Singapore has four official languages: English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay and Tamil. That’s because people from many different backgrounds have made Singapore their home, including Chinese, Malay and Indian communities.
English is the language used in schools, offices and government, so I can get around easily. But Malay is Singapore’s national language, and the national anthem is sung in Malay! Many signs here are written in all four languages.
Most kids in Singapore learn at least two languages in school: English plus another one, usually Mandarin, Malay or Tamil.
People here also speak Singlish, a fun, local style of English mixed with words from other languages. Some words I’ve heard:
I've been learning a little Mandarin myself. My favorite phrase so far is "Nǐ hǎo ma?" (pronounced nee-how-mah), which means "How are you?"
Question for you: If you could learn any language in the world, which one would you pick, and why?
