English VS Singlish
“laa..” “hor..” “meh..” “arr..”
English vs Singlish
When returning a call …
English: Hello, this is Miss Tan. Did you call me just now? Singlish: Hello, who call ah? English: Hello, this is Miss Tan. Did you call me just now?
When someone is blocking your way…
Singlish: Excuse! Excuse! English: Excuse me.
When unsure of something…
English: I don’t remember you returning my eraser Singlish: Got meh! English: I don’t remember you returning my eraser
When you want to tell the teacher that you have finished your work…
English: Teacher, I have finished my work. Singlish: Cher, finish! English: Teacher, I have finished my work.
When asking to go the washroom…
English: Teacher, may I go to the washroom, please? Singlish: Cher, can go toilet? English: Teacher, may I go to the washroom, please?
When you want to tell that you can do something…
Singlish: Can, can. English: Yes, I can.
Using ‘May’ vs Using ‘Can’
Using ‘May’ To ask for approval or permission before carrying out something
Example: “May I sit here?” “ May I go to the toilet, please?”
Using ‘Can’ To show that you can do or perform something
Example: “I can jump and run.” “ I can juggle three balls at the same time.”
The correct way of speaking:
When going to the washroom: a) Cher, go toilet? b) Teacher, may I go to the toilet, please? b) Teacher, may I go to the toilet, please? c) Teacher, can I go to the toilet, please?
When you had finished your work: a) Teacher, I’ve completed my work. a) Teacher, I’ve completed my work. b) Cher, finish! c) I finish, cher!
Speak well, to be understood!