新加坡大学生的方言语言态度研究—以新加坡国立大学为例 = Dialect Attitudes of Singaporean Undergraduates: A Case Study of National University of Singapore

Abstract

This research examines the role of Singapore Chinese dialects among Singaporean university students in light of the continued push for common language among Singaporeans. Singapore is known as a nation of diversity, which also includes linguistic diversity. However, this language diversity often neglects the Chinese dialects. These dialects are mostly spoken in private domains while official languages like English and Mandarin is reserved for public and official domains. This greatly affects the public’s perceptions and recognition for these dialects, signaling the possible endangerment of these dialects. This study examines the practical usage of these dialects and language attitudes of National University of Singapore (NUS) through survey and Matched-Guise Text. Despite the fact that practical application of dialects is rare, students from NUS generally have a generally neutral attitude towards these dialects and prefer to use a mix of both dialect and any official language when needed. Also, it has been found that females generally have a more critical attitude towards languages and tends to have more prestige preference in language usage. It is hope that this research will highlight the significance of dialects in society and will direct future research on Singapore dialects.