Understanding how ownership of different linguistic capital affects social integration in Singapore : a study contextualized in National Service

• Main Author: Zhuang, Yu Phyllis
• Other Authors: Sam Han
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences; DRNTU::Humanities
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/66210
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Using an intersectionality approach comprising of race, language and social class to understand the various possessions of linguistic capital by individuals and relationship to social integration in informal settings contextualized in National Service. Race is thought to be relevant because our linguistic capital of mother tongues is based on our racial groupings while class is included for it is believed to reflect capabilities of mastering languages, taking into account educational attainment and familial background. Data are obtained by interviewing twelve males in their twenties who have experienced National Service. Singlish is analyzed quite extensively due to its growth and prevalence. It is concluded that while indeed English is a language that connects all races allowing interaction, Singlish is a much more forceful especially it is used dominantly in informal contexts. Respondents felt that Singlish is truly reflective and belonged to Singaporeans, emotional identification with fellow countrymen while English is used more for work. While usage of mother tongues also serve to suggest emotional ties established with each other among the three races within their racial group, Singlish is indiscriminate in bonding Singaporeans of different social backgrounds and an effective platform, demonstration of how language is related to social integration. Key words: Singapore, National Service, Languages, English language, Singlish, Mother Tongues, Race, Social Class, Education, Social Integration Word Count: 9959