John Russel B.

Reyes

BSBA 2101

Brief History

Founding of Modern Singapore

The British, who were extending their dominion in India, and whose trade with China in the
second half of the 18th century was expanding, saw the need for a port of call in this region to
refit, revitalise and protect their merchant fleet, as well as to forestall any advance by the Dutch
in the East Indies. As a result, they established trading posts in Penang (1786) and Singapore
(1819), and captured Malacca from the Dutch (1795).

In late l818, Lord Hastings, Governor-General of India, gave tacit approval to Sir Stamford
Raffles, Lieutenant-Governor of Bencoolen, to establish a trading station at the southern tip of
the Malay Peninsula. On 29 January 1819, Raffles landed on the island of Singapore after having
surveyed other nearby islands. The next day, he concluded a preliminary treaty with
Temenggong Abdu'r Rahman to set up a trading post here. On 6 February 1819, a formal treaty
was concluded with Sultan Hussein of Johor and the Temenggong, the de jure and defacto rulers
of Singapore respectively.

Singapore proved to be a prized settlement. By 1820, it was earning revenue, and three years
later, its trade surpassed that of Penang. In 1824, Singapore's status as a British possession was
formalised by two new treaties. The first was the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of March 1824, by which
the Dutch withdrew all objections to the British occupation of Singapore. The second treaty was
made with Sultan Hussein and Temenggong Abdu'r Rahman in August, by which the two owners
ceded the island out right to the British in return for increased cash payments and pensions.

Religion in Singapore

Most Singaporeans celebrate the major festivals associated with their respective religions. The
variety of religions is a direct reflection of the diversity of races living there. The Chinese are
predominantly followers of Buddhism, Taoism, Shenism, Christians, Catholics and some
considered as 'free-thinkers' (Those who do not belong to any religion). Malays have the
Muslims and Indians are Hindus. There is a sizeable number of Muslims and Sikhs in the Indian
population.
Religious tolerance is essential in Singapore. In fact, religions often cross racial boundaries and
some even merge in unusual ways in this modern country. Younger Singaporeans tend to
combine a little of the mysteries of the older generation with the realistic world that they know
of today.

Religion is still an integral part of the cosmopolitan Singapore. Many of its most interesting
buildings are religious, be it old temples, modern churches, or exotic mosques. An
understanding of these buildings do play a part in contributing to the appreciation of their art.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of notable Singaporean writers:

Gopal Baratham, neurosurgeon and writer

Boey Kim Cheng, poet

Don Bosco, writer and publisher of children's fiction books

Colin Cheong, poet and novelist

Felix Cheong, poet

Christine Chia, poet

Grace Chia, poet

Michael Chiang, playwright

Tania De Rozario, poet, fiction writer, and artist

Goh Poh Seng, poet and novelist

Gwee Li Sui, a literary critic, poet and graphic artist

Singapore Form of Literature

The literature of Singapore comprises a collection of literary works by Singaporeans. It is written

chiefly in the country's four official languages: English, Malay, Standard Mandarin and Tamil.
While Singaporean literary works may be considered as also belonging to the literature of their
specific languages, the literature of Singapore is viewed as a distinct body of literature
portraying various aspects of Singapore society and forms a significant part of the culture of
Singapore. Literature in all four official languages has been translated and showcased in
publications such as the literary journal Singa, that was published in the 1980s and 1990s with
editors including Edwin Thumboo and Koh Buck Song, as well as in multilingual anthologies such
as Rhythms: A Singaporean Millennial Anthology Of Poetry (2000), in which the poems were all
translated three times each into the three languages. A number of Singaporean writers such as
Tan Swie Hian and Kuo Pao Kun have contributed work in more than one language. However,
such cross-linguistic fertilisation is becoming increasingly rare and it is now increasingly thought
that Singapore has four sub-literatures instead of one.

Popular Literary Writings

Once the Horsemen and Other Poems - Chandran Nair (1972)

Son of Singapore - Tan Kok Seng (1972)

If We Dream Too Long - Goh Poh Seng (1973)

Man of Malaysia - Tan Kok Seng (1974)

Eye on the World - Tan Kok Seng (1975)

After the Hard Hours, This Rain - Chandran Nair (1975)

The Immolation - Goh Poh Seng (1977)

Ricky Star - Lim Thean Soo (1978)

Three Sisters of Sze - Tan Kok Seng (1979)

SOUTH KOREA

Religious Concept in South Korea

Religion in South Korea is characterized by the fact that a majority of South Koreans (56.1%, as
of the 2015 national census) have no formal affiliation with a religion. Among those who are
members of a religious organisation, Protestantism represents (19.7%) of the total population,
Buddhism (15.5%), and Catholicism (7.9%). A small percentage of South Koreans (0.8% in total)
are members of other religions, including Won Buddhism, Confucianism, Cheondoism, Daesun
Jinrihoe, Daejongism, Jeungsanism and Orthodox Christianity.

Form of Literature
South Korean literature is literature written or produced in South Korea following the division of
Korea into North and South in 1945. South Korean literature is primarily written in Korean,
though English loanwords are prevalent.

Popular Literary Writers and Writings

Lee Yeongdo (b. 1972): Dragon Raja

Jeon Min-hee: Children of the rune

Lee Woo-hyouk: The Soul Guardians (퇴마록, 退魔錄)

Kim Sang-hyun: Tamguroo (탐그루)

Kim Chulgon: The Dragon Lady (드래곤 레이디)

Hong Jeonghoon : The Rogue (더 로그)

Ha Jieun: Tower of Ice Tree (얼음나무 숲)

Bang Jina

Min Soyeong: The Tower of Storm (폭풍의 탑)

North Korea History

Russian, and later Soviet, literature were popular in pre-liberation North Korea. Koreans viewed
Russian literature very differently from Western audiences, searching for Confucian undertones
of social engineering. While Westerners appreciated works like Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina and
War and Peace, Koreans mostly ignored these works but enjoyed his works on religion and
moral treatises. Of Soviet writers, Maxim Gorky in particular was popular.

North Korea Form of Literature

Reading is a popular pastime in North Korea, where literacy and books enjoy a high cultural
standing, elevated by the regime's efforts to disseminate propaganda as texts. Because of this,
writers are held in high prestige.

The partition of Korea following the Second World War led to a considerable cross-border
movement, which included writers moving from North to South or from South to North.
North Korea's subsequent literary tradition was shaped and controlled by the State. The
"Guidelines for Juche Literature", published by the official Choson Writers' Alliance (Korean: 조
선 작가 동맹), emphasised that literature must extoll the country's leader, Kim Il-sung, and,
later, Kim Jong-il.Only members of the Writers' Alliance are authorised to have their works
published.

As Ha-yun Jung puts it, "[i]f there is an underground network of dissident writers secretly
circulating their writings under the watchful eyes of the Workers' Party, the world has not heard
from them yet". In 2006, Words Without Borders included the works of four North Korean
writers, translated into English, in its anthology Literature from the "Axis of Evil". Kang Kwi-mi's
short story "A Tale of Music", published in Choson Munhak in February 2003, tells the tale of a
young Zainichi Korean who discovers he is skilled at playing the trumpet, moves to North Korea,
and relinquishes music in favour of stonemasonry. His passion for the "music" of stones is
caused by the greatness of Kim Jong-il as expressed through stone monuments. Lim Hwa-won's
short story "The Fifth Photograph" is told from the perspective of a North Korean woman who
visits post-Soviet Russia in the early 1990s, and finds a country in a state of moral turmoil for
having turned its back on socialism. The narrator blames insidious American influence for
Russia's woes, and emphasises the need for strong ideological commitment in North Korea.
Byungu Chon's poem "Falling Persimmons" evokes the emotional suffering caused by the
partition of Korea, and hopes for reunification.

THAILAND

History

Nanchao Period (650 - 1250 AD): After founding a Thai kingdom in Southern China, the Thai
people migrated further south where they settled on the Central Plain under the rule of the
Khmer Empire. The independent Thai state of Sukhothai was founded in approximately 1238
AD.

Sukhothai Period (1238 - 1378 AD): Thai history's 'golden era', the 13th Century was a time
when the Thais became a powerful force in independence and forged an ideal state governed
by kind rulers. However, the more powerful Ayutthaya asserted itself over Sukhothai in 1350.
Ayutthaya Period (1350 - 1767 AD): Reverting back to Khmer principles, Ayutthaya gained more
power over its sovereigns which saw conflict between neighbouring principalities. After
diplomatic relations began in the 17th Century, the Burmese invaded in 1767, capturing
Ayutthaya. Although, control didn't last for long.

Thon Buri Period (1767 - 1772 AD): Fearing another attack, Ayutthaya's capital was transferred
to a site closer to the sea to facilitate defence, procurement and foreign trade. A new capital
was established in Thon Buri and rulers were tough, however, the kingdom disintegrated quickly
due to a lack of authority.

Rattanakosin Period (1782 - the Present): A new ruler then transferred the capital to Bangkok
and established the Grand Palace. Further rulers employed social and economic reform,
restoring relationships with surrounding provinces, Western nations and trade with China and
ending European treaties, establishing modern Thailand and avoiding colonisation. From 1869-
1910 slavery was abolished, by 1925 educational reforms had been introduced and in 1939
Thailand became a democratic government.

Religious Concepts :

Religious Beliefs

The core beliefs of Theravada Buddhism are based around the teachings of Guatama Buddha.
Suffering, the Buddha taught, is caused by desires, craving, and the human ego. Through self-
awakening and following the Eight-fold Noble Path, Theravadan Buddhists believe that a person
can achieve a state of freedom from suffering and ego, called Nirvana.

Most Thais believe in reincarnation. Although enlightenment and the freedom from suffering
may be achieved within a single lifetime, it’s believed that most people will take many lifetimes.
Through merit-making practices such as giving donations to temples or lighting incense, people
seek to improve their standing and their closeness to Nirvana in the next lifetime.

Folk beliefs, animism, and local deities all play an important part in the average Thai person’s
life, as well. Many shrines, rituals, and festivals honor local deities. For example, in the Festival
of Lights, many people float candles down waterways to honor the Goddess of Water.

THAILAND LITERATURE

Thai Literature was traditionally heavily influenced by Indian culture. Thailand’s national epic is a
version of the Ramayana called the Ramakien. A number of versions of the epic were lost in the
destruction of Ayutthaya in 1767. Three versions currently exist: one of these was prepared
under the supervision (and partly written by) King Rama I. His son, Rama II, rewrote some parts
for khon drama. The main differences from the original are an extended role for the monkey
god Hanuman and the addition of a happy ending.

Early Thai literature was primarily concerned with religion and until the mid-19th century was in
verse form. Thai verse was written exclusively by the aristocracy or royalty, the only educated
classes able to do so. The tradition of authorship by kings can be seen in all periods of the
country’s history, from Sukhothai up to Bangkok. Two Chakri monarchs, King Rama II (1809-
1824) and King Rama VI (1910-1925), were distinguished poets and stalwart patrons of Thai
arts.

Three Famous Literary Writers and their writings

1. Seni Saowapong (1918 – 2014) - Sakchai Bamrungpong was a diplomat, author and journalist
who wrote under the pen-name of Seni Saowapong. He was named a National Artist for
literature in 1990. His most outstanding novel is Pee-sard (The Ghost). Written in 1953, it did
not become popular until after the Oct 14, 1973 uprising, and it had a profound impact on
student activists

2.Rong Wongsawan (1932 – 2009) - Rong Wongsawan, a.k.a. the “great eagle” of local literary
circles, was honoured as a National Artist in 1995. His versatile works range from novels, short
stories, essays, articles for magazines and newspapers, and documentaries to screenplays. He
rose to fame after he wrote Pa Concrete (Concrete Forest), a satire about Thai people living in
the United States during the golden age of hippies. The novel looks at their behaviour, both
“beautiful” and abominable. Rong is best known for his unorthodox literary style and his
breaking of the rules of Thai grammar. He was once accused by some conservative teachers of
“destroying” the Thai language

3. Srifa Ladawan (1930 - 2013) - ML Srifa Mahawan, better known by her pen name “Srifa
Ladawan”, was named a National Artist in 1996.The writer went by many pen names, including
“Chunlada Phakdiphumin” and “Seefa”, using them to adorn more than 100 novels and short
stories, as well as intriguing documentaries about the lives of noblemen in palaces. Many of her
novels, which depict social ills without making judgments, have been made into TV soap operas
and movies. Some have been translated into Japanese through the Toyota Foundation. Srifa’s
most acclaimed novel is Kamin Kub Poon which portrays the struggles of the ruling class in the
post-1932 Siamese Revolution leading up to WWII.
SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a sovereign state in Western Asia
constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula. With a land area of approximately 2,150,000
km2 (830,000 sq mi), Saudi Arabia is geographically the largest sovereign state in the Middle
East, the second-largest in the Arab world (after Algeria), the fifth-largest in Asia, and the 12th-
largest in the world. Saudi Arabia is bordered by Jordan and Iraq to the north, Kuwait to the
northeast, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman to the southeast and
Yemen to the south; it is separated from Israel and Egypt by the Gulf of Aqaba. It is the only
nation with both a Red Sea coast and a Persian Gulf coast, and most of its terrain consists of arid
desert, lowland and mountains.

Religious Concept

Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of islam. In Saudi Arabia Islam is the state religion, and its law
requires all citizens to be Muslims. Public worship by adherents of religions other than Islam is
forbidden. Any non-Muslim attempting to acquire Saudi Arabian nationality must convert to
Islam. Saudi Arabia has been criticized for its implementation of Islamic law and its human rights
record.

ARABIC FORM OF LITERATURE

Arabic literature (Arabic: ‫ الدأب العربي‬/ ALA-LC: al-Adab al-‘Arabī) is the writing, both prose and
poetry, produced by writers in the Arabic language. The Arabic word used for literature is
"Adab", which is derived from a meaning of etiquette, and which implies politeness, culture and
enrichment.

Arabic literature emerged in the 5th century with only fragments of the written language
appearing before then. The Qur'an, widely regarded by people as the finest piece of literature in
the Arabic language,[1] would have the greatest lasting effect on Arabic culture and its
literature. Arabic literature flourished during the Islamic Golden Age, but has remained vibrant
to the present day, with poets and prose-writers across the Arab world, as well as rest of the
world, achieving increasing success.

Popular Literary Writers and Writings

1. Abdulrahman Munif (1933-2004). One of the most significant Arab writers of the last century
and one of the first new Saudi novelists; his Cities of Salt quintet was chosen by Sinan Antoon
(for our summer writing challenge) as one of the “five books you should read before you die.
Daniel Burt, in his The Novel 100, ranked the quintet as the 71st greatest novel of all time. He
was not one of the Arabic-language writers mentioned by Denys Johnson-Davies as in
contention for the “Arab Nobel” (which went to Naguib Mahfouz in 1988), perhaps because
virtually nothing of his was in English or French translation in 1987, and Cities of Salt wasn’t fully
out until 1989.

2. Ghazi Al-Gosaibi (1940-2010). Al-Gosaibi was a poet, a novelist, and a reformist minister in
the Saudi government. He died this August. His best-known novel, An Apartment Called
Freedom (English translation: 1996), related the experiences of four young men who went to
study in Cairo in the late 1950s before returning to their home countries in the Gulf. Other
works in translation include Seven, The Gulf Crisis (nonfiction), and A Love Story.

3. Turki Al-Hamad (1953-present). Al-Hamad is a journalist and novelist, best known for his
trilogy about the coming-of-age of Saudi teen Hisham al-Abir. The trilogy, although banned in
the Gulf, has sold tens of thousands of copies. Kaelen Wilson-Goldie’s review in The Daily Star:
Turki Al-Hamad’s not-so-explosive trilogy.

4. Abdo Khal (1962-present). The winner of the 2010 Arabic Booker for his novel She Throws
Sparks. (Or, if I must, She Spews Sparks as Big as Castles.) Writes Saleh: “Khal portrays the
atrocities perpetrated on the lives of the underprivileged people, the sheer violence exercised
by the powerful on the weak.” From an excerpt translated by Anthony Calderbank (the main
English-language translator of Saudi literature):