Singlish
Presentation outline: cbs1401
Alex
Singlish
1. Introduction:
1) Colloquial Singaporean English, better known as Singlish, is an English-based creole language spoken in Singapore. It is a particular dialect with its unique intonations and grammar.
2) The vocabulary of Singlish consists of words originating from English, Malay, Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Tamil and to a lesser extent various other European, Indic and Sinitic languages. Also, elements of American and Australian slang have come through from imported television series and films.
2. Features of singlish:
1) Pragmatic particles
Lah is the most stereotypical feature of the English of Singapore and Malaysia.
2) Verb groups without subjects
Singapore Colloquial English uses PRO-drop. When a subject can be retrieved from the context, it does not have to be expressed.
3) Conditional clauses without subordinating conjunction
Certain conditional and temporal clauses, where Standard English would have if or when, do not require a conjunction in Singapore Colloquial English
4) Subject + -ing and subject + complement
Where Standard English requires a part of the verb BE, Singapore Colloquial English has the option of omitting it.
3. usage in society
In most workplaces, Singlish is avoided in formal settings, especially at job interviews, meetings with clients, presentations or meetings. Standard Singapore English is preferred. Nevertheless, select Singlish phrases are sometimes injected into discussions to build rapport or for a humorous effect, especially when the audience consists mainly of locals.
In other informal settings, such as during conversation with friends, or transactions in kopi tiams and shopping malls, Singlish is used without restriction.
4. Attitudes
1) Approval: Language gives identity. A people’s common language is their pedigree-their line of ancestry. That perhaps why Singlish is so important to Singaporeans. The beauty of Singlish lies in it being so succinct. Speaking Singlish is a
Alex
Singlish
1. Introduction:
1) Colloquial Singaporean English, better known as Singlish, is an English-based creole language spoken in Singapore. It is a particular dialect with its unique intonations and grammar.
2) The vocabulary of Singlish consists of words originating from English, Malay, Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Tamil and to a lesser extent various other European, Indic and Sinitic languages. Also, elements of American and Australian slang have come through from imported television series and films.
2. Features of singlish:
1) Pragmatic particles
Lah is the most stereotypical feature of the English of Singapore and Malaysia.
2) Verb groups without subjects
Singapore Colloquial English uses PRO-drop. When a subject can be retrieved from the context, it does not have to be expressed.
3) Conditional clauses without subordinating conjunction
Certain conditional and temporal clauses, where Standard English would have if or when, do not require a conjunction in Singapore Colloquial English
4) Subject + -ing and subject + complement
Where Standard English requires a part of the verb BE, Singapore Colloquial English has the option of omitting it.
3. usage in society
In most workplaces, Singlish is avoided in formal settings, especially at job interviews, meetings with clients, presentations or meetings. Standard Singapore English is preferred. Nevertheless, select Singlish phrases are sometimes injected into discussions to build rapport or for a humorous effect, especially when the audience consists mainly of locals.
In other informal settings, such as during conversation with friends, or transactions in kopi tiams and shopping malls, Singlish is used without restriction.
4. Attitudes
1) Approval: Language gives identity. A people’s common language is their pedigree-their line of ancestry. That perhaps why Singlish is so important to Singaporeans. The beauty of Singlish lies in it being so succinct. Speaking Singlish is a