A Straits Times reader known as Nurwati suggested in the forum on 19th December 2006 that "it would be much more pleasant to live and work here if we went back to requiring English as the main language for all jobs".
What are your views on her statement?![]()
Not trying to be racist or wat, but still, there are jobs which really requires candidates to have some language proficenicy due to the job nature, eg to liase with pple from China, or Saudi Arabia region (considering these are hot places now)
Maybe a full article of the lette might be better for us to judge
Here is the article produced from the Straits Times Forum (Dec 19, 2006) on page H6:
My last - part-time - job was as a call-centre agent. When I left and started looking for a full-time job through the newspaper and the Internet, I was both disappointed and frustrated. Besides requiring them to speak English, companies also require them to speak Mandarin. Even an American MNC required Mandarin-speaking staff.
There were times when I called up a company which did not state anything about language requirements. After telling a staff member about my qualifications, my hopes would be dashed when he/she asked if I could speak in Chinese.
However, I am also aware that there are certain jobs requiring other languages, such as Malay, Tamil or even Tagalog. My concern is, will the minorities in Singapore be able to survive in this job market?
If would be much more pleasant to live and work here if we went back to requiring English as the main language for all jobs.
Nurwati Ya'akop (Ms)
Considering the fact that we have so many PRCs in Singapore, Mandarin will be a better medium to interact closely with them.
The same would go for Tamil or some other language if we have a major faction of these foreign intakes.
Maybe we would be speaking spanish once we import Mexicans.
Maybe we would be speaking spanish once we import Mexicans.
They are already here.
I think a few jokers here in ClubSnap are Mexicans.
:bsmilie: :bsmilie:
-reads between the lines like people always tell him to-
SION IS MEXICAN!
AHA!
In many cases, it is used as a tool to discrimination against the minorities.
i've never thought of it this way.. :think: you used this tactic often?In many cases, it is used as a tool to discrimination against the minorities.
i've never thought of it this way.. :think: you used this tactic often?
it's simple actually... if u don't speak chinese, how are u going to communicate with some of the old folks who don't speak english? Most of the staff at my work place are Chinese aunties who are in their late 50s or early 60s. Alot of Singapore who are in their late 50s and 60s, who might only be able to speak their mother language. Just be thankful they did not say to be able to speak some form of dialect!
no reason in particular, was thinking since you suggested it, thought your company or someone you know uses this.Whenever there is a loophole - you can be sure someone will exploit it.
Why do you assume that I would be the one who has used this tactic?
I feel that language as a job requirement is reasonable enough, since it's basically a skill. If the job requirements ask for job applicants of a particular race, then that will be harder to justify.