Can Singaporeans code-switch between English and Singlish?

The 2023 Education First English Proficiency Index revealed that Singapore ranks first in Asia and second out of 113 countries globally, in our proficiency of the English language. And it seems we have remained fairly consistent over the past years.

But is that an accurate reflection of the command of our written and spoken proficiency of the language?

The use of Singaporean English, more commonly known as Singlish, has long been contentious, with some arguing that it is not grammatically sound to base it off Standard British English (SBE) studied and practised in our schools. Others contend it is an efficient language of communication that also illustrates our melting pot of cultures.

In balancing the two languages, some Singaporeans have developed a talent for code-switching and communicating more with less.

In an upcoming episode of The Usual Place podcast - out Thursday July 4 at 5pm - host Natasha Ann Zachariah hits the streets to see how well youth are able to code-switch between what is perceived as ‘proper’ English and Singlish.

When asked to offer an equivalent of the local expression, “Can is can” in standard English, most respondents were able to respond promptly with relative accuracy, but were interestingly stumped when posed the phrase, “Don’t anyhow, can?”

Despite successfully stringing together a coherent sentence ultimately, the time and effort taken seems to suggest that code-switching is not so straightforward in this multi-cultural society.

That begs the question: Have we embraced the way we speak English in Singapore?

Hear the full discussion in our upcoming episode - going up on July 4 - on The Straits Times’ Podcasts YouTube channel:

https://str.sg/wEr7u