Malaysia: George Town Heritage Celebrations 2017 To Inspire People To Preserve Oral Traditions, Expressions

GEORGE TOWN (Penang, Malaysia), June 3 (Bernama) -- The George Town Heritage Celebrations this year are set to inspire people to preserve oral traditions and expressions, the method that was used long before the printed word. The celebrations, organised by George Town World Heritage Inc (GTWHI) and themed ‘Walk The Talk: Oral Traditions and Expressions’ will be held for three days, beginning July 7. GTWHI general manager Ang Ming Chee said communities worldwide had used various forms of oral tradition and expression to pass on knowledge, cultural and social values, as well as memories. "These traditions encompass an enormous variety of spoken form including proverbs, riddles, nursery rhymes, myths, epics, charm, prayers dramatic performances and folk tales. "We hope to inspire more people to preserve these traditions through its continued practice," she said at a press conference here Friday. She added programmes prepared included an informative exhibition, heritage trail revolving around the traditional trades and enclaves, open houses by various places of worship, interactive game crafted around the architectures and traditions off different communities and the street festival. She said the thematic exhibition would introduce the inscriptions of George Town World Heritage Site, George Town Heritage Celebrations, and more than 30 examples of oral traditions and expressions from participating communities and groups. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the celebrations were held annually in July to celebrate the anniversary of George Town's inscription as a United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation world heritage site. -- BERNAMA