The Use of the English Language in Singapore
‘Singapore is soaring high to balance the heels of language and have English as the effective official language in use, as affecting everyone in the society from children to adults, from simple living to luxurious life’
“Singapore English have origins schools of colonial Singapore it happened during the nineteenth century when very few children went to school and few were educated in English. The people who spoke English and sent their children to English medium schools were mainly called ‘Europeans’, as well as ‘Eurasians’, some of the small minorities, such as the Jews, some of the Indians and Ceylonese, and also a group of Chinese people usually called the Straits Chinese, who had ancestors of long residence in the region and who spoke variety of Malay usually called ‘Baba Malay’ which was being influenced by Hokkien Chinese and by Bazaar Malay so to speak. Ever since Singapore had become an independent Republic in 1965, the uses of English as language have increased a higher note”[1].
For many Singaporeans, English is considered as the core language of functionality as Singaporean families speak English at home and has become one of the first languages learnt as it was about half of the present pre-school children of innovative schools. The value and importance of using English as a medium for communication does adhere to strong influence of pedagogical assimilation from where there is transparency to the kind of English formation applauded by Singapore culture, the language that is used formally as well as informally, as such being termed as ‘Singlish’ by Singapore languages authorities as the latter signifies effective at the same time great badge of culture identity for the Singaporeans.
Indeed, the use of English Language in Singapore has a lot of values to dig up and learning to be learning upon – as it is amiably applicable for all ages. The use of English Language in Singapore has been recognized from every aspect of the process as there can be several languages being adopted not just found within the academic institutions but even to those in the country that is still of use as of today’s time. One official language embraced and honored is the English language and used globally for communication purposes. There is bilingual type of language used as I believe that the Singapore history and culture have many stories to be told and manifestations to unfold. Furthermore, many ethnic races has keeping the English language for the Singaporeans on a tough shape, a known fact that the country is adopting to the new ways of modern culture and imply greater heights of developing an award winning Education stature and pride. I agree that the use of English Language in Singapore are changing, changing for the best, really! Due to the fact that the country gives credit to four official languages (English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil) Representing rich heritage and tradition ways, still English language were chosen as number one because Singapore assumes a trading nation adamant role in Singaporean society as seen in homes, schools, government as well as in religious places.
The assumptions that English language is about composing written and spoken methods of combining words to create meaning used by individuals and or particular group of people as there remains potentially as communicative medium capable of expressing ideas as well as feelings and attitudes and can be nothing but ‘habit formation’. The latest and the most advanced discoveries and inventions in science and technology are being made in the universities located in the United States of America where English language is means of scientific discourse. Over the years, English language has become one of better assets in getting global leadership for books written by Singaporean authors and such films made into the English language. English language comes to Singapore culture in commercial transactions throughout the globe and essential for inter state business and communication of the countries in linking to other nations and precise window of experience based on learning.
Sometimes, it may be for the successful completion of Singapore secondary education and or enter in the graduation school and in some instance, however, it’s not necessary that a person who can write fluent English can also speak English fluently, due to the fact that some of Singapore institutions are duly able to teach their students how to write correct English as apart from fostering the language command and enhancing value in making the individual proficient in the use of the English language at all times.
As for Singapore context, English language can impose a generative process in which there is utilizing of several symbols of the language recognized as there combines to produce an infinite number of communicative messages, bring people to uniformed ideas yet clashes undermine the clearness the language speaks.
The use of English language is continually booming up to this moment and presumes a fact filled notion and it is visible and clear, for many Singaporeans, English is the main language. For instance, many families speak English at home and it is one of the the first languages learnt by about half of the current pre-school children. The influence are apparent through the term Singlish, technically speaks about Singapore English but sadly, wrong perceptions about the use of the language have been noticed and it is an understatement to prove out.
Amicably speaking, it is highly essential for Singaporeans to basically know that there is hope in the language for communication also for example, in the computer era English is the only language that any person can understand and for media, entertainment and education to express concept norms and values and the need to gain fluency in the language. Agreeing, that if Singaporeans were fluent in the commands of the English language, it would be very possible for them to work with computer applications and in general sense, being illiterate to English language, then there is strong need of translator to do certain job roles. The literature value of the English Language can be entirely different and should be dealt accordingly.
No one denies the importance of English language in the present time as global language. It is clear that the English language has become more dominant around the world. One of the good reasons why the English is dominant in the present Singapore epoch, as it is used in the field of education by almost all of the Universities and schools of the country as well as utilizing it through research and development crafting such as dealing to school debates and discussions from such mastering of the English language. Thus, on good value knowledge, English language can be essential requirement for a stable Singaporean government laws and regulations. It is then prerogative that Singapore English is a necessity of the present and the command towards the language has become easier to learn more than ever before with the availability of several resources to help every Singaporeans learn easy skills and grammar applications in an instance like through internet usage and educational institutes which spread not just in Singapore but all over the world.
Truly, “English language has the central role of enabling multilingual members of community to be the social brokers in bridging the communicative gaps in certain cross cultural communication” (According to the author, Foley 220)[2] – Bringing the best of Singapore in terms of its media and entertainment and education profession.
The illustration proves that Singapore is in tight use of the English language as a means of communication channel connecting to people
[1] http://www.singaporeexpats.com/about-singapore/culture-and-language.htm
[2] Foley 220
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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