The government of Singapore has been insisting that everyone in the nation speak English for a long time. English is used in schools, at work, and in government. But many locals speak – Singlish – a hybrid language which mixes English with local dialects and languages. Singlish was first developed when Singapore gained independence 50 years ago, and the government decided that English should be the common language amongst all the different ethnic groups. Each group brought in their own words and grammar. So while English became the official language, Singlish became the street language. It is efficient and colourful: you don’t have a coffee – you “lim kopi”. And if someone asks you to join them for a meal but you’ve already had dinner, you simply say: “Eat already.”
Some Singaporeans say that it is ‘lazy people’ who aren’t able to use proper English that defend the use of Singlish or say it’s a ‘Singaporean thing’. Some people have trouble switching from Singlish to proper English.
Speak Good English campaigns were brought in to Singaporean schools and publicized through the media to promote better English. But these haven’t been entirely successful. Singlish thrived despite these attacks. Over time the campaigns evolved from trying to get rid of Singlish, to accepting that properly spoken English and Singlish can exist together. Singlish is now seen as part of Singaporean identity and heritage and appeared in the celebration of Singapore’s Jubilee Year, SG50, on floats in the National Day Parade.
Local celebrities interviewed by the New Paper about the inclusion of Singlish phrases in the Oxford English Dictionary said that the inclusion was a positive thing.
56-year-old well-known Film-maker Jack Neo has always included Singlish in his films and will continue to do so. He said: “I am disappointed whenever Singlish is deemed improper or uncouth. Now the international experts are recognising Singlish as proper”.
Rapper Shigga Shay, whose hit songs like Lion City Kia and LimPeh include Singlish, said that “I don’t think this means the death of speaking proper English because the use of Singlish is all about time and place”.
Actor and host Chua Enlai agreed: “English is all about the grammar and if you can find substitute words (in Singlish) and still use it with proper grammar, then you’ll be fine. He compared this to the French words which are now commonly used in English sentences, like bouquet (a bunch of flowers). The 37-year-old’s favourite Singlish phrases include “wah lau eh” and “jialat”.
While it is important to speak proper English in a formal setting, such as a presentation or job interview, speaking Singlish amongst friends in a relaxed environment is perfectly fine.
