English turning bad. - Singapore's Online Community

Sheng4Eva · 07-12-2006, 06:14 PM

English turning bad.

The rising ownership of handphones and internet access by Singaporeans is killing the beauty and clarity of the English language.

I find such abbreviations detrimental to the learning of English, with text like "How o r u?" (meaning "how old are you?" replacing conventional writing.

With the advent of technology, the need to obtain instant gratification in undeniable. THis explains why the short written message has become a trend.

It is even more surprising that some dictionaries have recognised and "legalised" these words.

We have traded the rich English literature and the art of writing for technology.

If this trend is not stopped, a new generation of English language will hit us right in the face.

**solidsin** · 07-12-2006, 06:29 PM

but i feel its just easier to type short form ma . and singlish and stuff is just part of our lives

**chinkai** · 07-12-2006, 07:17 PM

I also agree that it is not practical to be always using perfect English in daily life. One reason is that time means money to a lot of Singaporeans, and even if all they get from the abbreviated messages are savings of a few seconds, they will still do it.

Personally, I prefer to use unabbreviated English, at least here in this forum. Here you have all the time in the world to write your posts, so do make use of this opportunity to practice your spelling and grammar.

Peace.

**IAMTIRED** · 07-12-2006, 07:21 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by Sheng4Eva
	English turning bad. The rising ownership of handphones and internet access by Singaporeans is killing the beauty and clarity of the English language. I find such abbreviations detrimental to the learning of English, with text like "How o r u?" (meaning "how old are you?" replacing conventional writing. With the advent of technology, the need to obtain instant gratification in undeniable. THis explains why the short written message has become a trend. It is even more surprising that some dictionaries have recognised and "legalised" these words. We have traded the rich English literature and the art of writing for technology. If this trend is not stopped, a new generation of English language will hit us right in the face.

Dun u agree dat singlish makin singaporean proud in a way.. but then a proper english still important.. but now do u think every family speak english at home..

**Cesario** · 07-12-2006, 07:38 PM

for me im ok with it, if u can differentiate the english between both, you actually on the safe side..

**vgohyk** · 07-12-2006, 07:43 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by Sheng4Eva
	We have traded the rich English literature and the art of writing for technology.

I agreed of this sentence. I think it really describe how people uses English these days. Technology advancement may not be that great to some extend.

Honestly, speaking/writing of good English is/are important. If you are determine to brush up your English, then the more you shouldn't use Singlish. Singlish can be used, of course, but depends on what kind of situation. For instance, in the forum while discussing things which are less serious or important, I don't really see harm in using Singlish. Another case would be, meeting clients or having a meeting with your superiors, then, of course, good English is needed.

However, I strongly think that, as a Chinese, we should speak (or even write) well of Mandarin and not just English. Yes, English can be important cos it's a international language, but don't you think that, we shouldn't forget our native language too? Does that means in order to be proven that you are a good english user, you should excel well in English but don't give a damn for Chinese?

I think we should balance out these two languages. It's important to be good at both, at least. (:

**Cesario** · 07-12-2006, 07:47 PM

yep i agree with this too.. if you actually know how to balance both English and Singlish, how to differentiate both, you are actually on the safe side

Sheng4Eva · 07-12-2006, 07:49 PM

Well, i guess i definitely agree with it too, everyone must be able to differentiate between English and Singlish, or else in the future especially when handling document items will cause alot of troubles.

**Cesario** · 07-12-2006, 07:53 PM

ya.. just think of a secretary who types a report in Singlish..

**solidsin** · 07-12-2006, 08:20 PM

True oso . i think if u noe proper english and singlish would be best . so u can fit in to either group .

**clement** · 07-12-2006, 08:40 PM

not only languages... but calculation and the ability to remember things with the introduction of calculators and hps