Enjoy this original song as we learn how to call our relatives the proper Baba Malay way! 'Sedara Baba Nyonya' is written, composed and arranged by Alvin Oon.
Lead vocalist - Tony Quek; Children vocalists - Denzil Kwah, Darius Oon, Doran Oon; Additional vocals - Alvin Oon.
THE ARTICLE BELOW IS WRITTEN TONGUE IN CHEEK:
Wow! Here is ALVIN OON again with another creative, informative but humorous song to help you remember how to call members of your family, with courtesy and respect, using PERANAKAN or BABA language. Not easy to remember them though! No kidding!
😄 Good Luck!!!
Below and detailed, my own creation and explanation:
After listening to the video, are you able to name your relatives in Baba Language, depending on your own status in the family? If you manage, that's truly wonderful because it's important to do so, otherwise, you may have a problem relating to them.
Nah! Just kidding. But then, some of your relatives may be KAY-POH, which means BUSY BODY? Oh!
😎 Hmm!
Thanks, ALVIN OON and his singing group for the YouTube Video, without which this blog post could never have been produced.
25 comments:
The talented Alvin Oon
It’s cute and not the normal songs one hears.
Perhaps such “Nonya” songs should be sung at National Day celebrations together with the other songs. It will show the multi cultural heritage of people residing in Singapore
*KAU BERANI JUGA, PAK ANDY👍🏼❗* Tak Takut Kena Pitchit Perha-ha❓
(Translation): You are quite daring, Pa Andy! Aren’t you afraid of being pinched on the thighs?
Thanks to Richard and Jerry; one a serious and fair suggestion, the other a cute comment indeed.
Yes, he’s very talented ALVIN OON. Thanks Richard for writing from your 3 month university cruise ship.
All Those Names / Terms Used To Address Our Family n Relatives, Which Are Not Often Used.
Forgetfulness Pop-Up.
Thks Andy For That Video, Could Be Used As Reference, Whn The Situation Arises
You are absolutely right but the way it’s presented in a song; it’s pretty unique. Thanks Merlin
Just went through this ordeal during my Chinese New Year visits. I had to meet my relatives all over Singapore just because I’m the youngest grandfather. Although many of my relatives are gone ( Bless their Souls), some of my Kim Poh, Tachi, Ng Koh and many Chu Chu are still around. But it was worthwhile but my pockets are empty now. Red packets mostly gone. 😇
I only know Nonya Laksa & Kway Kway...
That's good enough Ivor. Thank you for responding.
Interesting comment from TUA PEK. Actually in your position, as it’s customary, the younger folks have to visit you, being the elder one. But then it’s all in fun and games and a great excuse to meet families once again, well at least once a year. Thanks for a very informative comment. KIONG HEE, KIONG HEE, as the BABAS would say.
The Baba culture is an important aspect of Singapore unity success story. Their unique culture are the in between that help bridge the different races to live in harmony. Their contribution to build a cohesive society is distinctly recognisable.
26.2.26
Thank you PATRICK. You write just as well as you play the guitar. Both in all their excellence. No praise; just truths.
What can I say about Baba Nonya?
Nothing comes close to the topic of FOOD.
But I am lost to the rankings and relationships of siblings. My own family heritage goes down to 3rd and 4th generations and thereafter I am groping.
Yes the Baba Nonya culture is centred around food…the mixed cuisine of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian is evident.
Not only food but also the cultural attire. Batik material, sarong kerbayah etc.
Thanks Wilfred. I can agree with your statement because that same feeling of being lost with relationship rankings makes the culture more intriguing. Alvin Oon’s video brings out that Baba/Nyonya flavour both with his lyrics and music.
Hello Andy, Happy CNY filled with peace joy wealth and abundant of health 💞🏮💰🧧🐴💰🏮
Thanks Edward & Mrs Tham. Season’s Greetings to you both too. Stay safe and healthy.
It’s indeed an eye opener to learn abt the correct n respectful terms to address our relatives! 👏👏
Thanks Mark. Yes, an eye opener for me too. It’s not easy to remember which particular name refers to which relative. I’d just settle for AUNTIE, UNCLE, BROTHER, SISTER or GRAMPS. Easy way out!
I'm half peranakan. During my childhood days my mom taught me and my siblings how to correctly address relatives when CNY came around. How I struggled to remember them. Alvin's song would've help me immensely had it been available then! The svelte sarong kebaya clad ladies that you've included in your article are truly smashing!
Thanks Jimmy.
That’s a loving mum you had. And you’re a good son too for being so obedient. Alvin’s video must be a revision lesson then, thats why I included the smashing AI Nyonya to attract more attention. Adding some glamour.
Again! Love your comment.🙏👍🏼
Love the Saudara song by Peranakan Sayang. Have been to their shows …they are so good customising peranakan songs to popular hits .
Regarding addressing your relatives , it can get quite complicated when you go further up/down the family lineup. My nieces grandchildren don’t know how to address me … Kor Poh Chor & E Poh Chor … alamak so old already 🙏
Hi Daisy, again you took the trouble to comment, on this rather fascinating but difficult subject. It is complicated indeed. Thanks for checking in.
Thanks to Alvin Oon, I am learning much poetry.
Your grandfather is called your Kong Kong.
His brother is your Chek Kong.
You can meet them in Hong Kong.
But be careful of the King Kong.
Who loves to eat lontong.
But it is as dumb as blur sotong.
WOW! I am truly amazed at the rhyming words! Thank you.
Post a Comment