Singaporean words - pronounced differently to how it's spelt

[zzm9980]

But the Chinese have 'r'

PRC Mandarin pronounces the "r" initial a lot different than an english "r". They used the "r" character with pinyin for convenience, but don't think it's the same sound. It's kind of a cross between a rolling R and a buzzing Z, if that makes any sense. And I'm sure I'm still f-cking it up.

My wife (she's vietnamese) funny enough can say L and R properly, but on certain easy words, still messes it up. She always says "clazy" for "crazy", it sounds like a bad South Park Chinese parody (GOD DAMN MOGORIANS).

[morenangpinay]

they cant say flux but they sure can say fu*k perfectly!

they type it differently though...i've seen fark several times on some online comments lol

[nakatago]

PRC Mandarin pronounces the "r" initial a lot different than an english "r". They used the "r" character with pinyin for convenience, but don't think it's the same sound. It's kind of a cross between a rolling R and a buzzing Z, if that makes any sense. And I'm sure I'm still f-cking it up.
.

Still doesn't excuse typing 'tomolo' instead of tomorrow, right?

[JR8]

Still doesn't excuse typing 'tomolo' instead of tomorrow, right?

Maybe they're just acting cute ah?

[beppi]

Ang Moh: "What's your job?"
PRC: "Pirate"
Ang Moh: "What?!?"
PRC: "Yes, Pirate, frying airprane!"

Singlish also has no distinction of short and long vowels, thus "kitchen" sound almost like "Key-chain".

[JR8]

Ang Moh: "What's your job?"
PRC: "Pirate"
Ang Moh: "What?!?"
PRC: "Yes, Pirate, frying airprane!"

re: pronunciation and comprehension: right back at you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh5xu35bAxA
Berlitz German coastguard ad.

[zzm9980]

PRC Mandarin pronounces the "r" initial a lot different than an english "r". They used the "r" character with pinyin for convenience, but don't think it's the same sound. It's kind of a cross between a rolling R and a buzzing Z, if that makes any sense. And I'm sure I'm still f-cking it up.
.

Still doesn't excuse typing 'tomolo' instead of tomorrow, right?

True. The most annoying thing was when I first got here, and a highly educated friend I made kept using "e" instead of "the". "I'm waiting for e bus", etc... I see it a lot here. Drives me nuts.

[snowqueen]

I've been living on Bayshore Road for the last 4 years and whenever I've caught a cab home, some drivers don't understand 'Bayshore' so I have to say 'Bishaw', then all of a sudden the mist clears and they know the road I've referring to.

[poodlek]

My all time favourite: pizzeria=piss-area.
Honourable mention: Biopolis=B. O. Police.

[the lynx]

Guys, OP was asking about Singaporean words, not mispronounced English words.

Anyway back to OP, the reason many of these places have unfamiliar names (such as Bedok in your example) is because these names are Malay in origin.

So the rule of pronunciation the English way flies out of the window. Malay pronunciation is different especially the way the vowels are pronounced.

[nakatago]

Here's what I don't get: We have Bukit Merah AND Redhill.

[sensei_]

Here's what I don't get: We have Bukit Merah AND Redhill.

Whats not to get? Or would you rather they call it something else. Red mountain for instance

[sundaymorningstaple]

Here's what I don't get: We have Bukit Merah AND Redhill.

Whats not to get? Or would you rather they call it something else. Red mountain for instance

Sorry sensei_, but........

.......there, my friends, is what we call a typical local, unable to use lateral thinking, response.

Bukit Merah, is Malay for Red Hill and Red Hill means Bukit Merah. But both refer to two different locations. But the irony has been lost on you.

[x9200]

There are probably more like this around. Very convenient if you ask me.
No twisted associations with Bukit Batok?

[sensei_]

Sorry sensei_, but........

.......there, my friends, is what we call a typical local, unable to use lateral thinking, response.

Bukit Merah, is Malay for Red Hill and Red Hill means Bukit Merah. But both refer to two different locations. But the irony has been lost on you.

some assumptions you are throwing out there SMS. And we know what they say about assumptions eh .

Unlike some, i have no problems with using both languages that mean the same thing. And if you are stupid enough to get the two places confused, then something is really wrong.

You dont happen to be those who get lost because there are places with the same name in multiple places? Like that couple a few years back who wanted to go to Perth, Australia, but ended up in Perth, Scotland