Forum: Same Cantonese content spoken in English would not have generated same interest

I was impressed with Manpower Minister Tan See Leng’s use of a Cantonese analogy from a Hong Kong movie in his response to Non-Constituency MP Leong Mun Wai in Parliament during a Budget debate.

It was a refreshing change from the usual proceedings and the Cantonese sentences were clear and precise, summing up the situation in a few sentences.

They conveyed the speaker’s feelings and everyone who understands Cantonese would have been able to grasp the situation quickly. I do not think the same level of interest could have been generated from the public if the same thing had been said in English or Mandarin. 

While many Singaporeans are bilingual and can engage the world effectively, it would be useful to have some exposure to local dialects to help us bond better with the various Chinese communities in different provinces and countries around the world when we go overseas for recreation, business and work.

This is especially so for the younger Singaporeans. While many of their parents would be able to converse in the major Chinese dialects in Singapore, the younger ones lack the exposure to do the same.

Chan Pak Chuen