http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Singapore/Story/STIStory_422521.html
Good English signs wanted
By Serene Luo
Some signs in Singapore still suffer from bad phrasing or grammar, which may make them come across as illogical. --PHOTO: STOMP
WANTED: Street signs with good English, please.
Although not rampant, some signs in Singapore still suffer from bad phrasing or grammar, which may make them come across as illogical.
In a new competition, Singaporeans will be encouraged to take pictures of these signs - and suggest the correct words.
It is part of a collaboration between this year's Speak Good English Movement, launched on Friday, and Singapore Press Holdings' Stomp portal.
The citizen journalism portal has been highlighting quirky and badly-phrased signs on its 'English As It Is Broken' section for three years, and mistakes still crop up, said its editor Chew V'Ming.
One sign that was spotted by a reader, for instance, said: 'No Parking For Motorists'.
At the launch, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who was the guest-of-honour, called English important for 'business and social development'.
The ability to speak standard English would become more important as Singapore plays host at the upcoming Formula One races and the Youth Olympic Games, he said.
Singaporeans will also interact with more overseas visitors when the Integrated Resorts open - and speaking proper English, the world's common language, will let them be understood.
'When I meet overseas counterparts, they often ask how we have been able to achieve the good standard of English in Singapore,' said Mr Teo, who is also the Defence Minister.
'We need to keep this competitive edge by continuing to speak well and communicate effectively in English.'
Watch the RazorTV video here.
Good English saves money
THE Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (Iras), though 'not always the most loved organisation' here, has benefitted greatly from the better use of English, said DPM Teo Chee Hean on Friday.
Tax forms used to be eight pages long, filled with too many instructions and lengthy questions, as well as legal jargon.
By simplifying the forms and rephrasing and explaining the jargon clearly, Iras managed to cut the tax form down to just two pages.
'Multiply this by the millions of tax returns and statements that the Iras receives and sends, and you can see how both the taxpayers and the Iras were able to save time and money because of the clearer communication between the public service and the public,' Mr Teo said.
'I spend a lot less time doing my tax forms now, too,' he quipped.
Good English signs wanted
By Serene Luo
Some signs in Singapore still suffer from bad phrasing or grammar, which may make them come across as illogical. --PHOTO: STOMP
WANTED: Street signs with good English, please.
Although not rampant, some signs in Singapore still suffer from bad phrasing or grammar, which may make them come across as illogical.
In a new competition, Singaporeans will be encouraged to take pictures of these signs - and suggest the correct words.
It is part of a collaboration between this year's Speak Good English Movement, launched on Friday, and Singapore Press Holdings' Stomp portal.
The citizen journalism portal has been highlighting quirky and badly-phrased signs on its 'English As It Is Broken' section for three years, and mistakes still crop up, said its editor Chew V'Ming.
One sign that was spotted by a reader, for instance, said: 'No Parking For Motorists'.
At the launch, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who was the guest-of-honour, called English important for 'business and social development'.
The ability to speak standard English would become more important as Singapore plays host at the upcoming Formula One races and the Youth Olympic Games, he said.
Singaporeans will also interact with more overseas visitors when the Integrated Resorts open - and speaking proper English, the world's common language, will let them be understood.
'When I meet overseas counterparts, they often ask how we have been able to achieve the good standard of English in Singapore,' said Mr Teo, who is also the Defence Minister.
'We need to keep this competitive edge by continuing to speak well and communicate effectively in English.'
Watch the RazorTV video here.
Good English saves money
THE Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (Iras), though 'not always the most loved organisation' here, has benefitted greatly from the better use of English, said DPM Teo Chee Hean on Friday.
Tax forms used to be eight pages long, filled with too many instructions and lengthy questions, as well as legal jargon.
By simplifying the forms and rephrasing and explaining the jargon clearly, Iras managed to cut the tax form down to just two pages.
'Multiply this by the millions of tax returns and statements that the Iras receives and sends, and you can see how both the taxpayers and the Iras were able to save time and money because of the clearer communication between the public service and the public,' Mr Teo said.
'I spend a lot less time doing my tax forms now, too,' he quipped.
