Do We Need to Use Proper English

Do we need to use proper English?

To me, it depends on the situation.  When we are with our friends or relatives, sure, use Singlish by all means, because everyone talks like that.  But we need to learn to switch over to using proper English when the occasion calls for it, like talking to superiors, with clients, when being interviewed for TV programs, when teaching the younger ones, etc.

To me, the use of lah lor leh etc in Singlish is fine when used in Singapore, unless we are speaking to foreign visitors, where these words may confuse them.  However, some words just don't sound pleasant, in my opinion.

Some common examples:

1.  "Actually".  There is too much use of the word 'actually'.

Heard on a TV interview:

"Because of this pandemic, most of our workers actually work from home.  We actually send some of them for training since this is the best opportunity for us.  Our sales actually dropped by 40%, and we actually hope to turn this around by the end of this year."    

In the above speech, the integrity of the phrases will remain the same, and even sound more pleasing to the ear, if we remove all the "actually".

We use "actually" when the actual action/thought is not the expected one, or may even has a surprising element.  Example:  "I did not study much for this exam.  My parents thought that I would fail.  But actually, I got 4 As!"

 

2. "Irregardless".  This is not a proper word.  

Because the word "regardless" already mean "despite these circumstances".  So, stop using "irregardless" from now.

 

3. "Between - and"

The word "between" is used together with the word "and", instead of "to".

Example:  "Our store is open between the hours of 10am and 8pm."

"to" is used together with "from".  "Our store is open from 10am to 8pm." 

 

4. "OK, Alright"

Some people like to use "OK" or "Alright" in their sentences.  It may sound rude, condescending,  or impatient, although the person doesn't mean it that way.

Example:  "We have put in place safety procedures, OK?, to ensure no one gets hurt while working. But sometimes workers don't listen, alright?, but we still try our best." 

 

5.  "Day off" vs "Off day"

Day off : away from work for a day

Off day : not feeling our usual self, feeling down, feeling sick

So, we tell our boss we apply for a day off, not an off day.

 

6.  Also, many Singaporeans leave out the "is, am, are" from their sentences.  Please add them back when we are having official conversations.

Commonly heard : "Where you going?", "I not happy", etc

Correct use :"Where are you going?", "I am not happy".