Singlish: The Singaporean English creole - interview

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Benny from Fluent in 3 months explores the unique linguistic landscape of Singapore with Jade. They delve into Singlish, a pidgin language blending English with local dialects like Cantonese, Malay, and Hokkien. Singlish is informal, often used among friends and in casual settings, and is a way for locals to connect and avoid seeming pretentious. Jade explains that while Singlish is not formal, it's an integral part of Singaporean identity and is appreciated when foreigners show interest and respect for it, highlighting the importance of understanding when to use Singlish versus standard English.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Singlish is a pidgin language that blends elements of local languages such as Cantonese, Teochew, Hokkien, Malay, Tamil, and Hindi with English.
• 🏢 Singlish is not considered formal and is typically used in informal settings, like speaking with friends or in the market, to avoid sounding elitist.
• 🤔 The reception of Singlish varies; it's not for business or professional use, but it helps in connecting with locals on a casual level.
• 👤 Singaporeans are generally amused when foreigners attempt to speak Singlish and are formally educated in English, so communication is rarely an issue.
• 👴 For those moving to Singapore, it's advised to speak standard English first and adjust if necessary, especially when dealing with older or less educated generations.
• 📚 Singlish has unique grammar structures influenced by Chinese, and it incorporates English and other words, often marked by the addition of 'meh' to form questions.
• 🎭 The language is vibrant and expressive, utilizing tones and nuances to convey emotions despite its perceived monotony in emphasis.
• 🗣️ Singlish pronunciation is syllable emphasized, which can sound choppy to English speakers but is natural to its speakers.
• 📈 There's a spectrum in Singlish usage, from 'gangster's Singlish' to 'slight Singlish', with many people code-switching between it and standard English.
• 🏛️ The 'Speak Good English Campaign' in Singapore has been criticized for implying that Singlish is bad English, whereas it's a separate linguistic entity.
• 🌐 Singlish is a reflection of Singapore's cultural and linguistic diversity, and showing interest in it can help visitors connect more deeply with the local community.

Q & A

What is Singlish and what languages does it incorporate?

Singlish is a pidgin language that mixes elements from various local languages, including Chinese dialects like Cantonese, Teochew, Hokkien, as well as Malay, Tamil, Hindi, and English. It is a unique blend of these languages and is often used informally among locals in Singapore.

How is Singlish viewed by the locals in Singapore?

Singlish is generally not used in formal settings like business or professional situations. It is considered informal and is used among friends and in casual settings, such as at the market. It is a way for locals to connect and bond with each other without sounding elitist.

What is the reception of Singlish in different social contexts?

While Singlish is embraced in informal and social contexts, it is often frowned upon in official and professional settings. Singaporeans are formally educated in English, so there is no problem understanding it, but using Singlish in a professional context can be seen as pretentious.

How should foreigners approach learning and using Singlish when moving to Singapore?

Singaporeans find it amusing when foreigners attempt to speak Singlish and generally do not take offense unless it is used in a mocking manner. Foreigners are encouraged to speak standard English, as most Singaporeans are well-versed in it. Adjusting to Singlish can be done gradually and naturally.

What is the significance of the word 'meh' in Singlish?

In Singlish, 'meh' is added to the end of a statement to turn it into a question, similar to the Mandarin word 'Ma'. It also conveys a sense of disbelief or uncertainty, adding a layer of nuance to the conversation.

How does Singlish differ from standard English in terms of intonation and emphasis?

Singlish is described as a syllable-emphasizing language, pronouncing each syllable clearly which can make it sound choppy to English speakers. Unlike English, which is stress-emphasized, Singlish does not respect the same intonations.

What is the term 'code-switching' in the context of Singlish?

Code-switching refers to the ability to switch between different languages or dialects in different social situations. In Singapore, it is common to switch between standard English and Singlish depending on whether the situation is formal or informal.

What are some unique words or phrases in Singlish and their meanings?

Unique Singlish words include 'action', which means to show off unnecessarily, and 'arrow', which refers to being volunteered for an unpleasant task, as if shot by an arrow. These words are used in a unique way that contributes to the colorful nature of Singlish.

What is the 'Speak Good English Campaign' and how is it perceived by Singaporeans?

The 'Speak Good English Campaign' is an initiative aimed at promoting the use of standard English in Singapore. However, it has been criticized for implying that Singlish is 'bad' English, which is not the case. Singlish is a separate entity and should be respected as such.

How does Singlish reflect the cultural diversity of Singapore?

Singlish is a reflection of Singapore's cultural diversity as it incorporates elements from various languages spoken by different ethnic groups in the country. It is a linguistic representation of the melting pot of cultures that make up Singaporean society.

What advice would you give to someone visiting Singapore regarding engaging with the local language?

Visitors are encouraged to show interest in Singlish as a way to connect with locals and understand the culture better. While standard English will always be understood, making an effort to learn and use Singlish demonstrates respect and a genuine desire to engage with the local community.