Many Singaporeans have a tendency to lapse into non-Standard English in casual conversations. The dialogue between Hui Ling and Ahmad is a good example of this.
Role-play the dialogue with your child and see if you can spot the mistakes and correct them. Remember, make it fun and do not use this as a test for your child.
Dialogue
Hui Ling: Hi Ahmad, how are you?
Ahmad: I’m fine, and you how?
Hui Ling: Good, thanks. Hey you can help me collect some books from the library?
Ahmad: Yes can. When?
Hui Ling: Today.
Ahmad: Tomorrow morning can or not?
Hui Ling: All right. When you can come and give me?
Ahmad: Tomorrow afternoon can?
Spotting the Errors
Six common mistakes were made. Did you spot them?
Here’s the dialogue again, with the errors corrected in bold:
Hui Ling: Hi Ahmad, how are you?
Ahmad: I’m fine, and how about you?
Hui Ling: Good, thanks. Hey, can you help me collect some books from the library?
Ahmad: Yes I can. When do you need me to do it?
Hui Ling: Today.
Ahmad: Can I do it tomorrow?
Hui Ling: All right. And when will you be able to pass the books to me?
Ahmad: Is tomorrow afternoon all right for you?
Source: Edited from “Grammar Matters” a series of handbooks by RELC.