Can Can ! My first impression of Singlish

The English language has united the world and speeded its transformation into a global village. But the varieties of English we hear across India and the rest of the world may make the Englishman wonder if its his language they are using after all. In India we say ” I did’t like the movie “ya(ar?)” Well there is no word like “Ya” or ‘yaar” that can be used like this. Or the way we use “Actually” , “ basically” in any sentence. Well like Hinglish there in Singlish. it may take you just a while to catch the tone. Take the word “can” . It refers usually to a metal container for beverage. In Singlish it denotes action. can means yes or “can do” as opposed to “cannot” or its not possible.

This is how a dialogue goes :

Yourself : This bus go MRT lah?

Bus captain: Can.

U : Don’t have EZcard .

Bus captain : Ok no need. put the coins in this box.

U put the coins.

Bus captain: I issue the ticket already.

U take the ticket from the ticket dispenser.

Well that how it works. So you ask something it may be either “Can” or “Cannot”. And the ubiquitous “already”. The Englishman uses it when things have happened in the past. In Singapore it's ok to say ” Tomorrow i go market already." Already is useful after any sentence.

Or take another example.

MRT or the mass rapid transport system is the backbone of Singapore transport. But do not even dream of calling it a train or a metro. You ask something : Which is the way to the metro station? And you may get a blank stare. This guy is new and needs help - that's what the other person is going to think.. Instead just ask : MRT which way ? Then its easy : You go straight, turn left and you are at MRT already!

Or you go to buy a mixer grinder. The salesman suggests “this one better already.. 500 watts.. ” then u ask : Peanut crushing.. can ?” he is happy you are speaking the same language .. there is a loud “Caaan” but immediately he points out “Ice crushing.. cannot”. In Singapore they always want to be fair to you and help you take a wise decision.

Well that all for the first lesson, Singaporeans are very friendly people, and its a very open society so once you know the basics its easy to get around .

Firstly obey all the rules. Secondly u need a card for everything- the EZlink card for transport, access cards, bank cards. Do not break the traffic lights even while walking and if you smoke do not throw the cigarette end around. And lastly when you get down from an MRT, as the announcement will tell you .. “Please mind the platform gap”.