Mr Ong Siew Chey's concerns are misplaced (Unnecessary to promote Singlish; Forum Online, March 14).
In my years of higher education and interaction with friends and educators who use Singlish, I have not encountered any instance where they used it because of their inability to converse or write well in standard English.
Our excessive worry about Singlish can sometimes be likened to our approach in life, where we take things too seriously and literally, and lose the fun, joy and enjoyment of the light-hearted moments.
While we might, from time to time, use Singlish for tongue-in-cheek responses and advertisements, I think most of us are able to code-switch and understand the different contexts in which Singlish can be used to deliver a punch or bring a smile to the message recipient.
That said, we should not advocate the use of Singlish in an academic instructional medium, so as not to confuse learners, especially younger children.
If we are to micromanage every ad or piece of communication that uses Singlish, just because it comes across as promoting the wrong use of the English language, should we also ban snack or beverage ads because they promote an unhealthy style?
Many of us know better.
Relax lah.
Matthew Lim Hock Kee
