Speak English, Can Can

English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world; the most when native and non-native speakers are combined. It is the official language of the European Union, The United States, India, and many other countries throughout the world (including Singapore).

Speaking English is a good skill to have.

But what about all the non-native English speakers? Some linguists now estimate that non-native speakers now outnumber native speakers by a ratio of as much as 3:1. That means for every native born English speaker, three more people are taught English as a second language. Lucky us, the native English speakers, I mean; we can travel nearly anywhere in the world and get along just fine. Undoubtedly, that’s one of the main causes of the US’s deeply entrenched monolinguism.

Everyone speaks English. Why learn any other language? Please, translate:

Dis Guy Singrish Sib Eh Powerful Sia.

Any guesses? It means: This person’s Singlish is very good. (Thanks Wikipedia for the example).

Okay, how about this:

Order That The Objects Continuen Infecting Your mystery, Please Not To Touch.

Or

Coffee Give Birth to a Child Condition

The first example is Singlish. The commonly used pidgin English found widely in Singapore. It combines mostly English words with mandarin sentence structures and syntax, and a handful of words and phrases from Chinese, Malay, and Tamil (not to mention newly created hybrid words).

The second two are examples of what is commonly called Engrish: signs, warnings, announcements and other public messages translated into English from a second (usually Asian) language. I’m guessing the first one is a warning not to touch food or some other item to prevent infection. The second, again guessing, is a warning that drinking coffee can potentially cause birth defects.

So yes, everyone speaks English, but do they speak the same English you and I do? Well, that depends a lot on the person. In Singapore, specifically, the government tries very hard to ensure that their population speaks proper, British English. It’s taught in schools; Singlish is discouraged. And with the exception of cabbies and hawker centers, no western English speaker would have any problem communicating with the locals. Most people speak passing to good English.

But what about China, Japan, Korea? How about India? Or any of the places where a non-native, non-fluent speaker, teaches English to a second group of non-native speakers?

During one of my experiences in China, I was speaking to a young lady in a bar. She was educated, relatively well travelled (had travelled in and outside of China), and middle or upper middle class. I speak no Chinese; her spoken English was abysmal. Simply put, we were not communicating. And then one of us began writing on a piece of paper. Her written English was perfect. Over the course of thirty or forty-five minutes we had a complete conversation covering a variety of topics, utilizing complex and varied sentence structures, tenses, and a significantly diverse vocabulary. She made one mistake, in grammar and punctuation, over the course of the entire conversation.

I wonder what her spoken English is like; it certainly isn’t even remotely similar to mine or any other native speakers.

Now many people have postulated that Chinese will soon overcome English as an international language. China is coming up in the world; 1.6 billion speak Chinese natively if not more. Both valid points, but until the Chinese adopt an alphabetic writing system, Chinese will simply be too difficult to become widely used. But then some 200-600 million Chinese are learning English… It just may not be the same as your English or my English – it’ll be much closer to a Japanese person’s English, or a Korean’s, even perhaps, a Ghanian’s.

Finally, I come to Business English. Business English is taught, and spoken, widely throughout the international business community (surprise, surprise). A Japanese and Brazilian company trying to do business: English. The same goes for just about any other combination of two countries, excepting, maybe, linguistically dominated regions (Europe, South and Central America, the Middle East).

Interestingly enough, it’s easier for two people who both know Business English to communicate (even outside of business settings) with each other than for a native speaker and someone who only knows Business English. Two business speakers know the same vocabulary, use the same constructions, and are less inclined towards regional variation in syntax and tone. The native speaker may understand perfectly, but the business speaker has no idea what the native speaker is saying.

So what does all this mean for our increasingly global world. What does it mean for all the native English speakers throughout the world? To be honest, I haven’t a clue, but it will be an exciting and interesting journey.

I won’t even get into British vs American English… bloody brits.

At long last... Pictures

Hey folks,

I finally have internet at my house, which means I've been able to upload quite a number of new pictures. So sorry for the delay; I hope you enjoy the new selection. I've experimented a bit more, hopefully with success.

Training Young Lions

Education is a hotly contested topic anywhere in the world. What is the best way to educate and invest in the youngest, most recent generation? Hell, I have no idea, but it is fairly clear that what we have now isn’t working in the United States.

Singapore, on the other hand, consistently ranks in the top 10 according to international rankings, and has ranked first several times. Well-done Singapore. And having been within the school system for roughly a week, I am obviously an expert on it.

I’ll start with the organization of Singapore’s school system. The Ministry of Education, an obviously governmental body, oversees the entire country’s education (excluding international schools ie American School, British School, Canadian school etc). Most schools are called neighborhood schools, essentially the equivalent of public schools in the US. All of these schools receive the majority of their funding from the MOE, accept a more or less standardized curriculum, and follow MOE guidelines. Independent schools, funded in part by MOE, are the equivalent of private schools. All Singaporean children are required to attend either a neighborhood or independent school until the age of 16 (no international schools).

Singaporean children first enter the official school system at the age of 7, going to primary school. At the end of primary school, the children will then be tracked into either an independent school or a neighborhood school based on the results of the PSLEs (Primary School Leaving Exam). A standardized test they take at the end of primary 6 (1-6 represents a year).

In secondary school they will be tracked into Academic Express, Academic Normal, or Technical Normal streams, again based on their test results. Students can move between streams, but generally do not (movement between Academic Express and Academic Normal being the most common). Academic Express students are on a four-year plan. Normal students are generally on a five-year plan. For the record, I’m at a secondary school.

At the end of their four (or five) years, the academic students then take the Cambridge ‘O’ level exams. These tests determine if they will go onto Junior College or begin attending courses at one of Singapore’s many polytechnics. The technical students do not take ‘O’ levels (I think), and instead are streamed directly into technical college (think mechanics, plumbers, etc).

Junior College is a two-year program designed to prepare students for university level courses. At the end of their two years they take the Cambridge ‘A’ level exams. Which essentially determine which school in Singapore and what program they can enroll in. Many students choose to apply to schools outside of the country.

Students that were either not accepted into Junior College or did not rank highly enough on their ‘A’ level exams often go to a polytechnic college. I would equate them to community colleges in the US, but it’s slightly more complicated than that.

Polytechnics are three-year programs that award a diploma, not a degree at their completion. Many students enter the work force at the end of their polytechnic program, many more use this as leverage to be accepted into one of the universities. It bridges the gap between high school and college in the US – probably having a similar status as an associate’s degree.

So, now that I’ve explained, roughly, the system – what do I think of it? It’s entirely too early to tell. From a purely theoretical standpoint, my upbringing as a westerner, and certain personal experiences make me reject it outright.

Standardized testing accounts for nearly everything. And you get to take that test once. Some people aren’t good test takers; it’s a fact of life. And while some people do break out of the system (notably a technical streamed student recently attended university and received, I think, a doctorate or maybe he’s becoming a doctor), most can’t and won’t.

Not to mention my opinions about standardized testing in general, but every teacher I’ve met teaches to the test. At the end of the day that’s what’s important. Success on the test trumps everything else; to me, at least, this seems to undermine the concept of teaching as a whole. I want to educate for the sake of the student and the student’s edification – not a little number beside their name. Not that the two, necessarily, can’t coexist. If I can get that number high enough while still inspiring my students, all the better.

And yet, at the end of the day, it works. And it works a hell of a lot better than the mess we’ve got going in the United States right now. Do you sacrifice few for the sake of many? I don’t know. Is there a better system? Probably, but neither you nor I know what it is.

In the meantime, I’m shutting up and keep on trucking. I’ve already learned a lot, and have a lot more to learn. And for that matter, how do I experiment without jeopardizing the futures of my students?

Edit: The system isn’t quite as rigid as this. Several other alternate schools do exist, but I’m trying to give a general idea. And I’m sure I’m giving a very biased idea. I will have significantly more on this later.

The Beauty of Free

At this point in time, money is a bit tight for me. I don’t get my first paycheck until October 12^th. I’ll be fine, but that means I can’t go splurge on, really, anything until then. In a few previous posts, I’ve mentioned a handful of the free activities that Singapore offers, in one capacity or another. This includes Night Lights, my various walking tours (I do like a proper amble), and anything else I can find.

The national park, perhaps the only true urban rainforest, has no entrance cost, but substantial trails including a suspension bridge over 75 m (~225 ft) high. The esplanade offers a beautiful view of Marina Bay and the Central Business District. Clarke Quay has extensive displays on the Chinese Zodiac for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

And then, of course, the Busker Festival. Each year(?) on Sentosa (think Disney world relegated to an island), a free busker festival is put on. Internationally renowned buskers are invited to put on their displays by the Sentosa Development Board, or the government (is there really a difference? It’s a distorted wavering line.). Due to time constraints, I only managed to watch two of the performances. In Singapore style, and perhaps contrary to true busker art, the shows are at set stages and specific times. Still, the shows were great.

Flying Colors, by John Gawdy, a native New Jersian, is half street art half show. He throws paint at a canvas, hence the flying colors. To the accompaniment of music he painted John Lenin. It took the crowd a bit to figure out who he was, but most of us westerners realized pretty quickly with the hints: dead, peaceful, gunshot, and singer/song writer.

The other show, Acromanuel, would have been banned in the United States for sensitivity issues. An acrobatic comedian duo put on an impressive show. One, feigning an idiotic Mexican, Manuel, follows the directions of the other, the so-called Green Man. The show, possibly designed for children, but entertaining to all, displays some impressive acrobatic feats mixed with a healthy bit of slapstick comedy. Who doesn’t want to see the idiot shoot the boss in the buttocks with a blow-dart? I say it would have been banned in the US because of its impersonation of Hispanics and Native Americans. The duo made blatant generalizations about both groups, much to the gaiety of the locals. No Hispanics or Native Americans were present.

My point, ultimately, is that a great deal of fun can be had without spending any money. Drinking, being incredibly expensive in Singapore, simply isn’t in the budget. My normal weekend activity being supplanted I’m finding new ways to entertain myself. I enjoy myself more and I spend less. Not only that, I find myself being enriched by the experience, not poisoned. It’s amazing what a simple search in the right context can turn up.

Singapura, The Lion City

I’ve now been officially living in the Lion City for a little over a week now. I’m adjusting, I think, quite nicely. In many ways Singapore is little different from other major cities across the globe. I take the bus and MRT nearly everywhere I go. Rush hour is nasty; the skyline is beautiful.

I’ve adjusted, much to my surprise, to the heat and humidity. The language barrier (Singlish and English are two distinct languages that are similar the way Spanish and Italian might be) disintegrates with the passing of each day. The bus system, an indecipherable system of numbers and location-based stops (opp block 92//shell station//Ngee Ann Polytechnic) has become a slow, but otherwise easy method of transport.

And then other things are vastly different. What I have noticed more than anything else is the constant presence of the government. Billboards across the city reinforce anti-mosquito messages. Constant vigilance against terrorism is required on the trains and buses, again at the bequest of government-sponsored advertisements. To my western eyes it seems both invasive and pervasive. It has made me appreciate the liberties of the United States in ways I had not anticipated.

On other cultural notes, I’ve now visited my school and met my principle, HOD (Head of Department), and buddy/co-teacher. I’m very excited to start school next Monday. What few students I’ve met seem shy, but inquisitive. I’ve also discovered that they read my blog – a proper hello! to all my future students. You’ll be meeting me in person soon enough.

I had the good fortune to attend my schools mid-autumn festival the day I met my bosses and coworkers at Clementi Town Secondary. The mid-autumn festival is a Chinese holiday celebrated, you guessed it, in mid-autumn, officially on the 12^th of September. The festival itself involves lanterns, mooncake, and a general celebratory air. Mooncake is a pastry filled with some sort of sugary curd and egg yolk. I found it unexpectedly bland, but very tasty nonetheless. I was particularly fond of the green tea variant.

The schools festivities included performances by dancers, musicians, martial artists, singer(s), the school drama club, and other various entertainments. It was not, all together, that different from a Halloween celebration (minus the costumes, of course) in the United States.

Keeping the festive mood, I attended Night Lights, Saturday night. In recent years, the government of Singapore has been attempting to generate a more developed artistic culture within the city. Night Lights is an event designed to propagate such artistic culture. To begin, all the museums were free from 7:00pm to 2:00am, completely open to the public. A screening of “Thirteen Ghosts” an old, hokey, wonderful, horror movie took place at 8:00pm. Various different artistic, light based, installations could be observed in the downtown area of the city. Green space invaders (think back to the old game) descended on a park. Cars iced and filled with fog created a light show on the green of the National Museum. A projector distorted the façade of the National Art Museum with the auditory cues from a microphone open to the audience. Jellyfish descended on the courtyards of the Art Museum. And a lightning disturbed cloud lit another wall. It was, in my opinion, a grand success – a perfect example of successful government activity.

On the home front, my new apartment is massive. It’s three bedrooms with a massive living room and separate kitchen. Sadly, it lacks an oven. I’ve spent the past week attempting to make it feel more home and less like a sparsely furnished barren set of walls. I’m winning the battle, but the next step is carpet or rugs and wall fixtures. I think I’m going to have several of my pictures printed in grand; do any of you have suggestions for your favorite(s)?

I’ll have more soon, but am, alas, still without internet. Updates shall continue to be sporadic at best. I’ll attempt to upload pictures soon.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

My last few days were spent in the capitol of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. I took a bus down from the Cameron Highlands and was dropped in China Town, the backpacker district. I after securing a room for myself, I went on a wander, as I am wont to do.

The city is massive, as most capitols of a few million people are, but easily navigable and with a fairly competent public transit system. After taking a brief lap close to my hostel, I returned. And lo, on my return visit I stumbled upon a parade. And quite the parade it was. It was clearly for religious reasons, and I assume it was a combination of Buddhist and Hindus.

Mixed of mostly equal parts Chinese and Indians, the parade had several distinct stages. First came several floats with small, temporary shrines on them. Next were Chinese dancers/actors and Chinese dragons, then Indian musicians and actors, followed by more floats.

The floats were very elaborate, papier-mâché and stone statues with garlands and incense. The Chinese dancers were some sort of warriors; they carried swords and other weapons. Most amazing was their self-mutilation. During their performance they repeatedly struck their own backs with the weapons. One man cut himself severely and was bleeding quite badly – only a three inch long gash across his back.

The Indian musicians were mostly drummers. They played a fast beat on their drums and sang to accompany it. With them was a man dribbling vermillion from his mouth (it looked like blood). Worshipers would come to be blessed by him.

Wandering amongst all the dancers and floats were a variety of characters dressed as mummers, fools, and, I assume, angry ghosts. They ran up and down the procession alternately scaring and joking with the observers.

To even greater luck the parade came to a halt where I had bumped into it and began setting off fireworks. It was not a great production, but made all the more impressive by my proximity to it. And the fact that the fireworks exploded literally feet from the surrounding buildings. After the parade I returned to my hostel for the night.

The following morning I went on a much longer wander. I encountered a preserved rain forest in the middle of the city next to the KL tower (KL=Kuala Lumpur). Years ago the government decided to create a national park within the center of the city; it’s strange being in the middle of a rainforest, but being able to hear all the sounds of the city.

I did not venture to the top of the KL tower, as it cost an exorbitant rate to ride the elevator, but I did take some photos of the impressive structure. And then, slowly, made my way back to the hostel.

That night I ventured over to the Petronus Towers; they were the tallest buildings in the world for six years. Taipei 101 overtook them in 2004. Lit up at night, they are truly stunning. The lights play against the night sky and their sheer size astounds. The overall image looks surreal.

The next morning I ventured to Little India, not much to comment on, but the food was great. And then finally to the airport where I spent the night before returning to Singapore. And here I am now, a week later and just now updating. I still don’t have internet at home. Mid-autumn festivals, terrorism on the subway, and more coming soon.