THE RESPONSES OF SINGAPOREAN CHILDREN TO PRONUNCIATION DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SINGAPOREAN ENGLISH AND A NATIVE VARIETY OF ENGLISH : AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

Abstract

This is an exploratory study into children's awareness and attitudes towards the educated Singaporean and American accents. Sixteen Singaporean children ranging from the ages of three to fourteen participated in this study. Results showed that children as young as those in the age range of three to five years were already aware of accent differences. The children could differentiate people which spoke with a Singaporean accent from those who spoke with an American accent. Interestingly, however, though the children could identify other people's accents, they were not able to do so as accurately when it came to identifying their own accents. It was also found that except for those in the age range of three to five years, the children held positive attitudes towards the American speakers whom they felt were the "better" speakers. However, when it came to the choice of friends, the children indicated that they felt more comfortable with Singaporean speakers, on the condition that they spoke "good" English, without any mispronunciation of words. This study makes no claims to findings representative of Singaporean children's attitudes. However it is hoped that the study will serve as a catalyst to further studies into this interesting area of research.