English language ownership among Singaporean Malays: going beyond the NS/NNS dichotomy

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Singapore represents what Kachru calls an Outer Circle country. English is an official language, the de facto working language of the nation, and is the medium of instruction in all schools. Yet, with three dominant races and their affiliated languages, there is no single pattern of English language acquisition among Singaporeans. While some do indeed learn English as a second language, others acquire it in the process of its use and interaction, much like first language speakers in Inner Circle countries. Among other things, this makes these speakers native users of their variety of English. While much research has been done on the different varieties of English and their legitimacy, we explore speakers' orientations towards and degree of ownership of their English norms in one language community, Singaporean Malays, taking into account race, age, and socioeconomic class. The Malay community is interesting because, while most still use Malay as their predominant home language, English is making rapid inroads. By looking at English speakers across age and socioeconomic categories, we are able to capture a snapshot of their language ownership in transition, taking us beyond the NS/NNS dichotomy and nuancing the meanings of English in Singaporean society.

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