Topic: Munshi Abdullah and his role in Colonial Singapore
Speakers: Dr Azhar Ibrahim, Department of Malay Studies, NUS
Date: Tuesday, 26th November 2019
Time: 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Venue: The Agora, 28 Sin Ming Lane #03-142 Midview City, Singapore 573972
Abdullah bin Abdul Kadir (1796-1854) was a prominent intellectual of his era, whose legacy and contributions remain celebrated and acknowledged to this day. While originating from Melaka, it was in Singapore that he forged an illustrious reputation. Serving as a Malay language instructor to influential colonial figures and Christian missionaries, Abdullah distinguished himself as one of the most prolific literary figures in Malay society, earning recognition both historically and in contemporary times. Abdullah embodied what can be referred to as the “Manusia Selat” or the “New Man of the Straits.” This concept encapsulates a cosmopolitan perspective and mindset that evolved during a pivotal historical period marked by the expansion of British colonialism, the emergence of a multicultural society, and the introduction of new technologies that facilitated increased human interactions and the dissemination of ideas.
Beyond his instructional role, Abdullah, as a teacher-scribe and translator, assumed a vital role in the Straits’ milieu where Malay remained the lingua franca. His mastery of the language and literary prowess established him as an accomplished literati. Serving as a translator, Abdullah played a crucial role as a cultural intermediary between the colonizers and the indigenous population, bridging linguistic and cultural gaps. Of utmost significance, Abdullah functioned as a perceptive observer of Malay society, witnessing the decline of Malay feudalism and the rise of colonialism in the region. His intellectual prowess against the backdrop of colonial Singapore made him one of the most articulate and insightful figures in the annals of our early pioneers.
Speaker:
Dr Azhar Ibrahim holds the position of Lecturer at the Department of Malay Studies, National University of Singapore (NUS). He imparts knowledge on Malay-Indonesian literature and development ideologies at the department. His research pursuits encompass the sociology of religion, sociology of literature, critical literacy, and the intellectual development of the Malay-Indonesian world. Some of his published works include “Emancipated Education” (2019), “Historical Imagination and Cultural Responses to Colonialism and Nationalism: A Critical Malay(sian) Perspective” (2017), “Menyanggah Belenggu Kerancuan Fikiran Masakini” (2016), “Contemporary Islamic Discourse in the Malay-Indonesia World: Critical Perspectives” (2014), and “Narrating Presence: Awakening from Cultural Amnesia” (2014).
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