marikita

i was just wondering today: how many of us actually know the meaning of our national anthem?

in a land where only 15% (and diminishing) speak malay, it is not surprising that fewer and fewer people can sing, less understand, our anthem.

just the other day, i had a prc transport operator who did not understand a single word of my evacuation route brief. after i had gone through with him the entire journey from east coast park to changi general hospital, he looked at me rather sheepishly and said "可以讲华语吗?". as it turned out, he had lived in china all his life and had only come to singapore 1 week prior being drafted into national service as his parents were already PRs and i guess that they did not want to lose their status.

luckily i can still 讲华语.

language differences aside, i can only imagine how confusing singapore must be for him. coming from a rather homogenous society, i guess he has never had to come into close contact with anyone of a different race and cultural background. i wonder how does he cope with the malay military commands, or what does he make of our local patois - singlish.

ah well for the benefit of everyone young or old, local or foreigner or tourist, ang moh or prc or eurasian or even singaporean, here is the english translation of majulah singapura. indeed, may we come together this national day and progress towards One Singapore.

Come, fellow Singaporeans
Let us progress towards happiness together
May our noble aspiration bring
Singapore success

Come, let us unite
In a new spirit
Let our voices soar as one
Onward Singapore
Onward Singapore

Come, let us unite
In a new spirit
Let our voices soar as one Onward Singapore
Onward Singapore