Overseas Singaporean attitudes towards Singlish

Abstract

ABSTRACT This qualitative study explores the attitudes of Singaporean undergraduate students living abroad towards the colloquial variety of Singaporean English, also known as Singlish. The data, consisting of eight in-depth individual interviews, and the findings were analysed using a theoretical framework incorporating cognitive, affective and behavioural components of attitude. The findings demonstrate that Singaporeans have a ‘love and hate’ relationship with Singlish. While the distinctiveness of Singlish features allows Singaporeans to recognize and connect with fellow countrymen abroad, serving as a marker of identification and solidarity, it is also viewed as ‘improper’ and ‘a cause of embarrassment’. Singlish is considered a means by which non-Singaporeans can assimilate into the Singaporean community, and yet, it was found that there was an exclusivity about Singlish in that it could only be mastered by Singaporeans. The findings are discussed in relation to the implications that future research can have on attitudes towards Singlish.