I told some of my friends that I dream of a day when Singlish become one of the official language in Singapore (Together with English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil). I do not understand why are we so ashamed of something that is so Singaporean. We still need to learn good English and Mandarin/Malay/Tamil so that we can use them when required. But at the same time, we shouldn’t destroy something that is created by us. Singapore English, or Singlish, means a lot to Singapore. It is something that identify ourselves as Singaporean. Something that brings us closer to each other. A common language that is understood among all races in Singapore. A good way for friends to communicate with each other over a cup of kopi or a plate of Cheese Prata.
Some of you might say that Singlish is an informal language. An improper usage of English. A dialect. But what defines a proper usage of English? I’m not an expert in language. But I do know that the English language is very versatile and there are many different forms of English. Do you know that American English is also a dialect? And if American English can become an official language, why can’t Singlish be one too? Why do we have such low self esteem of our own language that we have to constantly remind our citizen to stop using Singlish via speak good English campaign? How do we ever achieve nationhood if we don’t even pride ourselves as a nation with its own culture and language?
Singlish is not just an informal language. If you actually think about it, there is a proper way to use Singlsh. You cannot insert “lah”, “lor” or “leh” anywhere you like. There is a proper usage for them. It is a beautiful language which is inspired by our multi-racial culture. And we should embrace it before we lose a part of our heritage.
And I’m not asking for Singlish to replace English entirely in Singapore. We should still learn English and other language so that we can have an advantage in the global arena. But at the same time, we should also have our own language and culture that we are proud of. Sometimes that identify ourselves as Singaporeans.
I dream of a day when Singlish become one of the official language in Singapore.
I dream of a day when a University offered Bachelor of Arts in Singlish studies.
I dream of a day when foreigners learn Singlish so that they can work better with Singaporeans.
I dream of a day when Members of Parliament debate on new bills using Singlish.
I dream of a day when my Prime Minister gives a speech in Singlish when visiting another country.
Call me crazy. But 70 years ago, if someone say he dream of a day when Singapore will attend self-government, everyone will say he crazy too.
Happy Birthday Singapore.
on Aug 9th, 2009 at 6:19 PM
Hi DK, im a little addicted in languages. Mostly in asian. I live in Germany and learnd english, a little bit france, japanese and of cause german. In a few countries english become so funny twisted accents, that other people from other countries dont get the meaning of the sentence. Japanese people love short forms. So become Brad Pitt ‘BURAPI’. Every japanese will understand that is the short form for ‘BURADO PITO’ the japanese way of saying Brad Pitt. In germany the mobile or cellphone become ‘Handy’ a lovely, sweet form for a small thing that you use with your hand, a Denglish word. But nothing compares to Singlish, that, as you sad, is more complex, because of a fusion of so many languages. Thats impressiv and unique, i think. What about an online-petition? Greets Spaceguy7us
on Aug 9th, 2009 at 7:07 PM
Hear hear, I’m a big believer in recognizing Singlish as part of our culture, though probably not to the extent of a minister presenting in Singlish. It’s still important that we’re understood by others and not everyone gets how expressive Singlish is even if it’s so succinct! All boils down to ability to codeswitch instead of attempts to stamp out Singlish.
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on Aug 9th, 2009 at 7:55 PM
Isn´t it so, that culture express itself throu the language??
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on Feb 6th, 2010 at 4:09 PM
Hi, the singapore government do not recognize the fact that singlish forms an indispensable part of the singpore identity and culture.
how do you think we can convince the government to stop undermining the status of singlish in our society? i would very much love to hear from you all.
jo