Study says many Singaporeans speak non-standard English
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/219880/1/.html====================================
-hey how to do this ah? err.. dunno leh-
Non standard English has been a part of our vocabulary since we have learned how to speak. It doesn't sound pretty, non-locals don't understand it, and it can be the root of many a misunderstanding (eg "study lor" as compared to "study law")
It is not surprising that 6 out of 10 Singaporeans do not speak standard English as a part of their daily conversation; rather, they speak a colourful mixture of Chinese dialects, Malay and substandard English, which almost every local can understand. However, there is a need to stress the importance of speaking standard English, and while we're at it; standard Chinese. The latter does not seem to be a problem, just that the former tends to be mixed in when the speaker does not know how to express himself in one of the languages.
The root of the problem must lie in the education Singaporeans receive, their upbringing, and of course, the environment they grow up in. Many Singaporeans take pains to send their children to good kindergardens such as Little Montessori or a private kindergarden with an Englishman (or woman) as a teacher to teach standard English. Not all children have this chance though, and many tend to learn from teachers who speak English with all the correct grammar and etcetera, but have bad pronunciation and may pepper their speach with Singlish as they teach.
The parents themselves are also a factor in the way the child's speech is affected. If the parents use Singlish to converse with each other, the child would inadvertently be affected and end up speaking Singlish instead of proper English.
The shows one watches these days on Kid's Central and Channel 5 are not exactly shows which use proper English. Many shows utilise Singlish in their scripts; heavily affecting the young who watch these shows everyday, and cause the viewers to end up speaking Singlish as if it was the standard of English. I think they need to be reviewed and proper English should be used so that the future of our nation does not end up in the hands of Singlish speaking communicators.
Singlish is not a global language, English is. It is important that we make ourselves understood and give a good impression; otherwise important things such as business deals may be lost, which is the last thing this nation needs. Its all very well to be able to speak with the next door auntie in Singlish, but I don't think other people would appreciate making a business deal in Singlish. We should encourage each other to cut down the use of Singlish and start expressing ourselves in proper English, i think it would be greatly appreciated by foreigners and the government.
Speak GOOD English; Be understood. -- DE
posted by silvanix @ 3:02 AM
3 Comments:
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Some people in Singapore think that Singlish, otherwise known as SCE (Singapore Colloquial English) is a form of national identity. Yet, I beg to differ.
Singaporeans are generally people who are seeking a certain identity to call their own and yet see a necessity to imitate those from mainly Western cultures.
It is strange and somewhat ironic that Singaporeans speak Singlish when they are actually capable of speaking in perfect English.
How many times have you seen a Singaporean conversing in Singlish with a friend, only to switch to perfect , fluent English with a hint of an English accent, when conversing with an Englishman?
Singaporeans have the ability to speak good English. Yet, the mindsets of the people need to change. Speaking in an unrefined version of English is not appropriate if we are to step out to make our mark on the international market.
Singaporeans themselves realise that it is somewhat embarrassing to speak in such a manner, owing to their rapid change in speech mannerisms when conversing with Westerners. All that Singapore needs is that final push towards reform that can make all the difference in making ourselves truly heard.
Ryan
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