Improving the World... One Interaction At A Time.
A Performers Guide to Cultural Interactions
By William Draven
As an actor at a major motion picture studio, and theme park in Hollywood, as well as a magician I frequently get the opportunity to entertain for from all over the world. A year ago or so a document was released within our entertainment department that outlined different countries, and some good information you can use to create meaningful, lasting encounters with their people.
I immediately saw the advantage of this information for the magician community because what are we if not entertainers? We can use just about any tool at our disposal to help create that one magic moment with our audience that can make it even that much more memorable. So I got permission to share the information with you. Of course this project will take some time to post up, so I'll be updating this based upon two factors. The first being how well received, and appreciated it is from you the community, and the second how relevant the community feels this information is as applied to their lives. That is to say if not encouraged, I won't keep it up. Otherwise, I'll post new threads titled: "Improving The World: {country name}" that that specific file relates to.
Without any further delay, I bring you our next country: Singapore
Improve the World: Singapore
Country: Singapore
Continental Location: Southeast Asia
What They Call Themselves: Singaporeans
Primary Language: English
Secondary Language: Malay
Tertiary Language: Mandarin Chinese
Prominent City: Singapore
Famous historical Sites: Raffles Hotel, National Botanic Gardens
Currency: Singapore Dollar
Start Phrases in Malay:
Hello: Selamat dating
Goodbye: Selamat jalan
Thank you: Terima kasih
You’re Welcome: Sama-sama
Cultural Notes:
-Singapore refers to the country and the city of the same name.
-Singapore was a British colony, founded in 1819, by Stamford Raffles. It was a huge commercial hub for the British East India Company. It became independent in 1965.
-Singaporeans drive on the left side of the road.
-Singapore is led by a Prime Minister and they have a Parliament.
-Singapore is made up of 63 small islands and main land Singapore on the Malay Peninsula.
-The name Singapore comes from the Malay term for “Lion City.” Since lions have not naturally inhabited Singapore, it is most likely a reference to tigers.
-The country is very near the equator and is considered to be a rain forest zone, making it hot and humid year round.
-The National Botanic Gardens features an Orchid Garden with over 200 varieties.
-45% of Singaporeans are Buddhist.
-The historic Raffles Hotel is famous for its cooking classes and is home of the “Singapore Sling” a favorite tropical cocktail.
-Singapore hosted the inaugural 2010 Summer Youth Olympics.
What To Avoid:
Mention of canings, a form of corporal punishment for criminals in Singapore. It caused international turmoil between their government and ours in 1994.
A Performers Guide to Cultural Interactions
By William Draven
As an actor at a major motion picture studio, and theme park in Hollywood, as well as a magician I frequently get the opportunity to entertain for from all over the world. A year ago or so a document was released within our entertainment department that outlined different countries, and some good information you can use to create meaningful, lasting encounters with their people.
I immediately saw the advantage of this information for the magician community because what are we if not entertainers? We can use just about any tool at our disposal to help create that one magic moment with our audience that can make it even that much more memorable. So I got permission to share the information with you. Of course this project will take some time to post up, so I'll be updating this based upon two factors. The first being how well received, and appreciated it is from you the community, and the second how relevant the community feels this information is as applied to their lives. That is to say if not encouraged, I won't keep it up. Otherwise, I'll post new threads titled: "Improving The World: {country name}" that that specific file relates to.
Without any further delay, I bring you our next country: Singapore
Improve the World: Singapore
Country: Singapore
Continental Location: Southeast Asia
What They Call Themselves: Singaporeans
Primary Language: English
Secondary Language: Malay
Tertiary Language: Mandarin Chinese
Prominent City: Singapore
Famous historical Sites: Raffles Hotel, National Botanic Gardens
Currency: Singapore Dollar
Start Phrases in Malay:
Hello: Selamat dating
Goodbye: Selamat jalan
Thank you: Terima kasih
You’re Welcome: Sama-sama
Cultural Notes:
-Singapore refers to the country and the city of the same name.
-Singapore was a British colony, founded in 1819, by Stamford Raffles. It was a huge commercial hub for the British East India Company. It became independent in 1965.
-Singaporeans drive on the left side of the road.
-Singapore is led by a Prime Minister and they have a Parliament.
-Singapore is made up of 63 small islands and main land Singapore on the Malay Peninsula.
-The name Singapore comes from the Malay term for “Lion City.” Since lions have not naturally inhabited Singapore, it is most likely a reference to tigers.
-The country is very near the equator and is considered to be a rain forest zone, making it hot and humid year round.
-The National Botanic Gardens features an Orchid Garden with over 200 varieties.
-45% of Singaporeans are Buddhist.
-The historic Raffles Hotel is famous for its cooking classes and is home of the “Singapore Sling” a favorite tropical cocktail.
-Singapore hosted the inaugural 2010 Summer Youth Olympics.
What To Avoid:
Mention of canings, a form of corporal punishment for criminals in Singapore. It caused international turmoil between their government and ours in 1994.