2i1John

Leader: John Yap (23) Members: Dear all, please go to the discussion board to post any comments or changes. - John Please translate the highlighted parts into Singlish
 * John || Student D, Person A, expatriate, department store manager ||
 * Benedict || Student A, Person D, tourist, Mr. Colin Goh ||
 * Darren || Student C, Person B, Mr. Goh Eck Kheng, socio-linguist ||
 * Mingjie || Narrator ||
 * Zach || Student B, Person C, Hotel Manager, EL teacher ||
 * 1) John Yap
 * 2) Benedict Tan Jun Kiat
 * 3) Darren Low
 * 4) Mingjie Teo
 * 5) Zach Lim

** __Characters:__ ** Narrator Chairman of the Speak Good English Movement, Mr Goh Eck Kheng An English teacher 4 students (top secondary school, neighbourhood secondary school, JC student, primary school student) An expatriate (native speaker) who has settled in Singapore for a few years, Mr. Peter Burge 4 “People on the Street” (representing a variety of viewpoints) Mr. Colin Goh, director of TalkingCock the movie Tourists who have arrived in Singapore recently The manager of Fullerton Hotel, Mr. Louis Sailer The branch manager of Robinsons, Mr. Vincent Tan A prominent linguist, Mr. Ng Guan Song

- Introduction: The hook would be the reading of news articles illustrating the English-Singlish debate - Narrator’s voice enters as the newscaster’s voice fades away, introducing the topic of the Singlish vs. English debate
 * __Act 1, Scene 1__ **

- Narrator continues, stating that the debate is especially fierce when it comes to educating the next generation - Narrator once again acts as the transition, starting the interview with the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education - Viewpoint: Acknowledges that Singlish cannot be completely eradicated, but stresses importance of maintaining high English standard, bringing in a global perspective. States that Singapore’s competency has granted edge in business world, but they should not become complacent. Speak Good English Movement illustrates stand and policy, keeping in line with objectives - Interview with English teacher: Adamant on Singlish not being used in her lessons, saying that though students say that they can maintain the balance between the 2, she does not feel such.
 * __Act 2, Scene 1__ **
 * __Act 2, Scene 2__ **

- Narrator interviews students (background sound should ideally be noise of the school) - Interviews with students express different viewpoints: - Student A: agrees with the need to maintain high standard of English; acknowledges that he too relapses into Singlish, especially in casual conversations. However, he is of the view that he can judge the correct context //(top sec school student)// - Student B: //(Dialogue is interspersed with Singlish)// Highly disapproves of policies as highlighted in Speak Good English Campaign, says that Singlish is the culture of Singapore //(neighbourhood sec student)// - Student C: Says that English is the lingua franca of society, extremely important, uses minimal Singlish in daily life //(JC student)// - Student D: Says that even his English teacher says Singlish in class, speaking Standard English at all times is a chore //(primary student)//
 * __Act 2, Scene 3__ **

- Interview with expatriate: says that though it has gotten some time to get use to Singlish, he enjoys it as it is part of the local culture. Says that as a native speaker, people are stunned when he speaks Singlish sometimes, but it has helped him to adapt //(Adds some Singlish phrases to “show his Singlish fluency”)// - Interview with people in the street, all interviews short //(no introduction, the tone of voice should convey the character)// - Most are for Singlish: - Person A: //(Dialogue in Singlish)// States that it is what differentiates Singaporeans from the rest <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New'; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">- Person B: //(Dialogue in Singlish)// Says that Singlish is a multi-racial language, shows Singapore’s uniqueness <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New'; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">- Person C: Knows importance of English, but should maintain heritage <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New'; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">- Person D: Says others are concocting varieties of English as well, jokingly points out the possibility of those becoming Standard English. <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New'; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">- Interview with Mr. Colin Goh, speaks in a lively tone with Singlish added <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New'; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">- States that he is not anti-English, but rather pro-Singlish //(Take note to follow what he said in his speech)// <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New'; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">- Interview with tourists: state that it is very hard to get used to the Singlish-speaking culture, is often misunderstood by staff in the service sector. Strongly feels the need to enhance English proficiency <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New'; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">- Interview with hotel manager: says that all staff are trained to speak proper English to create a proper impression with tourists, main language used in society
 * __Act 3, Scene 1__ **
 * __Act 3, Scene 2__ **
 * __Act 3, Scene 3__ **
 * __Act 4, Scene 1__ **
 * __Act 4, Scene 2__ **

<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New'; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">- Interview with manager of a major departmental store: Members of staff are encouraged to be moderately fluent in English, but does not insist that fluent English is spoken at all times. States that Chinese is fast catching up as one of the languages used most often, with even Europeans learning Chinese <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New'; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">- Conclude, summing up viewpoints <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New'; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">- Final interview with socio-linguist <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New'; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">- Viewpoint: Important to maintain the original flavour of English, but there is a need to accept Singlish as one of the varieties of English <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New'; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">- Narrator closes: documentary is not enough to cover the large amount of information and viewpoints, but listeners can be more informed and judge for themselves.
 * __Act 4, Scene 3__ **
 * __Act 5, Scene 1__ **

// (The introduction consists of a mechanized/ human voice reading out the following headlines: “Linguists speak up for Singlish”, “Singlish will undermine education hub”, “Don’t codeswitch to Singlish please”, “Don’t base national identity on speaking Singlish” and “Don’t Let Singlish confuse others”) // ** Narrator: ** Newspapers are filled with such headlines, illustrating how the English vs. Singlish debate has become such a hot topic in recent years. Does Singlish now hold supremacy over Standard English? Is English catching up with the advent of the various campaigns? And is this debate even relevant today? This documentary will take you into the viewpoints in this long-standing fight. // (Playing of a little tune, signature music?) // ** Narrator: ** Singlish is an English-based Creole language, originating since the British arrived and set up English language schools in Singapore. The English taught in schools filtered out into the streets to be picked up by non-English speakers for communication purposes. This English became influenced by Hokkien, Cantonese, Malay and Chinese cultures, and Singlish was thus born. With some background in mind, let’s delay no more and plunge into the realms of the English-Singlish debate. //(transition music)// ** Narrator: ** To start off, let us begin with the Speak Good English Movement, most commonly associated with the campaigners for Standard English. Today we have with us Mr. Goh Eck Kheng, chairman of the Speak Good English Movement. Mr. Goh, what is MOE’s policy towards the English Singlish debate? ** Mr. Goh: ** Though it is unrealistic to eradicate Singlish completely, we believe that all people should be fluent in the English language. Singapore has a competitive edge with its workers proficient in English, but we should not get complacent. With English being the //lingua franca// of business, commerce and trade, it is extremely important that our citizens should grasp this language and speak it with ease. ** Narrator: ** Mr. Goh, what concrete policies has the Speak Good English Movement placed to support this. ** Mr. Goh: ** Since 2003, the Speak Good English Movement has launched a yearly campaign, with the focus changing each year. Taking our 2008 movement, themed “I can”, we focused on Singapore’s service sector, launching workshops such as “Service English for Retail Professionals”. Or in 2007, when we focused on our youth, displaying good English at weekly “Rock your world” programmes through music, oratorical performances, film, drama, stand up comedy and poetry. // (transition music) // ** Narrator: ** In the English Singlish debate, one of the most important stakeholders would be the educators of our next generation, for what they teach would determine what the next generation learns and speaks. So let’s ask our teachers. Excuse me, ma’am? (Surprised reply by teacher) I gather that you are an English teacher here. (Affirmative reply) We are doing a radio documentary and we wonder if you could tell us your views on your students speaking Singlish. ** Teacher: ** I strongly disapprove of it. In my lessons, I prohibit my students from using anything other than Standard English in my classes. Though my students insist they can “code-switch”, I don’t think so. The English standard has been dropping rapidly since the time I was in school, and I think this use of Singlish is a major cause. ** Narrator: ** Thank you madam. And how about you, young gentleman? ** Student A: ** I agree that there is a need to maintain a high standard of English. Though I try to speak in Standard English at all times, I do often relapse back into Singlish, especially in casual conversations. However, I think I can know when to switch between Singlish and Standard English. ** Narrator: ** How about you? What do you think? ** Student B: ** <span style="background-color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-USmsoAnsiLanguage;">Why is there a need to speak Standard English anyway? Our teachers keep on nagging us on the need to speak Standard English, but what is the use? So many people speak Singlish in Singapore, so why does the government want to abolish it now? //(translate this into Singlish)// ** Narrator: ** May I know your opinion on this matter? ** Student C: ** I think English is the major language used for communication in the world today, and English proficiency will be essential to build Singapore up into the centre of commerce and trade. I myself, in order to be better prepared for this new era, speak minimal Singlish so as to remove the trouble of learning to switch between Singlish and English. ** Narrator: ** Good morning boy, what do you think about Singlish? ** Student D: ** My English teacher uses Singlish in class too when she’s teaching, especially when she wants to keep us quiet. My ahma uses Hokkien at home, so I feel that Singlish is a good language for us to communicate and for her to learn English! //(students’ voices fade out)// ** Narrator: ** Our children and youth of different ages all have their own views of English. But education is not the only player in this game. The citizens of Singapore have their own feelings about Singlish as well. Let’s hear the views of Mr. Peter Burge, a British citizen who has called Singapore his home. Mr. Burge, thank you very much for allowing us to interview you. What are your views on Singlish? ** Mr. Burge: ** I feel Singlish is unique to Singapore and it should be preserved as part of the country’s heritage. When I first reached Singapore, I too felt that Singlish was a strange language. Over a long time, however, I have gotten used to this language and have accepted it as part of Singapore’s culture. Singlish, I feel, is like Cockney to the Londoners, for example in UK. As a “native speaker”, as Singaporeans put it, many are surprised to hear me speak Singlish. This language is a part of Singapore! //(transition music)// ** Narrator: ** Could you speak Singlish for us to hear? ** Mr. Burge: ** Aiyah i cannot speaks singlish one lah ** Person A: ** <span style="background-color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-USmsoAnsiLanguage;"> Singlish is a “Made in Singapore” product, only Singapore then have this one! We are so proud of having our things all “Made in Singapore”, so why shouldn’t we be proud of Singlish? //(translate this into Singlish)//
 * __Script: Radio documentary__ **
 * Narrator: ** So, what do the public think about Singlish? Currently, I am walking down Bukit Timah Road, ready to interview anyone walking along the way. Excuse me, sir, what do you feel about Singlish?

=
Person B: <span style="background-color: rgb(0, 255, 0);">Singlish is probably one of the only languages that is so multi-racial! Chinese, Malay, Indian, Hokkien, Cantonese – all have one! If the government encourages us to promote a multi-racial society, why Singlish cannot eh? (translate this into Singlish)* ======

*will this translation do? i seriously dont know.
** Person C: ** Yes, I know in the newspapers always got articles on Speaking Good English. But, Singlish is Singapore Colloquial English, is a brand of English in Singapore. If so many people speak it, why do we want to remove it now? ** Person D: ** Even the British and the Americans have their own slang – there are just so many varieties of English arising around the world. So why can’t we have an extra one? ** Narrator: ** Having been exposed to the love of Singaporean citizens with regards to Singlish, it is time for us to meet someone who is an absolute fan of Singlish, Mr. Colin Goh, director of TalkingCock the Movie. Welcome Mr. Goh, and thank you for agreeing to let us interview you. What is your view on the Singlish-English debate ** Mr. Goh: ** My pleasure, my pleasure. As you probably know, in April 2002, I launched a Save Our Singlish campaign to save Singlish. A lot of people try to sabo us by saying that we are anti-English. We are just supporters of Singlish, we are not anti-English.

** Mr. Goh: ** We simply feel that this is part of our culture, probably the only thing that makes us uniquely Singaporean. When you’re abroad and alone, it can be a real comfort to hear the familiar and lovely sounds of phrases like "like real," and "blur like sotong". Singlish is also a very economical and humourous language. For example, while a foreigner would say “I am very sorry. I had no idea that chewing gum is prohibited in Singapore.”, the Singaporean would just say “Gum cannot meh?” As a patois, Singlish is like Creole is to the Cajuns in North America, or Cockney is to Londoners, or Geordie to Newcastlites, or Scouse to Liverpudlians, or Govan to the Scots in Glasgow. To everyone who is listening: save our Singlish! // (transition music) // **Narrator:** After hearing the views of 2 people highly supporting Singlish, let’s hear the view of the tourist arriving in Singapore for the first time. Good morning sir? You are tourists from? (pause) What do you feel about Singlish in Singapore?
 * Narrator: ** So why do you promote Singlish in such vigourous campaigns?


 * Tourist:** I feel it’s a very strange language and when I went to the shopping mall the other day, the cashier asked me “So, you want separate bag?” and “Cash or card?” I was so disgusted by the standard of English here, especially in the service sector. Really, Singapore should do something to raise the proficiency level of English, especially for people serving tourists like myself. // (transition music) //


 * Narrator:** So is the standard of English in the service sector that poor? To answer that question we have with us today Mr Louis Sailer, general manager of the Fullerton Hotel. Mr. Sailer, are all your staff trained to speak Standard English?

** Narrator: ** Next, we have Mr. Vincent Tan, store manager of one of Robinson’s outlets. Mr. Tan, what is your policy on the standard of your staff’s English? ** Mr. Tan: ** Although we encourage all staff to be moderately fluent in English, sending those who are not to English lessons, we do not insist that our staff speak Standard English at all times. The store serves a variety of customers, mostly Singaporeans, from different backgrounds, so we require our staff to judge the type of English to speak according to circumstances. Besides, Chinese is fast emerging as one of the most commonly spoken languages in the world, and we are keeping up to the times by looking for staff that are bilingual in both English and Chinese. //(transition music)// ** Narrator: ** You have heard the many viewpoints of the people who are the various stakeholders of this debate, with some promoting Singlish as Singapore’s heritage, while others insisting that Standard English should be the way to go. Let’s now have a final interview to put all this into perspective with Mr. Ng Guan Song, a prominent social-linguist. Mr. Ng, what is your view on the English-Singlish debate? ** Mr. Ng: ** It is now uncertain whether this debate is relevant any more. Standard English, since it was formed, has induced many varieties of it sprouting out all around the world. There is “Chinglish” for the Chinese, “Manglish” for the Malays and “Singlish” or Singaporean Colloquial English for the Singaporeans. It is therefore necessary to consider Singlish in a bigger picture, not on itself, as part of the wider world of offspring of English. English has developed through the centuries, and I think we should accept Singlish as part of the ongoing development of English as a whole. ** Narrator: ** Thank you Mr. Ng. To all listeners out there, this radio documentary is not enough to cover every single viewpoint on the significance, function and role of Singapore Colloquial English. You, the listener, with these facts in mind, must form your own opinion, now being sufficiently informed to judge for yourself: English or Singlish. That is the end of the radio documentary and have a nice day!
 * Mr. Sailer:** Yes, all our staff are trained specifically to speak Standard English, as we believe in creating a right impression for tourists arriving in Singapore. English is the most commonly used language in the world today, and people arriving from all parts of the world at our doorstep are mostly English-speaking. Thus, we believe in the need for our staff not to speak Singlish when in contact with tourists so as to enable the tourists to understand them as well as to leave them with a lasting impression of our hotel for its professional conduct. // (transition music) //