See , Hoon
(2015)
Malaysian Chinese Stories Of Hard Work:
Folklore And Chinese Work Values.
International Journal of Asia Pacific Studies (IJAPS), 11 (2).
pp. 1-16.
ISSN ISSN: 1823-6243
Abstract
The Chinese, especially overseas Chinese and particularly the Malaysian Chinese,
are well known for being hardworking and for their economic success. A certain
degree of stereotyping is present here, of course, but Chinese success stories are
certainly inspirational. This article demonstrates that Chinese folk narratives may
have contributed to moulding the hardworking and entrepreneurial
characteristics of the Chinese. Folklore, particularly folk narrative, plays a
number of functions in non-literate societies, such as entertainment, validation of
culture and the transmission of values. One of the major functions of folklore in
non-literate societies is value transmission. In a modern society, folklore can
perform the same function, although the transmission may be in the form of a
book or a digital animation. To attempt to "scientifically" show that the
Malaysian Chinese are likely to be influenced by these materials, this study
analyses folk narratives that are commonly available in Chinese children's
textbooks used in Chinese primary schools. The tales transmit values such as
diligence, determination (especially in learning), loyalty, creativity, courage and
to some extent, shrewdness, which are important to economic success.
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