A features-based approach for teaching Singapore English

Abstract

: Research into Singapore English (SgE) has undergone many paradigm shifts from the 1970s to the present. This paper first begins with a consideration of how variation in the English language used in Singapore has been studied. It then identifies the two main varieties of English commonly described in Singapore, namely, Standard SgE (SSE) and Singapore Colloquial English (SCE). The existence of these two varieties poses problems in language teaching as student teachers are not always confident in their own use and when to execute the two varieties appropriately and they may also lack the linguistic tools to help them distinguish between the two varieties. This paper examines the level of effectiveness of a particular course known as ‘Features of SgE’ has in introducing and helping undergraduate student teachers to distinguish between standard and non-standard features of SgE. Consequently, the features that need to be addressed in the classroom are identified. The results of a questionnaire administered at the start of the course and again at the end of the course designed to test students’ knowledge of the differences between SSE and SCE are analysed. Finally, the main findings from the course feedback are discussed in order to ascertain whether the course has been effective in fulfilling its objectives.