Officials use Singlish, dialects to reach out
Walter SimMy PaperWednesday, Feb 11, 2015
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Officials use Singlish, dialects to reach out
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For years, officials were reluctant to use Chinese dialects or Singlish to explain government policies.
But in recent months, the Government has started to adopt both to communicate more effectively with certain residents, such as the elderly and the young.
Use of the vernacular and patois is just one in an expanding arsenal of strategies being adopted to raise awareness of policies and ensure they are understood by different target groups.
Minister of State for Communications and Information Sim Ann told The Straits Times yesterday that it was crucial to use what is most effective to build rapport and give a personal touch.
Hence, Chinese dialects were used to explain the Pioneer Generation Package to older citizens, while colloquialisms such as "gahmen" (government) and "cheem" (Hokkien for profound) were used on the Government's official Twitter account, @govsingapore.
But Ms Sim said this does not signal a shift in the Government's stance on vernacular tongues.
"The public is very discerning," she said. "For less formal occasions, many members of the public understand that we should go with the flow and use the language or style appropriate to that setting."
What is important is to "get people talking". She added: "Perfection isn't the goal, but getting the message across is."
The Pioneer Generation Package of lifelong subsidies and Medisave top-ups for 450,000 Singaporeans born in 1949 or earlier is a recent example of a multi-platform approach in government communications.
Besides door-to-door visits, messages were delivered at getai performances.
On the use of dialects, Ms Sim said: "For something as important as health-care affordability, we want to make sure that every member of the Pioneer Generation understands the best use of the benefits."
At roadshows, the elderly can take home merchandise such as specially commissioned trolley bags, Tupperware containers and umbrellas.
Meanwhile, to build awareness among younger family members on caring for the elderly, a six-minute YouTube video titled "11 Types of Singaporean Ah Ma" was commissioned.
The clip by film-makers Night Owl Cinematics has been viewed more than 900,000 times.
All this, on top of staples such as print and TV advertisements and dialogues.
In experimenting with new ideas, she gives her team creative liberties. For example, the colloquial tweets about the Central Provident Fund "were not put through a laborious process of multiple clearances".
Although they drew some flak, she said: "I'm cool with the fact that some people don't like it. If we're too hung up on being perfect, the entire communications process might snarl up."
Social media, with its wide reach and purported cloak of anonymity, presents a new set of challenges, she adds. "We have to accept that we are one voice among many. We don't try to outshout people, because when there's a shouting match, no one listens."
Thus, a measured approach is key in managing criticisms. "If it's a question, it should be replied to. If it's a baseless accusation, it should be rebutted... So long as it's not degrading or a disturbance, there's no reason not to live with it."
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