Wednesday, July 27, 2011

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. 

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 ASKING SOMEONE IF HE/SHE KNOWS YOU..
Britons: Excuse me, but I noticed you staring at me for sometime. Do I know you? 

Singaporean: See what, see what? 

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! 


So which would you prefer? Send this to your Singaporean friends and let them have a laugh too. Good day! (^_^ )    

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