ASIA: THE WOOD AND THE TREES

The study of Asia badly needs a paradigm shift. The difficulty is to manage its diversity. Merely to establish more centres for Asian studies within the continent is not the answer. It is more important to examine how the subject is being taught. It may appear that what ought to be advocated is an Asian-centric approach to the study of Asian societies. This same call was made at least half a century ago but the results have been disappointing because while this may sound right, it must be borne in mind that the traditional Asian approach to education has certain in-built weaknesses. An Asian-centric approach should not be an endeavour to revive and preserve the past even if it is no longer relevant. It should mean that common cultural practices in Asian societies should be carefully explained, not by assigning reasons which are culled from the cultural practices of other societies but by identifying, as accurately as possible, local beliefs even if they appear illogical.