Being in a multi-racial community, we are often exposed to different languages such as Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and of course, English. In the end, like most Singaporeans, we grew up communicating in the most common language known to us which is ‘Singlish’.
This language is so common to Singaporeans that it is almost innate for us to use the superlatives such as ‘lah and ‘ah’ at the end of each sentence. We will tend to say incomplete sentences or even include other languages in. When I was young, I tend to understand someone better when they speak in Singlish rather than some profound Standard English!
However, as I grow up, I recognise the fact that effective communication whereby the use of good English is very important. Gone were the days where ‘Phua Chu Kang’ was once the idol of most kids. Besides Singlish being regarded as low prestige in Singapore, a good usage of spoken English can command respect from your peers or strangers alike. Effective communication in terms of writing skills is also important for emails, essays and even letter writing where we want to articulate our thoughts clearly and unambiguously.
Being a Mechanical Engineer undergraduate, even though I will be working with machines and computers more than working with people in the near future, I am not oblivious to the fact that effective communication is essential. This is because I will still be communicating with my peers, my bosses and even my clients who will determine my career progression in this industry.
Even though I have come a long way from being the ‘broken-english’ boy, there is still a lot of room for improvement. With hard work, determination and the help of my peers and Dr Radhika, my goal from this course is not just to communicate effectively, but to communicate with a level of confidence that can inspire and move people.
Hi Mr Ri,
ReplyDeleteIt is enlightening that your brought up the issue of Singlish and what it means to us Singaporeans. I recall that in class, we ranted about how difficult it was to understand our foreign lecturers... it is possible that it may not be totally an 'accent' problem. Have you heard of 'Indlish', or 'Chindlish'? I think they may also feel some barriers when communicating with us local students.
Thats why Standard English is so important, you are absolutely right. I am happy to know that you've got your sights and ambitions set higher than just mere interaction with machines. May you achieve your goals!
I agree that a good command of English is absoulutely necessary in the context of professional communication in today's life because it is the language most often used in our workplace now.
ReplyDeleteHowever, my personal take is that effective communication does not always require the usage of perfect English or profound words. It all depends on the scenario. At the workplace, a good command of English would help command respect from your colleagues or subordinates. After office hours, it might be good to use the language that more Singaporeans are used to because it would feel less intimidating and more close to heart.
Thank you for your views and comments. Yes, standard English is important but like Pei Jin said, it is all in the context.
ReplyDeleteAnd Jacinth, besides Indlish and Chindlish, I have heard of Manglish, which is the creole of neighbouring Malaysia. However, the social context of English in Singapore, where it is the most dominant official language and the medium of all education, is rather different from the social context of Malaysia for example, where the dominant language is Malay.
By the way, to practise your 'Singlish' do not forget to catch the return of Phua Chu Kang!
~cheers
You know what there is such a thing as code-switching and the ability to do this is really valuable when you want to be an effective communicator. What I mean is that one should know where and when to use Singlish and where and when to break into the Standard form. This way you communicate as effectively with the vegetable seller as you do with your overseas clients and that's what good communication is all about:))
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