THE USE OF REDUPLICATION IN SPOKEN SINGAPOREAN ENGLISH

Abstract

The object of this study is an investigation of reduplications peculiar to Singapore English (SE) used by proficient local English speakers in informal contexts. The data collected includes not only reduplicated English lexical items but also loan words that have been incorporated into the informal general standard usage in Singapore. A semantic, grammatical, phonological and pragmatic analysis of the reduplications collected shows that they receive formal and functional input from the local languages, particularly Malay and Chinese. A case for the non-arbitrariness of reduplication is made as the analysis reveals significant, though sometimes covert, connections between the semantic and cultural rules of these languages governing reduplication in SE. The discussion of the similarities and differences of SE and pidgin/ creole varieties of English (known for reduplicative constructions) questions the assumption that reduplication in SE occurs because of its pidgin/creole status. The concept of code-mixing is brought in to show the marked differences between the varieties and establish the non-arbitrariness degree to which reduplication has become a fully integrated morphological process in SE. Furthermore, reduplication in SE has a socio-expressive value that goes beyond its use for simple vocabulary expansion that is typical of creoles and pidgins. This study then concludes that the occurrence of non-native English reduplication testifies to its status as a full-fledged morphological process in SE, just as it is in the local languages. Despite similar occurrences in pidgin and creole varieties, its use in SE cannot be directly linked to these.