Languages in Singapore: What Do People Speak the Most?

Singapore is a popular study destination with four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. While English is the primary language for education, understanding local languages, including Singlish, can help Indian students adapt to academic and social environments.

Singapore is not only the most expensive country in the world but also a popular study destination in Asia. Every year, Indian students apply to study in Singapore. The biggest challenge for these students to learn languages spoken in Singapore to communicate in day to day life in this multilingual country.

Among the various languages in Singapore, Malay is the national language. Other than this, English, Mandarin, and Tamil are the three official languages of Singapore. British English is the commonly used language in government and business-related affairs. However, common people in Singapore use Singaporean English. This article will be helpful for those students and professionals who have plans to visit Singapore.

Official and National Languages in Singapore

As mentioned earlier, the government of Singapore recognizes four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. Apart from this, Mandarin is widely spoken among the Chinese population, while Tamil caters to the Indian community, and Malay is used primarily by the Malay community.

International students who want to study here will find no difficulty during class learning, as teachers teach in English. It is one of the most widely spoken languages in Singapore. English is the main language for education, business, and daily communication.

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Malay is an official language, but it is not widely spoken compared to other languages spoken in Singapore, such as English, Mandarin, and Tamil. Understanding these languages will help Indian students feel more confident navigating life in Singapore. It will also be helpful for them if they want to explore jobs in Singapore after completing their higher studies.

Most Spoken Languages in Singapore

According to official government data from Singapore's Census of Population 2020, here is the percentage of people who speak each language in Singapore:

British English and Singaporean English

We are pretty familiar with British English. Here in India, we speak British English. It follows formal grammar rules, vocabulary, and often uses specific spellings. So, how is it different from Singaporean English or "Singlish"? And why is it a common language spoken in Singapore?

Singaporean English is a slightly different type of English spoken in Singapore. Singlish incorporates words and phrases that may not be easily understood by speakers of standard English. While it is based on British English, it also reflects the multicultural influence of the languages in Singapore, including Malay, Mandarin, and Chinese. Needless to say, understanding and responding in Singlish will be helpful for Indian students to connect better with the local culture, make friends, and feel more comfortable.

Related Read: Part-Time Work Options in Singapore

Tips for Indian Students Want to Study in Singapore

Now, you have a clear understanding of multilingual culture in Singapore. English is the dominant language in Singapore for both education and work. Indian students, who are already familiar with British English, will find it easier to adapt to the academic environment. Below, we have mentioned some tips for Indian students who plan to study in the universities of Singapore:

• Master English Fluency: English is the primary language of instruction in Singapore. This will help you understand diverse speaking styles and communicate effectively in both academic and social settings. Check out tips to learn new languages to study abroad.
• Adapt with Singlish: While Singlish is not used in formal academics, it is common in everyday conversations.
• Take Advantage of University Language Support: Most universities in Singapore offer language enhancement programs. These resources can help you build confidence in your spoken and written English, making it easier to excel in your studies.

English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil are the four official languages in Singapore. While classes are conducted in English, it’s important to adapt to both academic and social settings. This will help you connect with people and succeed in your studies and future career.

What Languages Do People Actually Speak in Singapore?

Singapore is a well known study destination for Indians for its multiple reasons. The government officially recognises four languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. Among all these, English is the widely spoken languages in Singapore. It is the primary medium for education, business, and government affairs.

As you know, Malay holds the status of the national language. Also, it is featured in the national anthem. On the other hand, Chinese community mostly uses Mandarin for daily conversation, and Tamil is used among Indian Singaporeans.

It is true that many citizens of Singapore are multilingual. They are fluent in multiple languages spoken in Singapore. For Indian students planning to study in Singapore, understanding this multilingual environment can significantly help them to communicate with locals easy.

If you have any questions related to this, we will be happy to answer them. Drop your question in the comments below or connect with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors.