Singlish - OK lah!

I'm an English teacher from the UK who has been living in Singapore for the last 11 years, I sometimes get asked for my view of Singlish and the Singaporean standard of English. I must say that usually some of the most negative comments I hear on this subject come from Singaporeans themselves. For me, however, I'm all for Singlish... in the right situation.

I know what you're thinking "You're an English teacher what! How can?" (I apologise if my Singlish is still not up to scratch, I've been here 11 years but I'm still learning I'm afraid!). Well, let me explain. 

What is Singlish? It is the local vernacular. It is the local slang that is used in informal communication by Singaporeans. Doesn't every country have it's own slang? I know England does. I'm sure if you listened to a conversation down the local pub you'd have trouble understanding some of what was being said. Picture the scene: John and Trevor are sitting in the King's Arms having a quiet pint.

John: 'Ere, John, I'm skint. Give us a tenner, will ya? I ain't got any dosh. Pay day's next week, innit?'

Trevor: 'Alright but don't stiff me,ok? You took yonks to pay me last time.'

John: 'You're a geezer, ta!'

Is that good English? Will foreign travellers understand what is being said? I don't think so. Aren't these the same criticisms that are made of Singlish? Yet I've never heard of a British government campaign to stamp English slang.

Don't get me wrong, i'm not trying to promote the use of Singlish. Instead I would say there is a time and place when Singlish can be used. At the local coffee shop. Hanging out at a bar. A group of friends catching up on the latest gossip. The problem occurs if you can only speak Singlish then this will put you at a real disadvantage.

So enjoy speaking Singlish but remember if you want a successful career in the business world then being able to speak well is vital.

PS. Let me know if you need a translation of the English slang.