Hakka future.

[Cheeng Chow Ming <CCMCheeng@ntu.edu.sg>]

Hello,
    I'm Malaysian hakka & would like to give my comment on hakka
well-being & future prospect. I think we should start to recognize hakka
as a unique race by itself. We no need to be very particular whether
we're really descended from Han or not. Frankly, I means Hakka is Hakka,
no need to feel 'inferior' if we are not exactly Han people  or 'real'
Chinese. Saying that Chinese identity only is not able to identify Hakka
in wholesome. Also we don't have to show everything of hakka
achievements or excellence to fix in nicely inside Chinese 'context'.
Historically, hakka come from mainland & it's ok. However, in the course
of studying our history and culture, we should have vision and leap
forward. By all means & pushing the idea further IF hypothetically
(please indulge me) one day we can go to new land and built Hakka
country like Israeli did------I don't see why not.
    By saying so with well-meaning intention, I believe we can fully
develop our hakka language without history baggage or constraint. Since
language is a communication tool, then this 'tool' must be sharpened &
further enriched; adopt the best practice with rational manner instead
of emotional one. Therefore, I think we should start to question whether
development of hakka language based on chinese character method is the
most efficient and development-viable way. After much comparison with
other languages mainly English, I think we should adopt Roman characters
for Hakka language & introduce succinct grammar to it like tenses,
infliction, explore numerous mode of reporting, inputting more
conjunctions and etc. Then, until with this we can see the language
embark on a right track(on serious term), be modernized & opened for
further development in science, commerce, judicial, art & etc. I admit
this view is radical & invite mocking, but unless we assess our position
or fault lines rationally & soberly, we can't make further progress &
keep on wandering in the same circle.
    So, I would like to ask all of us can pause for a moment on
'boosting' our 5000 years of excellent chinese culture, instead take it
as our reference & start to explore new horizons, new mindsets for Hakka
survival. Some may sneer that we would sacrifice a lot & lost our
identity. But pause a while, can we really be proud of our current
development of Hakka in absolute term? I hardly believe so. If we don't
evolve, one day hakka language and culture will lost forever---replaced
with English Language, as Darwinian rule of evolution always
correct.Face it, our children will more prefer to learn English rather
than Hakka because of its limited communication functions &
roles.Therefore, only with the promotions of hakka songs, traditional
life-styles, heritage & etc are not enough.
    Lastly, with such thought I think we must slugged it out to master
English language & embark on Hakka development seriously, first thing to
start with is the Hakka language & promote its literature. With
determinate hearts, one day we will catch up & shine proudly as
ourselves, as Hakka but not under abstract 'chinese' name. Thank you.