First, retire the tired “good vs broken” narrative.
A community workshop participant once told me “My English not good one, you don’t mind ah?” – then spoke articulately and confidently. Her apology shows how deep our linguistic insecurity runs. We must stop judging language by native norms and start valuing clarity and contextual awareness.
Second, teach about Singlish, not against it.
While standard English remains essential for global exchange, understanding Singlish helps students see how context shapes meaning, and how local identity and global communication coexist. Classroom discussions could unpack what Singlish is, why it matters and how it’s evolving.
Third, harness Singlish for cognitive and intercultural growth.
In my own French language classroom, I’ve had students ask whether preceding “comme d’habitude” (as usual) with “ben”, a word only used when speaking, is akin to adding “lor” in Singlish.
“Ben comme d’habitude.” “As usual lor.” Same function, different form.
The instinct to compare across languages signals analytical flexibility and stronger intercultural empathy. These life skills matter in today’s workplaces and globally connected communities.
Continue reading...
A community workshop participant once told me “My English not good one, you don’t mind ah?” – then spoke articulately and confidently. Her apology shows how deep our linguistic insecurity runs. We must stop judging language by native norms and start valuing clarity and contextual awareness.
Second, teach about Singlish, not against it.
While standard English remains essential for global exchange, understanding Singlish helps students see how context shapes meaning, and how local identity and global communication coexist. Classroom discussions could unpack what Singlish is, why it matters and how it’s evolving.
Third, harness Singlish for cognitive and intercultural growth.
In my own French language classroom, I’ve had students ask whether preceding “comme d’habitude” (as usual) with “ben”, a word only used when speaking, is akin to adding “lor” in Singlish.
“Ben comme d’habitude.” “As usual lor.” Same function, different form.
The instinct to compare across languages signals analytical flexibility and stronger intercultural empathy. These life skills matter in today’s workplaces and globally connected communities.
Continue reading...