Xinyao music, uniquely Singaporean

Language is an integral part of our culture and who we are. Singaporean songwriter Liang Wern Fook wrote this song sometime ago but was slapped a ban because some of the lyrics were sung in Hokkien and Cantonese, not a pure Mandarin song. What a blow to a very successful songwriter! Those were the days of the Speak Mandarin Campaign. No dialects were allowed in public broadcasts, only Mandarin. Then, dialects were said to erode the learning of Mandarin. So many years later, this song has been revived and given a second chance, as a movie soundtrack, no less. The music genre, 新瑶 or xinyao, is uniquely Singaporean. How so? Only if you appreciate such music. The tunes are folksy, down-to-earth and singable by anyone. This song 麻雀衔竹枝 (Ma Que Xian Zhu Zhi) with no English title tells the story of how the average Singaporean Chinese grew up. Everyone can relate to the story. You may not understand Chinese, but I think you will enjoy the tune. It brings back memories of old Singapore and how many of us grew up, when life was simpler and more carefree. Music crosses cultural boundaries. Yet music is a language of its own that speaks directly to the heart without words. Learn Mandarin and you'll be able to appreciate the song even more! Pick up a package today! Fun Language Tools