Not all Singaporeans embrace Singlish as part of our multicultural identity.
However, it’s evident that a large group of Singaporeans are very proud of this national icon. It’s especially so when we see other nationalities being so impressed with the language that they want to learn it.
A video of a China traffic policeman speaking fluent Singlish has gone viral in China with several netizens commending his skills and expressing interest to learn this language.
Mr Li Yanqi is a traffic policeman in north-western China’s Xi’an city and was on patrol on June 11 when he stopped some foreign students riding motorbikes without licence plates.
At first, he used Mandarin to ask them if they could speak Mandarin but they said no. Then, he decided to whip out his English skills which he had acquired while working in Singapore for two years.
It was a distinctively Singaporean accent when he questioned the culprit. “You driving a car in your country you need driver licence or not?”
China netizens were so impressed that the use of Singlish has effectively helped the policeman to carry out his duties.
“This Singlish is very accurate.”
“I suddenly feel like learning English.”
“So handsome, I want to learn a foreign language already.”
“Hahaha, this accent is so sincere.”
“So powerful. The ones who are proud should be Singaporeans.”
It has also won the hearts of some Singaporeans.
Makes sense leh.
Who say one?
Hannor.
Ai Seh!
You can watch the full video here.
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