Cross-Cultural Influences
Cross-cultural influences are an integral feature of the Malaysian way of life. Indeed, it is impossible to envision a Malaysian cultural landscape without the influences that since ancient times have shaped the life of the various communities that make up the nation. People from scores of ethnic groups call Malaysia home. Inevitably with such social diversification, the culture of the country becomes complicated and, at the same time, exciting.
The most obvious manifestation of cross-cultural influences is in racial mixtures. From the beginning of history, given the fact that the Malay Peninsula served as a bridge between east and west, it became the landing point of peoples from different parts of Asia. Racial mixtures were inevitable. With the opening up of trade routes, Westerners also found their way here, and the racial complexity became more complicated, with new racially mixed communities evolving.
Inevitably, within such a varied racial mosaic, inter-cultural and cross-cultural influences are evident in many aspects of Malaysian life. The traditional belief systems of the Malays were transformed by the arrival of Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam, all three religions laying down the foundation of what is today Malay culture. Customary practices related to enthronement and marriage ceremonies are perhaps the strongest remnants of the past. There are also areas in which religious accommodation has taken place, virtually giving rise to new traditions. The festivals and celebrations, manner of conduct and dressing, artistic and cultural expressions, and the kinds of food that Malaysians enjoy also, reflect inter-cultural influences.
The numerous languages and dialects spoken in the country continue to influence each other, giving rise to new encounters in language. An example of such fusion is Malaysian English or ‘Manglish’. The national language, Malay, also reflects a considerable degree of enrichment through borrowing from other languages.
Changing times have increased interaction and cross-cultural exchange, particularly through the electronic media. Today, Malaysians enjoy the latest television programmes and films in diverse languages from around the world. The influences from these sources have been pervasive. Evidence is to be found in films, in particular, experimental films: multiracial and multi-lingual in character, they have had a considerable impact beyond Malaysian shores. Batik designing, the making of textiles and other handicrafts similarly represent an admixture of indigenous, foreign and modern elements.
All these cross-cultural influences will, in the long run, result in the creation of that ideal of politicians and social scientists alike—the single Malaysian bangsa (race).
