the use of Singlish<\/span><\/a>. In fact, the use of the local, colloquial form of English was not only acceptable to them, but also something that they were proud of. \u201cIt represents our local culture\u201d was a common refrain.\u00a0<\/p>\nSome couldn\u2019t even fathom how anyone could see Singlish as a poorer cousin of \u201cstandard\u201d English, or why anyone would restrict its use, as long as speakers were able to code-switch between Singlish and more \u201cproper\u201d English in appropriate situations.<\/p>\n
Their comments evoked in me a strange mix of validation and discomfort. Since I was young, I had been taught to regard Singlish as \u201cbad English\u201d, and was constantly reminded by parents, teachers and the media to speak \u201cproper\u201d English.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This meant obeying the textbook rules of British grammar and pronunciation strictly; broken grammar, poor pronunciation and particles like \u201clah\u201d or \u201clor\u201d were out. In secondary school, the casual request, \u201cTeacher, go toilet\u201d, earned us the coldest gaze and the sarcastic reply, \u201cNo, I\u2019m not going to the toilet\u201d.<\/p>\n
This official stance was understandable when Singapore was in the earlier stages of its goal to go global. Speaking \u201cgood English\u201d was seen as critical: If Singaporeans couldn\u2019t speak a standard of English understood by foreigners, it was argued, how could they do business and interact with the world outside?\u00a0<\/p>\n
It was also believed that allowing people to speak colloquial English, or popularising it in media and entertainment, would hinder efforts to improve their English. Hence the Speak Good English campaigns, with even poor Phua Chu Kang being told to go back to school.<\/p>\n
There was a part of me, however, that always wanted to question this tough approach.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A growing acceptance of Singapore English<\/h2>\n
It was thus comforting when I learnt just how much had changed since then.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Today, much of the linguistic fraternity regards Singlish \u2013 or, to go by its technical term, \u201cSingapore Colloquial English\u201d \u2013 as a legitimate variant of \u201cSingapore English\u201d, which is itself considered a variety of English, like, say, Indian or Hong Kong English. The other variant is \u201cSingapore Standard English\u201d, which is more formal and closer to British English.<\/p>\n
While both variants are seen as a distinctive part of Singapore\u2019s linguistic identity, it is the colloquial variant, with its grammar, vocabulary and syntax drawn from English, Malay, Mandarin, Hokkien and Cantonese, that is seen as truly embodying Singapore\u2019s multiracial, multicultural character.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A typical Singlish sentence could mix words and grammar from any number of these local languages, demonstrating the extent \u2013 and beauty \u2013 of our \u201crojak\u201d culture.<\/p>\n