I can understand the reason why many foreigners in Singapore, especially the native English speakers, are baffled by our standard of English or even somewhat put off by our Singlish.
I mean, what excuse do we have when English is our first language and so many of us received more than 10 years of English education? We toiled our youth away taking exams over and over in English, and yet we still continue to grapple with the language.
OK, maybe it is just me and less so for most of my peers. I think I am too conscious of my English especially when I speak to people who are very conversant in the language. Being articulate is so important in bringing across whatever smart ideas you may have to your audience. It will be such a pity having impressive ideas but not being able to express it effectively. To make things worse, I feel that my inability to speak well actually impairs my confidence. To a certain extent, I think not being able to communicate well leaves the impression that whatever I am going to say is not so important.
Being as prideful as I can be, I hate to feel lousy after I make blunders in front of others (which happens pretty frequently unfortunately). I hate to admit it but I take days to get over it.
Hence, it seems like the prideful Leo needs to play catch up to improve my English. Time to finish the book I bought months ago after one such incident occurred to me back then. Self-help books, here I come.
My friends, speak to me in Engrish the next time you see me.
