What do you think about Singlish?

Question

Singlish itself means: Singaporean english. A mixed up language between english, mandarin, fookien, malay, indian, etc. Though i'm not speaking singlish but i'm now here in Singapore. I just want to know what do you think? thanks

Answer 1

Well, it is one of the reasons that unite the locals, even when they are overseas. I view Singlish as a means of creating a sense of belonging to the country. Sure, the government may frown upon on its increasing use but Singlish has undoubtedly make Singaporeans unique, in their own ways.

Singlish itself shows the diversity and the high level of tolerance among the local population in Singapore. This is shown by how the language 'borrows' some of its words from the many ethnic backgrounds here. Furthermore, being an Asian society, it is only normal for Singapore to have its own eclectic mix of language-Singlish. This is not to say that we are not giving the importance to Standard English. The latter is still very much the language of communication among the locals and to enable us to link with the global population.

I'm not sure if Singlish is seen as part of our culture. But I can say in confidence, that Singlish is a means that enables locals to identify ourselves to the country, together with the other quirks and idionsyncracies of living in this small nation that some of us call home.

Answer 2

I speak a little Singlish and I think it's very easy to speak. I can forget about the grammar and use many words from different cultures. Kinda like a creole or pidgin.

Answer 3

i am a singaporean and i love singlish.
what is wrong with that? its our culture.
i will be very sad if we all speak only proper english one day.

Answer 4

LOL, I thought it referred to the lame pick-up lines that women hear in bars from single guys...