Language is the
beginning of every culture, and I guess Singlish is just a symbol of mixed
culture. American English, British English, Indian English, Chinglish; each has
its own distinctiveness and glamour, and Singlish is one of the most peculiar
accent I’ve ever met.
When I first came
to this country two months ago, I’m so glad to find that almost 80% of locals
here can speak Chinese, although they shyly admit that their speaking Chinese
is better than written Chinese. So the first two weeks before the semester
begins was like paradise on earth for me, since there is no communication
obstruction at all. But when I enter the lecture theater after August
13th, it was just like stepping into the Tower of Babel. I know we
are talking the same language, point is I just can’t understand it. The most
horrible moment is when the teacher makes a joke and everyone around me starts
to laugh, it makes me feel embarrassed since I can’t get any point of the joke.
During the first
two weeks, the incomprehensible Singlish became the eternal topic after dinner
among my exchange schoolmates. It’s like a question stuck in my heart: why
can’t they just speak English properly!
One day I threw
this question to a local I’m familiar with, and his answer made me think a lot.
He said Singlish is just an accent, just like the accent of American English,
Indian English and Chinese English. It’s just an accent.
I suddenly
realized that I used to consider Singlish inferior to some other
"formal" accent like American accent, which is so ridiculous that it
reminds me of racists, of people that regard their culture superior to other
cultures like Nazi Germany. Since then, I am more adaptable to the accent
around me and if I don't understand I would just ask the speaker to slow down
and finally I can appreciate the beauty of Singlish. What an amazing
experience.
