Wednesday, July 15, 2009

British English vs. Singaporean English

Who says our English is teruk? Just read below - Ours is
simple, short, concise, straight-to-the-point, effective etc.

WHEN GIVING A CUSTOMER BAD NEWS

Britons: I'm sorry, sir, but we don't seem to have the
sweater you want in your size, but if you give me a moment, I can call the
other outlets for you.

Singaporean: No stock!


RETURNING A CALL

Britons: Hello, this is John Smith. Did anyone call for me a
few moments ago?

Singaporean: Hello, who call huh?


ASKING SOMEONE TO MAKE WAY

Britons: Excuse me, I would like to get by. Would you please
make way?

Singaporean: S-kew me..


WHEN SOMEONE OFFERS TO PAY

Britons: Hey! Put your wallet away, this drink is on me.

Singaporean: No need lah.

= ဆက္လက္ဖတ္ရွဴရန္ ...
WHEN ASKING FOR PERMISSION

Britons: Excuse me, but do you think it would be possible
for me to enter through this door?

Singaporean: (pointing at the door) Can ah?


WHEN ENTERTAINING

Britons: Please make yourself right at home.

Singaporean: No need shy one lah!


WHEN DOUBTING SOMEONE

Britons: I don't recall you giving me the money.

Singaporean: Where got?


WHEN DECLINING AN OFFER

Britons: I would prefer not to do that, if you don't mind.

Singaporean: Don't want lah.


IN DISAGREEING ON A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION

Britons: Err...Tom, I have to stop you there. I understand
where you're coming from, but I really have to disagree with what you said
about the issue.

Singaporean: You mad ah?


WHEN ASKING SOMEONE TO LOWER THEIR VOICE.

Britons: Excuse me, but could you please lower your voice?
I'm trying to concentrate over here.

Singaporean: Shut up lah!


WHEN ASSESSING A TIGHT SITUATION.

Britons: We seem to be in a bit of a predicament at the
moment..

Singaporean: Die lah!!


WHEN TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT HAD HAPPENED

Britons: Will someone tell me what has just happened?

Singaporean: What happened ah? Why like that one lah?


WHEN SOMEONE DID SOMETHING WRONG

Britons: This isn't the way to do it. Here, let me show you.

Singaporean: Like that also don't know how to do!

1 comments:

No Name said...

Hahaz... Singlish :P ... Which is your preferred one? Me... is for British English although it's long...it's more polite... sweet to hear...