2007 - Off Centre
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Interview with Haresh and Alvin

(Haresh's questions for Alvin)
H: The play uses 'Singlish', different languages and code-switching of languages. Do you think Literature should reflect the way we speak, or the way we SHOULD speak? Why?
A: Literature should reflect both. Certain cultural nuances and perspectives are best expressed in native or indigenous language. And we should struggle with translation. For me, Literature is not just about language. It is about human beings and culture. In today's world, there is a great lack of intercultural dialogue, so even when we get physically closer as a global village, we have so little tolerance and respect for minority cultures and beliefs. If Literature has a function, it is to help human beings understand ourselves in the context of culture. We have to be less ethnocentric and more open. So the way we SHOULD speak is to open ourselves up to the rhythms of multiple languages so that we can enjoy a more holistic formation. After all, isn't that the primary function of education?