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ISSN : 2092-738X
Strategically situated between the East-West maritime crossroads, the peoples of Southeast Asia over the centuries witnessed the comings and goings of traders from territories from East Asia, South Asia, West Asia and Europe. There were also those from North America that crossed the Pacific for commercial profits in this region. Foreign traders undoubtedly in the course of their visits and sojourns had liaisons with local women, some engaged in marriages. Offspring of these interracial miscegenation possessed rather unique characteristics. As a community, they were identified with the Malay term, peranakan, from the root word, “anak” meaning “child,” hence “offspring” or “descendent”. Specific terms – Baba Nyonya, Tionghoa-Selat, Chitty, Jawi Pekan, Pashu, Kristang – referred to particular groups. Although socially they appeared ‘neither here nor there’, members of mixed parentage were able to carve an especial niche in the local environment throughout Southeast Asia, conspicuously in urban, port-cities where trade and commerce predominated. Following in the footsteps of their progenitor, the Peranakan acted as intermediaries, comprador between foreign and indigenous enterprises, profiting financially and socially from trade and commerce. Tapping on the author’s personal experiences and first-hand observations, complementing with oral sources, and support from secondary materials, this present essay explores, discusses, and analyzes the eclectic sociocultural practices and traditions of the Baba Nyonya of George Town, Penang. Purposeful intention is to further enlighten our understanding, and in turn, our appreciation, of these ever increasingly diminishing communities and their cultures across Southeast Asia.
Tan Ai Gek, born 1927, Hokkien Baba-Hokkien Nyonya parentage; third generation; residence in Burmah Road (presently Jalan Burma), moved to Tanjong Bungah when she was 75 years old when the family ang mor lau was sold off; a widow since 1989; two daughters and a son. Interviews 21 July, 30 July, and 13 August 2015; 2-3 January 2016.
Chew Chui Gek (1923-2017), Teochew Baba-Hokkien Nyonya parentage; third generation; residence in George Town; spinster who lived with her two nieces, Adeline and Ann Cheah until her passing in April 2017. Interview 2 August and 12 September 2015.
Ong Poh Choo, born 1931, Hokkien-Baba-Teochew Nyonya parentage; third generation; residence in Pulau Tikus; two sons and three daughters. Interview 24 July 2015.
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