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Coffeeshop Chit Chat - Have English Exams for new SG citizens</TD><TD id=msgunetc noWrap align=right>
Subscribe </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=msgtable cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="96%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=msg vAlign=top><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=msghead><TD class=msgbfr1 width="1%"> </TD><TD><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0><TBODY><TR class=msghead><TD class=msgF width="1%" noWrap align=right>From: </TD><TD class=msgFname width="68%" noWrap>kojakbt22 <NOBR>
</NOBR> </TD><TD class=msgDate width="30%" noWrap align=right>2:54 am </TD></TR><TR class=msghead><TD class=msgT height=20 width="1%" noWrap align=right>To: </TD><TD class=msgTname width="68%" noWrap>ALL <NOBR></NOBR></TD><TD class=msgNum noWrap align=right> (1 of 31) </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=msgleft rowSpan=4 width="1%"> </TD><TD class=wintiny noWrap align=right>17578.1 </TD></TR><TR><TD height=8></TD></TR><TR><TD class=msgtxt><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD>Hold compulsory courses and exams to get citizens of higher calibre
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I HAVE nothing against new Chinese immigrants and fear of the new immigrants is not the issue ('Geylang, Chinese and the irrationality of fear', July 16).
They are dynamic, hardworking and add colour and spunk to Singapore. Singaporeans of all ethnic groups also understand the importance of links to and trade with China. Because it is sensitive, Singapore's ethnic policies have always been deeply thought out. When it comes to harmony between the different ethnic groups, we have always leaned towards the 'melting pot' concept rather than multi-culturalism.
In allowing ethnic enclaves to be created, we may unwittingly be sleepwalking into the pitfalls of multi-culturalism. It goes against the ethnic policies we have instituted in this country, from the common education system to ethnic quotas in public housing.
When we allow enclaves of the majority to be built based on language, there is no common interaction point. We also exclude new immigrants and citizens from India and other English-speaking countries.
It is worrying when I walk into shop after shop and no one can speak English. It distresses me because I am thinking about my friends from the non-Mandarin-speaking ethnic minority groups in Singapore. They are automatically deprived of the services provided by these shops which are increasing in number and locations in a multiracial and multi-religious country.
Language enclaves represent the dominance of a majority without regard for others who do not speak the same language. The language of the majority does not always unify, is not inclusive and can easily lead to segregation.
Some countries have compulsory citizenship courses and examinations that include spoken English. Perhaps we could take a leaf out their books. It will also mean that new immigrants and citizens are of a higher calibre.
Alicia Wong (Ms)
[email protected]
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I HAVE nothing against new Chinese immigrants and fear of the new immigrants is not the issue ('Geylang, Chinese and the irrationality of fear', July 16).
They are dynamic, hardworking and add colour and spunk to Singapore. Singaporeans of all ethnic groups also understand the importance of links to and trade with China. Because it is sensitive, Singapore's ethnic policies have always been deeply thought out. When it comes to harmony between the different ethnic groups, we have always leaned towards the 'melting pot' concept rather than multi-culturalism.
In allowing ethnic enclaves to be created, we may unwittingly be sleepwalking into the pitfalls of multi-culturalism. It goes against the ethnic policies we have instituted in this country, from the common education system to ethnic quotas in public housing.
When we allow enclaves of the majority to be built based on language, there is no common interaction point. We also exclude new immigrants and citizens from India and other English-speaking countries.
It is worrying when I walk into shop after shop and no one can speak English. It distresses me because I am thinking about my friends from the non-Mandarin-speaking ethnic minority groups in Singapore. They are automatically deprived of the services provided by these shops which are increasing in number and locations in a multiracial and multi-religious country.
Language enclaves represent the dominance of a majority without regard for others who do not speak the same language. The language of the majority does not always unify, is not inclusive and can easily lead to segregation.
Some countries have compulsory citizenship courses and examinations that include spoken English. Perhaps we could take a leaf out their books. It will also mean that new immigrants and citizens are of a higher calibre.
Alicia Wong (Ms)
[email protected]
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