Is there a need for all the pretense?
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Just the thought that crossed my mind today as I was queuing up at the Deli counter at Jason's Supermarket today.
Girl in front of me was speaking to the aunty at the deli counter in what I call a deliberate American accented English. I thought she sounded pretty unnatural but didn't want to read too much into things. Then, her friend came up and spoke to her and the words that came out was in our local accent!
I mean seriously, yeah, you're in an upmarket supermarket but do you have to speak with a foreign accent to buy your items.
I wonder if it is because others around will have the perception that she is of a "higher class" or is it due to low self-esteem trying to fit in with the "well-heeled" crowd?
Seriously there are just too many examples to quote.
Sometimes I wonder if it is a societal problem in the sense that our own government is so "wayang"
Latest example would be the NKF fiasco which they are trying to kick in the damage control.
Or is it because Singapore is such a young nation and the policies have been switching around that we do not have a really unique identity that we can identify ourselves with? -
Don't take this the wrong way.. but how can you tell it's a delibrate american accent?
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You just did it yourself didn't you?
This is Singapore. Change your subject to: Must bluff so much for what? -
I would say the Govt's propaganda works really well.
How many of us still remember the Singapore cheer, all the I love singapore to death do us part songs we had to sing every national day??
And that not so true pledge.. regardless of race, language or religion. -
I think there is a distinction between proper english and putting on a facade.Originally posted by Bloop...:You just did it yourself didn't you?
This is Singapore. Change your subject to: Must bluff so much for what? -
Yes, this is Singapore, but there's nothing to stipulate that if you speak / write in grammatically-correct English, you're less Singaporean. Conversely, speaking Singlish does not a Singaporean make.Originally posted by Bloop...:You just did it yourself didn't you?
This is Singapore. Change your subject to: Must bluff so much for what? -
For one, her accent is not consistent and it didn't seem to have the flow. Call it exposure from my last jobOriginally posted by Lingos:Don't take this the wrong way.. but how can you tell it's a delibrate american accent?
And I have enough ABC cousins whom I talk enough to know
Also, she seemed more comfortable speaking with the local accent, with her friend. -
we will never have an identity to call our own.
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Oh sorry.. i read it as her friend spoke to her in a local accent.. duh.Originally posted by elindra:For one, her accent is not consistent and it didn't seem to have the flow. Call it exposure from my last job
And I have enough ABC cousins whom I talk enough to know
Also, she seemed more comfortable speaking with the local accent, with her friend.
Sorry..
Anyway... i find that Singaporeans (even the ones who are here in Melb) change the way they speak to me when i talk. Usually the insecure ones.. but nobody else over here does it. hahah.. I think it's more of an "inferiority" complex that developed in our country. That westernised is good.. chinkiness is deemed as inferior. Might be the colonial bastardisation days or the fact that western media has always been copied in our youth culture. Might also be the fact that expats hold the majority of high ranking positions in Singapore therefore... there's that love/hate relationship going on. -
Awww... C'mon!!! Seriously!! There's a difference between speaking gramatically correct English and being bombastic.Originally posted by Rhonda:Yes, this is Singapore, but there's nothing to stipulate that if you speak / write in grammatically-correct English, you're less Singaporean. Conversely, speaking Singlish does not a Singaporean make.
Let me translate your sentence alright?
Yes, this is Singapore, that does not mean that speaking or writing proper English makes you less Siingaporean. Just as speaking Singlish does not make you a Singaporean.
See? Just as grammatically correct... but with simple words -
Again.. i say there's a distinction between good english and putting on a facade.Originally posted by Bloop...:Awww... C'mon!!! Seriously!! There's a difference between speaking gramatically correct English and being bombastic.
Let me translate your sentence alright?
Yes, this is Singapore, that does not mean that speaking or writing proper English makes you less Siingaporean. Just as speaking Singlish does not make you a Singaporean.
See? Just as grammatically correct... but with simple words -
Why is that? Don't you see on your passport and IC that says Singaporean? How is that not an identity.Originally posted by dragg:we will never have an identity to call our own.
When i'm asked what is my background, i say Singaporean Chinese.. not just Chinese. -
This topic is not about the standard of English in Singapore
Then again, since we are on it, if what Rhonda typed is deemed bombastic, I am really worried about the standard of English in Singapore, especially so with China opening up and the Chinese sooo hungry and eagar to master the English language! -
ExactlyOriginally posted by Lingos:Again.. i say there's a distinction between good english and putting on a facade.
Good English:
Yes, this is Singapore, that does not mean that speaking or writing proper English makes you less Siingaporean. Just as speaking Singlish does not make you a Singaporean.
"Facade":
Yes, this is Singapore, but there's nothing to stipulate that if you speak / write in grammatically-correct English, you're less Singaporean. Conversely, speaking Singlish does not a Singaporean make.
Good English:
Again, I say there is a difference between good English and putting on a false front.
"Facade":
Again.. i say there's a distinction between good english and putting on a facade. -
There wasn't a need to translate what I just posted.Originally posted by Bloop...:Awww... C'mon!!! Seriously!! There's a difference between speaking gramatically correct English and being bombastic.
Let me translate your sentence alright?
Yes, this is Singapore, that does not mean that speaking or writing proper English makes you less Siingaporean. Just as speaking Singlish does not make you a Singaporean.
See? Just as grammatically correct... but with simple words
Sorry if you thought my post was bombastic... NOT!
I didn't even realise it could be misinterpreted that way. -
There wasn't a need to translate what I just posted.Originally posted by Bloop...:Awww... C'mon!!! Seriously!! There's a difference between speaking gramatically correct English and being bombastic.
Let me translate your sentence alright?
Yes, this is Singapore, that does not mean that speaking or writing proper English makes you less Siingaporean. Just as speaking Singlish does not make you a Singaporean.
See? Just as grammatically correct... but with simple words
Sorry if you thought my post was bombastic... NOT! I didn't even realise it could be misinterpreted that way. -
there is nothing wrong with using bombastic words as long as you use it correctly.
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HAHA.. takes all sorts Rhonda.Originally posted by Rhonda:There wasn't a need to translate what I just posted.
Sorry if you thought my post was bombastic... NOT! I didn't even realise it could be misinterpreted that way. -
Yes there is. Language is for communicating, it is not for showing off how many words you know.Originally posted by dragg:there is nothing wrong with using bombastic words as long as you use it correctly.
Ever taken any courses in public speaking? Any good instructor will tell you that from day one - Get your message across! That is the primary goal. Everything else is fluff. -
it depends on the situation.Originally posted by Bloop...:Yes there is. Language is for communicating, it is not for showing off how many words you know.
Ever taken any courses in public speaking? Any good instructor will tell you that from day one - Get your message across! That is the primary goal. Everything else is fluff.
if what you said is true what purpose does it serve to have so have words with the same meaning? -
Give it a rest.. all of us got got the Rhonda's message loud and clear.Originally posted by Bloop...:Yes there is. Language is for communicating, it is not for showing off how many words you know.
Ever taken any courses in public speaking? Any good instructor will tell you that from day one - Get your message across! That is the primary goal. Everything else is fluff.
This is the internet, not public speaking.. we can read a sentence. THe only reason you won't be dropping huge words in public speaking is cos everyone would be asleep and they wouldn't be able to catch onto what you say. -
You are far-sighted, elindra. I do work with a large number of mainland Chinese and other foreigners and yes, they do work hard to improve their language skills. Out of a sheer desire to learn / improve, they frequently come up to me to clarify English grammar, ask me to teach them how to improve their reports, etc. They exhibit a hunger to learn that is sadly, not reflected in the locals. We're not just lackadaisical, we're becoming too laid-back and content with our lot. We're sitting on our laurels, thinking that we'll always maintain our economic position in this region, forgetting that our neighbours are slowly but surely, catching up on us.Originally posted by elindra:This topic is not about the standard of English in Singapore
Then again, since we are on it, if what Rhonda typed is deemed bombastic, I am really worried about the standard of English in Singapore, especially so with China opening up and the Chinese sooo hungry and eagar to master the English language!
I do worry a lot about the appalling English standards amongst the younger generation. I think we've discussed this issue in previous threads. There's too much rampant complacency and sadly, there seems to be a sort of misplaced pride in using 'bad' English. -
This is great. I've lived in many different countries over the years. It's amazing to see how each country has it's own elitist groups.
This is the best one yet. Grammer elitists. -
Hmm.. who's trying to be the elitist now?Originally posted by Bloop...: This is great. I've lived in many different countries over the years. It's amazing to see how each country has it's own elitist groups.
This is the best one yet. Grammer elitists. -
Surprise! Most of us here would have had to engage in public speaking at one time or other, so don't presume to be the only one to know the nuts and bolts on this!Originally posted by Bloop...:Yes there is. Language is for communicating, it is not for showing off how many words you know.
Ever taken any courses in public speaking? Any good instructor will tell you that from day one - Get your message across! That is the primary goal. Everything else is fluff.
And well, there you go, assuming that I was trying to show off by using bombastic words. Ask elindra, or ask any of the forumites who know me well and they will attest to the fact that I post as I would speak. Surprise! I wasn't putting on a pretense... that was me, and just li'l ol' me, rambling on effortlessly!
Should I apologise for it?
Not by the skin on my chinny-chin-chin!!