Have you ever wondered about the unique dialect used by Singaporeans, the combination of English and the various Singaporean languages, Singlish?Singlish will be heard if you visit Singapore or play online games there.How do you speak like that?It will be hard to become proficient in Singlish if you don't move to Singapore.It is possible to learn the basics by picking up on some of the trends.
Step 1: Stresses should be reduced in your speech.
English is a language that uses stress more often than other languages.Singlish is more diverse.If you want to stress the syllables in your sentences, try to speak with more consistency.Singlish often sounds dull to foreigners.Instead of saying "I like this a lot," you'd say it in a different way, with the same amount of emphasis.
Step 2: You should reduce the use of voiced vowels.
Voiced vowels include "g," "p", "th," and "ch".Singlish pronunciation is more relaxed and less strong.The strength behind the vowels "p" and "pat" is lost, so words like "bat" are pronounced like that."Birth" and "with" become "wiff"
Step 3: Rise and fall can be used to emphasize.
A rise and fall is when you go up and then down in a single word.Depending on the word being used, this can increase the emphasis on approval or disapproval.It can be said with a high rise and fall in pitch to increase the importance of the exclamation if the word "no" is not changed.
Step 4: Ask yes or no questions in Singlish.
The Cantonese-derived word "meh" is a common way of asking yes or no questions in Singlish.You must have a rising inflection as you get to the end of the sentence, just like in English.Can you do that?"You can do that meh?" is a phrase used in Singlish.
Step 5: To emphasize certainty, use "lah"
"lah" is the Singlish word for "meh"."lah" makes you sound sure of your statement, instead of turning it into a question.When you want to assure someone of your certainty, use "lah" at the end of the sentence.It doesn't change the meaning of the statement.
Step 6: Lose your words.
Singlish takes a lot of Malay language and uses less of it.Prepositions describe the relationship between the two things.Prepositions include words like before, after, and throughout."He sat in front of her" could be reduced to "he sat front her."We go versus he goes are the different forms of verbs.You would say "he go there everyday."In Singlish, the use of plural words is rare.The singular is the best way to get across your meaning."I ate grapes" would be the same thing.
Step 7: The present tense should be used mainly.
Singlish doesn't use a lot of past tense verbs.Instead of saying "what happened yesterday?"What happened yesterday?"You went where?"becomes "you go where?"
Step 8: It's not necessary to get the meaning across when the subject is dropped.
In English, we sometimes drop the subject from our sentences."Are you finished?"This is done more often in Singlish."I don't want that" and "finish already" could both mean the same thing.
Step 9: A Singlish dictionary is online.
There are many examples of common Singlish words and phrases in online dictionaries.Singlish is a mixture of English, Malay, several Chinese languages, and Tamil, so there are many words that don't come from English.Singlish dictionaries can be used to find resources for building your vocabulary.You can find a good resource at http://www.singlishdictionary.com.
Step 10: Singlish uses a lot of common phrases.
There's too much Singlish vocabulary to list out all the common phrases and words, but here are some of the more useful ones."My boss wants me to do this!"Is it possible to maken liao?Have you eaten yet?Sian ah!I am frustrated.Alamak!clamation of unhappinessOh my gosh!I agree with you.Why do you like that one?Why do you act like that?Can meh?Can this task be accomplished?Oh lau!Wow!I can't take it!To treat someone to a drink or meal.
Step 11: Singlish words are added to the end of sentences.
"lah" and "meh" are added to the end of Singlish sentences to change the meaning of the statement."Lah" emphasizes certainty while "meh" turns something into a yes or no question.This is one of the words used in Singlish."Leh" is similar to "lah" but the tone it puts across is more like you're trying to get someone to understand something."I don't know leh!" is an exclamation of frustration."Liao" means "already," as in the sentence "I did that liao leh!"The phrase "This nice hor" is what "Hor" asks for.
Step 12: Talk to people in Singapore.
It is the best way to learn an informal patois such as Singlish.If you have friends who speak Singlish, talk to them.You can also attend Singaporean cultural events in your area.You can study in Singapore for an extended period.It is one of the best ways to learn a language.
Step 13: Singlish can be used respectfully.
If you're a foreigner visiting Singapore, it's not a good idea to use Singlish in order to communicate as Singaporeans understand standard English very well.The locals will find it amusing if you speak Singlish with them.It's always a risk to speak Singlish in a mocking manner, so be careful not to.It is appropriate to learn Singlish when you are in Singapore for an extended period of time.It will help you understand those around you, without them having to switch to standard English.