Cheah Kongsi group proposes to introduce 'Min Nan' dialect in Penang

GEORGE TOWN: The Cheah Kongsi (clainsmen) in Penang has proposed to introduce the dialect of Min Nan next year through an exhibition in a bid to promote the popular language in Penang.
Although the language was widely spoken in the local community Xiamen during the ancient Tang Dynasty, the young generations command in Min Nan has significantly declined and may go extinct in future, said kongsi chairperson Cheah Swee Huat.
Cheah Kongsi has spared no effort to promote and step up its usage among Penangites especially the young people within the association and beyond.
This was made possible after the kongsi etched a strong networking prospect with fellow clansmen in their native mainland China during a recent historic trip to trace their ancestors' roots in Xiamen recently.
The networking ties would see the clansmen explore economic opportunities in trade, culture and heritage elements ties between Penang and Xiamen in China.
Cheah, who is also the George Town World Heritage Site's Cheah Kongsi chairman, said that there was a passion among the clansmen to sustain their lineage despite the age of technology and globalisation.
Over time, the young are influenced by modern applications when they should also take heed of their strong heritage lineage and culture as well as dialects although Mandarin and English languages are equally important, he said.
The forming of an international federation of Cheah kongsi at various levels, is proposed to better improve the networking, said Cheah.
"For me, the trip is more like a working visit."
"My passion is to explore various Hokkien architectural heritage, such as the facade features and wall mural designs.
"I am very pleased to touch base with the local community representatives and strengthen the ties with them. The trip has been fruitful as the delegates forge closer networking ties to bond with their ancestors and to beef up the lineage linkage with their forefathers," he said.
Going forward, the clan is set to delve deeper into the heritage values of its ancestral village by documenting the facts and historic development.
Cheah thanked his counterpart, Xiamen Cheah Clan Chairman Xie Fu Kun and Hai Chang Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese President Yang Jian Liang for their warm hospitality to the delegates.
During the trip, Yang has acknowledged Cheah Kongsi's monumental contribution towards the clan's preservation.
Among the highlights in the trip were visits to the ancestral tombstones and group prayers to pay tribute to ancestors.