April 29, 2019

On 29 April 2000, Singapore’s government launched the Speak Good English Movement in a bid to promote the English proficiency of Singaporeans and reduce the use of Singlish, a form of colloquial English spoken in Singapore. This was a response to the fear that Singlish might compromise competence in Standard English, resulting in Singaporeans losing out in the international market. However, does speaking Singlish really impede the learning of Standard English, and do its speakers really give Singapore and Singaporeans a bad impression on a global stage?

Professor Lionel Wee (NUS English Language and Literature) addresses the socio-political controversies surrounding Singlish in his book, The Singlish Controversy: Language, Culture and Identity in a Globalizing World (Cambridge University Press, 2018). Some Singaporeans have defended the value of Singlish by claiming that it is a resource for strengthening the Singaporean identity and developing solidarity among Singaporeans. Prof Wee examines how much of a role Singlish actually plays in creating bonds between Singaporeans, and to what extent its proponents’ claims that it builds camaraderie apply to non-citizens living in Singapore. Interestingly, the book also explores how certain segments of society seem more willing and able than others to be involved in the debate about Singlish. Oftentimes Singaporeans with little to no competence in Standard English are represented by proxy by better educated and more articulate Singaporeans. Delving into the various issues surrounding Singlish, The Singlish Controversy sheds light on broader questions of language and globalisation, as well as examines what exactly Singlish is for Singaporeans and non-citizens living in Singapore.

Find out more about the book here.