understood the importance of
music and added this bead in its string. Malaysian music originally was
developed out of need, like in earlier times when there was nothing to
communicate; it was used to keep up a correspondence. Be it an announcement for
wedding, birth, danger, warnings, death and any other news, the different beats
of drums used to convey the message across villages.
Malaysia is a multi-cultural country and none of its cultural arts is untouched
by the influence. Applying the same theory for music, it had inclinations of
Indonesian, Thai, Portuguese, Filipino and Chinese composition. Malaysian music
which was influenced by various cultures got evolved with the passing time and
secured its individual identity. In different parts of the country, there live
people of many racial groups who have their own musical preferences, like
Arabic Ghazals are popular in Kuala Lumpur and Rongeng music is preferred in
Malacca.
Instigated from Arabia, Zapin music is loved all over the country. In fact, the
present culture is soon catching up the taste of Europeans and Americans and
thus, scores of pop singers and rock bands are emerging here. Regarding
traditional music of Malaysia, it is based on Gamelan which is a stringed
instrument having ethereal and stifled sound. Earlier, Gamelan accompanied by
the hypnotic beats of Malaysian drums used to make the background music for
dances in the courts.
Today, Rebana Ubi serves as the ceremonial instrument and often played to
strike refined music. Keeping up the time-honored heritage, Giant Drum Festival
is arranged every year in Kelantan where eminent players across the country
come to show their talent. Another popular traditional instrument which is used
commonly in social occasions is Kompang. Pronounced "sa-peh", Sape is
a convention lute from Central Borneo, popular in Malaysia. It is used
habitually by the Kenyahs, Kayans and Kelabit tribes in Sarawak.
Dances
Reminiscent of any other country, Dance is a popular
cultural form in Malaysia too. The influence of various cultures is inherent in
the culture of Malaysia and it is also visible in its dance. Dance, of any
nation state, doesn't only characterize the culture, but also make an
inseparable part of entertainment. At times, you can find a particular dance
known after some particular region. In fact, such dances act as an added
attraction in celebrations, be it wedding parties, reception, religious
ceremonies or any other event.
As regards the dances of Malaysia, there are many traditional dance forms which
are still very much liked and performed in the country. Joget is a conventional
dance form which is performed usually by couples, combining fast, graceful
movements with good humor. Malaysia's most superb dance form is known to be the
Candle Dance in which the candles are fixed on small plates and the dancer
performs, holding plates in each hand. It becomes all the more fascinating to
the onlooker with elegant body movements and curves.
Many of the dance forms have been originated from martial arts or theatrical
forms, like Silat. Silat was actually a deadly martial art accompanied by drums
and gongs, but now it has become a full-fledged performing art and is often
performed at occasions. In this, the dancers carry out sparring and other
graceful movements as per the beats of drums and other musical instruments. For
entertaining the royal guests, Malaysians have their own folk dance - Inang.
Datun Julud is another popular dance form which is often recognized with
Sarawak. This is a longstanding practice of storytelling, while performing
dance movements. A dynamic dance form, Lion Dance is a renowned dance from
Malaysia which is carried out during Chinese festivals like Chinese New Year.
This dance is considered to bring good fortune and improve resistance to evil
spirits. It requires perfect co-ordination and elegance on the part of dancers.
Handicrafts
Arts & crafts of the country
depict its true nature and in fact, characterize its culture. The handicrafts
of Malaysia too, boast of its long-established cultural roots that often
resemble the mores of its neighboring countries. The multi-cultural feature of
this country is reflected in the handicrafts, which are crafted by the local
craftsmen. Batik, Songket, Kite Making, Woodcarving, Menkuang, Kris, Boat
Making and Rattan Weaving are some of the major crafts shaped in Malaysia.
Batik
Batik is an art of dying fabric that was brought to Malaysia by Hindu traders,
centuries ago. In this craft, Designs are first drawn up on cloth and then, are
blocked off with wax outline. Batik has become an established craft which is
commonly used on bags and cushion covers.
Kite Making
Designed in bright colors and patterns, Kites are carefully made in intricate
patterns. Sometimes, floral patterns are also used for its decoration while
paper tassels are joined to give it a complete look. This established art had
been prevalent from the imperial times of the Melakan court.
Pewter Making
Since Malaysia is known to be the largest producer of tin, it is expected that
this country must have been utilizing this metal in its own way. Located near
Kuala Lumpur, Royal Selangor Pewter Factory is the world's largest single
manufacturer of fine pewter. The pewter articles made here are cherished by
everyone.
Weaving
Natural reserves in Malaysia provides ample of materials, ideal for different
types of weaving. Like the thorny vines of rattan tree are best used for making
eco-friendly furniture and the strong fronds of sago palm are also suitable for
crafting. In Borneo, sago is dyed into different shades and then, woven into
artistic jewelry, baskets, hats, floor mats, etc.
Wood Carving
Both, Peninsula Malaysia and East Malaysia present adroit talent of wood
carving. Moreover, one can see amazingly intricate carvings in porticos of
Malay houses, in the roofs and altars of temples, on the prows of colorful
fishing boats, and in the burial poles and masks of Sarawak. This oldest craft
of the country is best seen in supports, balustrades, doors, window shutters
and furniture.
Language
National Language: Malay (Bahasa Malaysia)
Official Language: Malay, English
Spoken Languages: Malay, Chinese, Tamil, Javanese, English
Undoubtedly, Malay (Bahasa Malaysia) enjoys the status of being the national
and official language of Malaysia. There are many other languages that are
spoken and understood by most of the Malaysians. Since the country had been
under the colonial rule, the influence of English language still counts to an
extent. Malaysia's multi-cultural aspect also comes alive in the other dialects
that are spoken here.
Languages used in minority comprise Thai, Chinese dialects (Cantonese, Mandarin,
Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Foochow) and Indian dialects (Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam,
Punjabi). The international recognition of Mandarin, which is preferred in
professional and business fields, is visible in Malaysia too. Regarding Indian
languages, Tamil is most spoken language. Several indigenous languages, like
Iban and Kadazan, are extensively used in East Malaysia.
English and Malay are taught extensively in schools, and are more or less
compulsory. In cities, nearly all people are versed in English and speak it
fluently. Amongst the middle and upper classes, English is the most-preferred
language and it is also widely used in professional and commercial areas. Among
Malaysians, their own colloquial form of English called Manglish, is more
popular and is widely spoken in urban areas.
However, Malay is still more popular in the countryside and smaller towns.
Malay also dominates the entire national anthem of the country. The Government
of Malaysia has attempted number of times to endorse Malay as the first
official language, but has not succeeded yet.
Malaysian Cinema
Malaysian cinema can be said pretty
young, even after a span of over 75 years. Or in exact terms, entertainment in
the form of cinema has never attained real heights in Malaysia. Dating back to
the 1930's, it's just about a small film industry that turns out around 15
feature films and 300-400 television dramas every year. Across the country,
there are approximately 250 movie theatres and multiplexes that show local
films and foreign films as well. Over and above, National Film Festival
observed by the country marks a highlight.
History
The screening of Laila Majnun, a conventional Persian love story, initiated the
Malay cinema in 1933. Produced by Singapore-based Motilal Chemical Company and
directed by B.S. Rajhans, the film was appreciated by the Malaysians and
enthused by its success, Run Run and Run Me Shaw - two brothers, established a
film company at Ampas Road in Singapore. Together, they brought into being 5-6
Malay films prior to the Japanese invasion in 1941. Subsequent to the Second
World War, film-making started once again in Malaysia with Singapura Di Waktu
Malam, produced by Shaw Brothers.
After its instant success, Shaw Brothers were stirred to make many new films.
Following their success, Malay Film Productions encouraged other people to come
up and enter the industry. In 1951, Hsu Chiu started Nusantara Film Company
while Rimau Film Productions was established by Ho Ah Loke in the next year.
Later in the year 1956, Rimau Film Productions combined with Cathay
Organization and was called Keris Film Productions. Soon after, Keris Film
Productions turned out numerous films and emerged as a tough competitor to Shaw
Brothers.
Technical Features
In the early years, films were generally black and white, and were processed in
studios outfitted with recording and editing facilities in Malaysia. Usually,
the films' scripts were based on stage plays, folk tales, historical events and
stories of fictional or real heroes. Afterwards, Malaysia cinema welcomed the
color films when Hang Tuah appeared in Eastman Color, directed by Indian
director Phani Majumder. Then, Shaw Brothers and Keris Film Productions also
produced color films such as, Ribut, Berisong, Buluh Perindu and several others.
Notwithstanding advancement, Malay Film Industry experienced a fall with film
companies wrapping up owing to the huge production costs and steep decline in
audience. In 1981, the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia was
established which improved the Malaysian cinema. The main intention of the
corporation was to enhance the quality of films by supporting them, both
technically and financially. Its aim was also to encourage young capable
directors for film-making.
Present Scenario
Since the corporation's establishment, Malay cinema has got improved to an
extent and over 300 film companies are now working for the industry. Initiation
of television shows marked another noteworthy expansion that further enhanced
the morale and self-confidence of the local film makers in Malaysia.
Religions
Main Religion:
Islam
Other Religions: Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Christianity, Confucianism
Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country, where people of different origins live
together happily. Talking about religions, there are numerous religions
practiced by variety of inhabitants. Islam dominates the religious background
of the country, where almost 60% of country's population practices Islam. More
or less, Islam is stated as the state religion and is followed by the majority
of Malays. And Malaysia is predominantly an Islamic country, though many other
religions are practiced here.
Besides Islam, the other religions include Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity,
Taoism and Confucianism. Nearly all Chinese have faith in Buddhism and Taoism,
but there are others who prefer Christianity. Indians usually observe Hinduism,
while scores of indigenous people have adapted Christianity, though many others
still practice animism. Nowadays, Islam is a concoction of Sufi and Wahabi
elements, and pretty liberal in Malaysia.
Buddhists make about 19% of the population, Hindus approximately 6%, Christians
about 9% whilst 3% is made in totality by, Confucians, Taoists, Animists and
Sikhs. If compared with Peninsular Malaysia, Christianity has made a better
impact upon East Malaysia where native people converted into Christians.
Regardless of a predominant Islamic population, the constitution promises
freedom to profess, practice and propagate other religions in the country.
Malaysia, a multi-religious country, has true colors of different customs,
festivals and religions in its culture. Despite people follow their own faiths,
racial diversity is actually reflected and people have adopted an international
approach. Profession and business are other reasons that have developed a more
rational lifestyle. To put succinctly, Islam is the predominant religion though
many other religions thrive in Malaysia.
People
The Malays, who descended from the Malayo-Polynesian racial
groups, make over 50% of the population of Malaysia. Malaysia as we know is a
multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-linguistic country, here you can
actually find a concoction of different people. Since the country had
influences from the neighboring countries and areas such as, China, Indian
Sub-continent, the Middle East etc, Malaysian culture became a mixture of
different elements derived from various cultures.
Like the people of Malaysia, what today are called Malaysians, are not
essentially from the country itself. Probably down to the strategic position
for trade, the country took delivery of people from various ethnic groups.
Nowadays, many people including Chinese, Hindus, Christians, Muslim, etc, are
living in concert with the Malays. Islam, religion that is followed by nearly
all Malays, is another reason for the concord amongst people.
Regardless of the Islamic governance, the Animistic and the Hindu leverage is
visible in the customs, beliefs, rituals and festivals observed in the country.
Integration of various cultures is evident from the rituals and celebrations,
such as the Malay wedding ceremony and the piercing of earlobes, where basics
of Hindu traditions are involved. Amidst grand carousing, the festivals of
different racial groups are celebrated.
On the whole, Malaysians are nice people to be with. At a glance, they might
appear shy but once you start the conversation, they would be real friends.
Being a complete assortment of religions and races, it will probably become
more interesting to know different cultures and traditions. These people are
generous and welcoming to the foreigners. Despite belonging to different races,
the way these people live together harmoniously is certainly commendable.
