Singapore - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Most people speak English. The more local your friend circle is, the more Singlish (local patois), Hokkien, Mandarin, Cantonese, Malay, and other languages you will hear. Locals may dip into and out of these languages all within one conversation. To an American, the English here will sound fast, clipped, and will have British-isms and phrases you’ve never heard before. The accent is distinctive and you will get used to it. The Mandarin Chinese spoken here has a more Southern China/Taiwan accent compared to Beijing or other parts of China. - Mar 2022
Most people speak English. However, if you have local friends like we do you might need to learn some "Singlish." Often locals will break off speaking a mixture of hokkien and Mandarin blend of language that might leave you lost in group convos. - Aug 2015
English is primary language. - Aug 2015
They speak English - Nov 2011
None. - Mar 2010
None, but often it's difficult to make out what people are telling you on the phone: local schools aim at universal fluency in English, but except at the elite level, they tend to settle for 'Singlish.' - Dec 2008
Absolutely none. Most Singaporeans speak English better than I do (when they want to). - Aug 2008
Almost none, though learning some Mandarin will provide you with a much better insight into the Chinese culture in general. - Jun 2008
