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Dialects

‘Jiak ba buay?’: 56 migrant domestic workers graduate from basic Hokkien classes

Ms Hilda Tunliu (centre) was one of 56 domestic helpers who graduated from a conversational Hokkien class conducted by the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Cultural Academy.
Ms Hilda Tunliu (centre) was one of 56 domestic helpers who graduated from a conversational Hokkien class conducted by the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Cultural Academy.

Recalling memories of Ah Mah – in fragments of Teochew

The writer with his grandmother. Their daily chats when she was alive were in Teochew, a language now he has trouble speaking.
The writer with his grandmother. Their daily chats when she was alive were in Teochew, a language now he has trouble speaking.

Forum: Let people enjoy dialect films in local cinemas

The quirks of Singaporean Chinese names

Singapore’s language policy has certainly impacted the names by which many of us are called. But even after so many years, dialect names continue to endure.
Singapore’s language policy has certainly impacted the names by which many of us are called. But even after so many years, dialect names continue to endure.

Do Singaporeans care if politicians speak dialects?

ST20250419_202548700242: Gin Tay/ shge/ Shawn Ho/
Portraits of Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo photographed during the SG60 Neighbourhood Party at Blk 42A Beo Crescent, on April 19, 2025.
ST20250419_202548700242: Gin Tay/ shge/ Shawn Ho/
Portraits of Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo photographed during the SG60 Neighbourhood Party at Blk 42A Beo Crescent, on April 19, 2025.

Forum: Dialects an intrinsic part of heritage and must be preserved

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

Huayi 2025: Alvin Chiam embraces solitude in Beckett-inspired dialect solo Last Luncheon

Singaporreanh theatre practitioner Alvin Chiam is embracing solitude in his first solo show Last Luncheon, which plays as part of the Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts.
Singaporreanh theatre practitioner Alvin Chiam is embracing solitude in his first solo show Last Luncheon, which plays as part of the Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts.

Where have all the Ah Sohs gone?

Popular Ah Soh characters on television include (from left) Mo Wanwan played by Chen Liping in 2003 serial Holland V, Liang Ximei played by Jack Neo, and Rosie Phua from sitcom Phua Chu Kang, played by Irene Ang.
Popular Ah Soh characters on television include (from left) Mo Wanwan played by Chen Liping in 2003 serial Holland V, Liang Ximei played by Jack Neo, and Rosie Phua from sitcom Phua Chu Kang, played by Irene Ang.

Letter From Hong Kong

A globalised Hong Kong is making Cantonese more accessible to the world 

Mr Jeffrey Wong and Ms Ceci Pang are among many globalised and tech-savvy Hong Kongers who are making Cantonese more accessible to the world.
Mr Jeffrey Wong and Ms Ceci Pang are among many globalised and tech-savvy Hong Kongers who are making Cantonese more accessible to the world.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.