Yes I agree, SMS, I was trying more to indicate that fact as always been government responsibility, although I did hear on TV, the prime minister, say that parents have a responsibilty to teach their children English.
I believe many have been privileged in the past, to good education here in Singapore, especially the one that can afford to go over seas and study, I'm not sure, although I think maybe the education system here is also very close knit with UK.
For example our grammar schools, will not except other religious pupils other than the the church of England, although it is not broadcast, it is policy and only the specifically chosen few are selected, not always on achievement, but more on the complexity of, who you are and your social standing. the ranks of freemasons is still very prevalent. although I am making a point rather than complaining. (although I would have difficulty proving this point) it is my opinion based on a Chinese family who tried to get their daughter into grammar school and was first asked her religion and then no!
The other set back for UK, would be if you never took your 11 plus exam in the 60's, you would automatically be in the bottom class, throughout the remainder of your educatiion in secondary modern and the school leaving age would be 15, for all in the bottom class.
These under privilaged, where at that time stamped, with a below I.Q and recieved only the basic of the poorest teachers one could find, who didn't teach, but entertained on their life experiences. even at the age of 13 I had never even heard of algebra, and we where actually treated has delinquents, from very poor social backgrounds.
The bastardization of the language started from day one of trading i would believe, in Raffles day, hence singlish. and those privilaged would get the good English education, Investment in the populous of the country, would not, I would think be in the interests of government, until now, where international competition is a matter of survival within Asia.
If the investment like you say was in the native English tutors long ago, then the populous, would not be so bastardized, although I think the reliance on foreign experts and labour, was predominantly more important at that time.
Denmark is a prime example of how a country can jump well in advance of the competition, when it needs too, with a very high labour cost, and high tax. With the dangers of the EEC running the agricultral quota system, Denmark have had to evaluate other fields of investment for survival.
Export of services and technology seem to lead the way for Denmark, the UK could learn much from them however, it's all about liberation of the people and investing in the people, Denmark, I don't think had all native tutors of English, and were not a multi cultural population for 25 years ago.
Today with the rich mixture of culture, the problems are evident, language bastardization is one of them, integration of foreigners is another, although Denmark does invest in the people, the initial cost is enormous, to the extent of damaging the whole of the Danish way of life.
With a multi racial community the threats of stability and harmony are of paramount importance, and the more power to the people may threaten, the foundation of a Countries long line of power. I guess it is a balancing act for the good of the Country.
Myself having lived in Denmark for over 25 years, and knowing the people, and the freedoms they have, weighs heavy on me, I owe Denmark my life, they gave me the opportunities, that my own Country never did, and never would.
The difference between UK and Denmark is one of democracy, and the people knowing they have democracy, an example of the young involved in political aims of the Country and the opposite in UK, where the populous are not encouraged to understand politics, but are lead like sheep, just to vote, and let those you vote for, take on the responsibility.
Out of 60 million in the UK, how many speak good English, I think we would all be very surprised of the results, if we are to grade the results A, B, C which would also reflect the standard of English within the class system.
Education is free and compulsory in UK, although what is it worth to a Country in terms of employability? If the standards are very poor? Which they are in UK, becuase government policy is to recruit investment and we all know you only get what you pay for.
So that is a labour force not very well educated, but very cheap, on the lowest of minimal wages by law. There communication ability in English is well below standard, and they would not be excepted into further education, without their own time and investment in good education.
It is very easy for me to criticise from my own experience and comparisons, becuase I have not lived in Singapore 25 years and have not had to raise children here, has my home.
But I can see from my daughter of 6 years, speaking Singlish every day, that I have to invest the time and effort, to correct her, and I also know, that 6 months in UK, and she will adapt, the frightening thing, is what is she going to adapt to.
Looking at the pro's & cons, I see her getting a better education here in Singapore, and I like to think Chinese is her first language, I rather choose the ethical values of foreign communities, than allow my daughter to fall prey, to a state run school in UK, although a short spell is excellent for survival training, Sorry for ranting on, although I do find the subject geographically interesting, with UK having planted the seeds.
I would just love to listen to what goes on behind closed doors in a Country like this.
From my point of veiw, having lived here 30 years ago on Dover Road, I'm pretty impressed and I like all the people here, apart from the snobs, in 40' years they have done well, and although there are many suffering still, and the rhetoric maybe slow, It will happen, and benefit, the further growth and prosperity of Singapore, but I would like to see the government liberate the people, and be more involved, rather than outside influences. The cake needs to be evenly divided!
