Language is a system used to encode and decode information, and is used to communicate meaning. Language, or rather the use of language, has come under the spotlight recently due to the now infamous Razor TV interview with Miss Singapore World 2009 Ris Low, during which she responded to questions about her fashion sense. Miss Low's diction in particular came under fire. Most average Singaporeans bemoan the fact that someone who speaks such poor English will be representing Singapore on the world stage, while pageant organizers and the chairman of the Speak Good English movement spoke up for her, citing the fact that she is just speaking the way most Singaporeans speak. I am not going to add to the numerous comments out there, but you may judge for yourself.
The various ways we use language can result in communication barriers or miscommunication. This is especially relevant in our increasingly globalised world. One does not even have to step out of Singapore to encounter a whole host of nationalities, who may not understand local slang. Your order for a 'Kopi Siew Dai' (Coffee with less sugar) may result in a blank stare from the newly arrived Chinese national taking your order at the Coffee Shop. Things can get even more complicated in English, where the same word may not mean the same thing to different people. If I say 'fixed', I may mean that it is permanent in nature, but you may interpret it as being repaired or mended. In Singapore, 'slang' is the local slang word for 'accent'.
To limit miscommunication, we need to ensure that our audience understands what we're saying, rather than merely focusing on the words we're using. This means that how we say something is just as important as what we're saying. Miss Ris Low came under fire not so much because of what she said, but how she had paused awkwardly, her enunciation, and her indecision about where to direct her gaze.
Any language used should be specific, and we should not be too rigid in our use of language. Others may not agree, but to me that means its alright to use a mixture of local slang and English(Or Mandarin, etc.) to communicate, depending on who we're talking to, such as if we order a meal at a kopitiam. Naturally you're not going to do so in a situation where you're expected to speak fluently, such as while giving a presentation. In such a case, it would be necessary to speak in standard English to ensure maximum understanding by the other party.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Honestly, I was shocked of the remarks given by pageant organizers and the chairman of the Speak Good English movement. How would the world view Singaporeans?
ReplyDeleteThe Miss World competition is watched by the world. The basic requirement would be able to pronounce clear and simple English.
Excluding all the fake accents and bombastic words. ;)
Hi Grace! Kelly here. Interesting post!
ReplyDeleteI am in agreement with E Viv that it is shocking how the organisers can give such a remark. Esp to hear it coming from the Chairma of the Speak Good English movment. Do most Singaporeans speak this way? I have nothing to fault with Ms Low's usage of English language. LIke what you said Grace, it is not just what she says but instead how she says it that matters. She is unable to phrase her thoughts into a fluent sentence that sounds cohesive in nature. How would others understand her in this way?
Hence it is true that the mannner we use our language will affect how our commmunication with others will be perceived.
I also concur with you that any langugae use should be specific and that we need to use for the right occassion. And Ms Low has unfortunately used hers for the wrong occasion.
Hi =) Sabina here.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the way of how she portrays herself matters more than what she said. With her way of phrasing herself in broken sentences and poor eye contact, it makes one feel negative about her that she is not confident, or even worse, rude to the audience.
This is an international competition, and she will be represent us, Singapore for it. It will reflect badly on Singapore image for her poor usage of language. It is not a way to end this situation by having the Chairman of Speak Good English Movement to say that most Singaporeans speak same way as Ms Low. This does not help to improve the situation.
Thus, to conclude, it will be better for Ms Low to improve her usage of language if she really going to represent Singapore for this major competition.
Indeed our body language can say much much more than we sometimes realise. Sometimes we slouch in our chair, or add a casual slang word at the end of our reply. Although it may not seem like much, it can change the entire tone of the message, and make us appear ruder than we intend.
ReplyDeleteStrangely enough, many people don't seem to know the message they're sending out, or even that they are sending it. Its my opinion that we need to pay more attention to how we carry ourselves, the way we speak, and the words we use, lest we end up like Ms Low, laughed at by all.