Forum: Let officials speak in vernacular languages on air
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I read with interest Health Minister Ong Ye Kung’s remarks on ensuring Chinese is used in real life, not just in exams (Make Chinese a language used in real life, not just in exams: Ong Ye Kung, April 25).
Building on that, the Government could consider one practical step: Ensure that when officials are interviewed on vernacular channels, they use the channel’s primary language, with English subtitles provided.
On Chinese-language channels, which I tune in to at times, it is not uncommon to see officials responding in English even when questions are asked in Mandarin. I suspect this also happens on Malay and Tamil channels.
While English is the working language in Singapore, using Mandarin, Malay or Tamil on the respective platforms helps messages reach people more directly. It also signals respect for the communities these channels serve. English subtitles can make the content accessible to all.
If we want our mother tongues to thrive beyond the classroom, the Government should lead by example through communication. Matching the language of the platform is a small but meaningful way to keep these languages alive in daily life.
Richard Tay Yak Mong
