SingaporeS Languages

AY2023/2024 Semester 2

In this course you will explore the answers to common questions that people have and are curious about languages in Singapore: What is Singlish? How did Singlish come about? Is Hokkien a dialect? Why do Singaporeans use lahs and lors? You will observe existing theories and their relation to how languages such as Singapore English has evolved and developed. You will also discover how language policies in Singapore have an impact on the development of languages in Singapore. This course will also provide you with the opportunity to examine the role of the media - from newspapers to the movie industry - in the construction of Singapore's languages.