What is Singlish basically? To some, it is the unofficial language of Singaporeans, to some others it is appears like a mother tongue while to others it is an improper language, an inferior language. According to certain or most academics, Singlish is a pidgin language (according to Dr Peter Tan in Encounters with the English Language, a pidgin language is a temporary language that arises out of different linguistic communities needing to communicate), a language derived out of contact situations (which in the case of Singapore is the contact between the different linguistic communities such as the Singaporean Chinese, Malay and Indian communities). Since English has been made the national language of Singapore during the 1960s and the first language for Singaporean students, English has been widely used and utilized among the different peoples in Singapore. There is hardly any Singaporean left in Singapore who does not know a single word of English, especially with the growing literacy of the people.

Therefore, basically, Singlish is mostly a mixture of words from English, Malay and Chinese as well as the Chinese dialects (mostly Hokkien/ Teochew). Singlish is mostly derived from casual speakers of English in Singapore (usually the Chinese educated, the less educated (the older generation/old folks), the illiterate, the authentic Malays and Indians. However, now, Singlish has become such a natural part of every Singaporean individual since Singlish is already such an integrated component of Singaporean society. Singlish is such a natural part of every Singaporean’s life. Of course, it is no doubt that Singaporeans still use Standard English in informal situations such as school and work but utilization of Singlish is the norm during informal situations, especially among friends, family or even strangers we just meet along the street. There has been much hype with regards to the use of Singlish on TV programmes recently last year as it was gaining in such popularity especially with the local sitcom Phua Chu Kang. Most Singaporeans enjoyed the show because they were able to relate to the realistic way the characters like Rosie and Chu Kang speak Singlish. However, the pending concern is with upkeeping a certain image and setting an example for the younger generation, thus, there must be a right time and place for the use of Singlish and that Singaporeans must be able to draw the line at some point of time between when to use Singlish and when not to because it is still highly important to know the importance of speaking proper or standard English. Enough said and without further ado I shall launch into my own dictionary of Singlish terms for all to peruse( in this case, my brand of Singlish will be more associated with the Ah bengs or the Hokkien speaking Singaporeans)…