Cultural Norms & Traditions

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Cultural Norms & Traditions

Most of the people of Singapore are descendants of immigrants from the Malay Peninsula, China, the Indian sub-continent and Sri Lanka. While they have gradually acquired a distinct identity as Singaporeans, many still retain their customs, practices and festivals in a mix of the modern and the traditional.

Singapore Society

Singaporean society is multicultural and based on a ideology of racial and religious harmony. The family is the basic unit of society and respect for the elders is of great importance. The group is regarded as more important than the individual, and social hierarchy is more strictly observed than in the West, with respect and deference shown to older and more senior people.

The concept of "face" is crucial in all relationships. It is a mark of a person's good character and reputation. Much of the behaviour adopted by Singaporeans is based on making sure that no one loses face. Singaporeans tend to be more formal and polite and less physical and personal in their everyday dealing than "westerners", but value warm relationships based on mutual respect and trust.

To avoid losing face Singaporeans will rarely say "no" directly. Neither are they likely to ask a direct question or give a direct order. Equally, their "yes" may not always mean they agree.

Meeting & Greeting

Introductions are always performed in order of age and status.

When making introductions for the first time always use the person's title and family or personal name, and in general use the person's formal name unless invited to do otherwise.

Handshakes are not generally used in Singapore as Asians have many other ways of showing courtesy, including bowing, salaaming, saluting, shaking their own clasped hands in front of them. If a handshake is offered the contact will usually be gentle and prolonged, as they tend not to be aware of the importance westerners attach to a firm handshake.

Although many younger people have adopted the handshake as a greeting, it may not be appropriate to greet a person of the opposite sex with any form of touch – it is usually sufficient to nod the head and smile when being introduced.

Languages

Four languages are officially recognised in Singapore: English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. English is the language of administration and business, and children usually learn English as their first language, along with their mother tongue. This means that nearly everyone in Singapore speaks more than one language, and many people speak three or four. Most children grow up bilingual from infancy.

Singlish

Although the language of general conversation between Singaporeans of different ethnic backgrounds is standard English, colloquially many Singaporeans speak a variety called Singlish, which is a kind of hybrid between English and Malay. 

Singlish can be difficult to understand by speakers of a standard English because the grammar is quite different and a lot of slang words are used. However, Singaporean adults switch effortlessly between standard English and Singlish, so there should be no communication problems. Many Singapore children learn Singlish at home before they learn standard English at school, so younger expatriate children are more likely to encounter it.

Customs & Traditions

While the younger generation are becoming increasingly westernised, the older generation still hold their culture and traditions dear, so it is worth being aware of a number of culturally-specific customs and traditions so as not to inadvertently offend anyone.

General considerations

• In many cultures it is rude to point with the foot even when the object is on the floor
• Use the whole hand to point, as pointing with a finger can be construed as rude
• Hand things over with two hands (particularly business cards and money). Offering an item with one hand is construed as off-hand and disrespectful
• It is widely accepted as polite to address people older than oneself as "uncle" or "aunty" even if you don't know them

Singaporeans

Singaporeans go barefoot inside their homes, so to show respect, shoes should be removed when entering their home.

Chinese

The Chinese like things in even numbers; 2, 6 and 8 are considered lucky numbers. But avoid 4, it is associated with death.

Red is a very auspicious colour, as are other bright colours. The older generation does not approve of black, especially during festive occasions.

Muslims

Muslims don't eat pork. If entertaining, ensure any meat is "halal" and that no pork, lard or alcohol is used in the cooking.

Muslims do not drink alcohol. Don't take wine when visiting a Muslim home and always dress modestly.

Muslims fast between dawn and dusk during Ramadan.

Hindus

Hindus don't eat beef. Some are strict vegetarians (as are some Buddhists).

Further Information

• For information on some of the religious festivals see AngloINFO INFOrmation Page on Festivals in Singapore