https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/use-of-english-is-vital-in-a-global-society
Use of English is vital in a global society
Published
8 hours ago
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It is good that Mr Bernard C. G. Law reminded us of the importance of using English as our official working language (Important to speak English at public service offices; Aug 21).
Oftentimes, I have much difficulty communicating with public service providers who have the notion that most Chinese like me can speak or understand Mandarin.
Whenever I visit government agencies such as a polyclinic, the Housing Board or Central Provident Fund Board, I have to respond in English when their front-line staff greet me in Mandarin, which I am unable to converse in.
As we live in a global and cosmopolitan society, it is vital for us to see English as a lingua franca not only when dealing with fellow Singaporeans, but also with foreigners and tourists.
Singapore is a preferred location for big-time investments and the many multinational companies here need English-speaking staff to operate at an international level.
Our public service providers are known for their efficiency and although friendliness can be expressed through some actions, a little conversation can also make a difference.
Given that Singapore is a multi-ethnic society, English is a language that can be used to unite Singaporeans.
Jeffrey Law Lee Beng
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 23, 2018, with the headline 'Use of English is vital in a global society'. Print Edition | Subscribe
https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/...nt-to-speak-english-at-public-service-offices
Important to speak English at public service offices
Published
Aug 21, 2018, 5:00 am SGT
I hope the authorities will reiterate the importance of the consistent use of English as our official working language at government agencies and public service offices.
Users of public services, such as hospitals and statutory boards, come from varied backgrounds.
Many can communicate with front-line staff only in English.
Of late, I have noticed that many of these staff, while on duty, tend to interact among themselves in their own languages.
While it is understandable that they do so when they are off duty or in the privacy of resting areas for camaraderie, it is inappropriate and, at times, even rude when they do so while serving visitors.
I have also noticed that, often, these interactions include private banter totally irrelevant to the business at hand.
These instances make them appear to be slacking off rather than working.
English, as Singapore's official working language, serves as an important bridge for our multi-ethnic population.
Any failure to speak in English at such agencies must not be allowed to take root or it will undermine our high standards of public service that many Singaporeans have become proud of.
Bernard C G Law
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 21, 2018, with the headline 'Important to speak English at public service offices'. Print Edition | Subscribe
Use of English is vital in a global society
Published
8 hours ago
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Email
It is good that Mr Bernard C. G. Law reminded us of the importance of using English as our official working language (Important to speak English at public service offices; Aug 21).
Oftentimes, I have much difficulty communicating with public service providers who have the notion that most Chinese like me can speak or understand Mandarin.
Whenever I visit government agencies such as a polyclinic, the Housing Board or Central Provident Fund Board, I have to respond in English when their front-line staff greet me in Mandarin, which I am unable to converse in.
As we live in a global and cosmopolitan society, it is vital for us to see English as a lingua franca not only when dealing with fellow Singaporeans, but also with foreigners and tourists.
Singapore is a preferred location for big-time investments and the many multinational companies here need English-speaking staff to operate at an international level.
Our public service providers are known for their efficiency and although friendliness can be expressed through some actions, a little conversation can also make a difference.
Given that Singapore is a multi-ethnic society, English is a language that can be used to unite Singaporeans.
Jeffrey Law Lee Beng
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 23, 2018, with the headline 'Use of English is vital in a global society'. Print Edition | Subscribe
https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/...nt-to-speak-english-at-public-service-offices
Important to speak English at public service offices
Published
Aug 21, 2018, 5:00 am SGT
I hope the authorities will reiterate the importance of the consistent use of English as our official working language at government agencies and public service offices.
Users of public services, such as hospitals and statutory boards, come from varied backgrounds.
Many can communicate with front-line staff only in English.
Of late, I have noticed that many of these staff, while on duty, tend to interact among themselves in their own languages.
While it is understandable that they do so when they are off duty or in the privacy of resting areas for camaraderie, it is inappropriate and, at times, even rude when they do so while serving visitors.
I have also noticed that, often, these interactions include private banter totally irrelevant to the business at hand.
These instances make them appear to be slacking off rather than working.
English, as Singapore's official working language, serves as an important bridge for our multi-ethnic population.
Any failure to speak in English at such agencies must not be allowed to take root or it will undermine our high standards of public service that many Singaporeans have become proud of.
Bernard C G Law
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 21, 2018, with the headline 'Important to speak English at public service offices'. Print Edition | Subscribe
