Speak standard English to maintain competitive edge,
says DPM Teo
SINGAPORE: Singapore has made a head start in business
and trade in today’s globalised world because it has chosen English
as its working language, said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee
Hean.
Launching this year’s Speak Good English Movement on Friday, Mr
Teo said Singaporeans must continue to speak good English in order
to maintain its competitive edge.
The upcoming Youth Olympic Games and other international events
will bring many overseas visitors to the city—state. With English
being one of the world’s most spoken languages, Singaporeans will
need to express themselves clearly using standard English.
Mr Teo, who is also defence minister, said: "Singlish is very
quaint, but it is not going to help us be understood outside of
Singapore. So I think it is important to focus, to be understood
internationally.
"It has been a big advantage for us. In fact, when I travel
around the region, many countries ask us how we maintain our
English in Singapore. They are quite envious of our language
proficiency."
Looking to maintain this advantage is the year—long Speak Good
English Movement. Now into its 10th year, the movement wants to
encourage Singaporeans to speak simple English, rather than use
difficult words or construct long sentences.
This can be done with a solid foundation of grammar and
vocabulary. With younger Singaporeans spending more time online,
the movement is using platforms familiar to them, such as blogs,
Twitter and Facebook, to reach out to this group.
It has launched a website, www.sixlives.sg — about a couple
planning for their wedding — to stress the importance of using good
English to communicate well. The story has 12 episodes in all and a
new episode will be put up every Friday.
— CNA/so
