Singlish (Singapore English)

Singlish is the localised World English which is spoken

by people in Singapore. Whilst English is its basis, it
also includes many words from Malay, Hokkien,
Cantonese and Tamil as well as derived English words
with new meanings. Another aspect of Singlish which
can lead to considerable confusion is its adherence to
Chinese grammatical rules like topic-prominence,
reduplication, absence of articles etc.

SINGLISH STANDARD ENGLISH

This van pulled out and langgar my car. This van pulled out and collided with my car.

This dress is so obiang. This dress is so ugly.

How come he is such a goondu? How come he is such an idiot?

That person is very havoc. That person is very wild.

I go bus-stop wait for you. I will be waiting for you at the bus-stop.

My boy-boy is going to Primary One oreddy. My son is already attending the 1st Grade.

This book you want or not? Do you want this book?

I bought new furnitures and book. I bought some new furniture and a book.

Singlish is generally viewed with disdain by the authorities who prefer

locals to speak Standard English which is believed to better reflect
Singapore’s reputation as a financial and commercial centre. In 2000, a
“Speak Good English Movement” was launched by the Singaporean
government in an attempt to encourage its citizens to speak Standard
English; it has met with limited success since a rival campaign “Save our
Singlish” was also instigated since many Singaporeans saw Singlish as a
symbol of their national identity.
1. For which of the following words are the Standard English and Singlish meanings similar?
___________________________________________________________________

2. For each of the following “Singlish” sentences, attempt to transcribe into Standard
English:
a. Go eat lunch now. ________________________________________________

b. Now what time? _________________________________________________

c. Got people sit here? ______________________________________________

d. Oi, see what see? ________________________________________________

e. Sorry is not allow washing hand here. __________________________________

3. Attempt to match the “Singlish” word/phrase with its meaning.

a claypot “No thank you, I don’t want it.”

b wake up your idea “Yes, definitely.”
c Can can! Do you have a reservation?
d So how? This way to your table, please.
e Don’t pray pray ah! total loss (opposite of jackpot)
f Auntie/Uncle “What do we do now?”
g dohwan ‘get a clue’ or ‘stop dreaming’
h lah “Don’t mess around.”
i You early-early call, not? A respectful form of address for an older person.
j Come! used to indicate emphasis, at the end of a sentence.