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Language attitudes and maintenance of young Singaporeans who speak Chinese dialects
Author
Lee, Felicia Qiu Xuan
Supervisor
Tupas, T. Ruanni F.
Abstract
Chinese dialects in Singapore are endangered languages with only a small group of speakers remaining in this cosmopolitan city. It has been observed that speakers of Chinese dialects are merely limited to the elderly population with fewer young Singaporeans speaking the languages having given way to language and education policies such as the “Speak Mandarin Campaign” and the “Bilingual Education Policy” that were put in place. As such, in order for Chinese dialects to be revived as thriving languages in the society, it is imperative that the remaining minority of young Singaporeans do the honour of reviving and maintaining the Chinese dialects that they speak. This study aims to explore the language attitudes of these young Singaporeans pertaining to Chinese dialects, as well as their opinions of the possibilities of maintenance of the dialects. The study employs in-depth interviews with 10 young Singaporeans to obtain a richer understanding of the dialect situation in Singapore based on their perceptions and experiences. Results of the study do not point to an overly optimistic chance of revival or maintenance of Chinese dialects in Singapore, but not all is lost if conditions are optimal.
Date Issued
2015
Call Number
PL1621.S55 Lee
Date Submitted
2015