Key facts
- The Chinese film "Dear You" was filmed almost entirely in the Teochew dialect.
- The movie's release in Singapore led to calls for screenings in its original language, rather than Mandarin.
- Singapore's government has historically promoted Mandarin over Chinese dialects.
- Dialect usage in Singapore has significantly declined since the 1980s.
- Authorities have indicated a willingness to adopt a more flexible approach to dialect film screenings.
The Chinese film "Dear You," a box office success in China, has unexpectedly sparked a cultural debate in Singapore over the preservation of Chinese dialects. Filmed predominantly in Teochew, a dialect from China's Chaoshan region, the movie's release in Singapore saw most screenings dubbed into Mandarin, prompting dismay among many who speak Teochew.
Many Singaporeans, particularly older generations of Chinese descent, question why the film cannot be screened in its original language in a country where Teochew is still spoken. This sentiment has amplified discussions around Singapore's long-standing "Speak Mandarin Campaign," initiated to unify the Chinese community but which critics argue has led to an irreversible decline in dialect usage. Dialects like Teochew, Hokkien, Cantonese, and Hakka have largely disappeared from public life, with cinemas dubbing films and radio and television programmes avoiding them.
Authorities have responded to the public outcry, with Singapore's information ministry stating they "hear the calls for dialect films to be more freely screened" and will adopt a "more flexible approach." This has led to the approval of additional Teochew screenings, which have sold out rapidly. The film's narrative, which follows a young man migrating to Southeast Asia, resonates with many Singaporeans, serving as a connection to their own history of migration and ancestral roots.
Academics and politicians have joined the conversation, with some viewing the film's impact as a poignant reflection of cultural loss. While dialects were once widely spoken, their use has plummeted, leading to concerns that traditions and identity tied to these languages are also fading. Some argue that the success of the Mandarin campaign should now allow for a relaxation of these policies, signaling a maturity in embracing cultural diversity.