The relationship between ownership and attitudes of standard Singapore English among Chinese Singaporeans

Abstract

This study explores unchartered territory by analysing the relationship between language ownership and language attitudes in relation to Singapore Standard English (SSE) with age as a key variable. 127 English-speaking, Chinese Singaporeans between age 15 and 65 participated in an online questionnaire that assessed their ownership, covert and overt attitudes towards SSE. Ownership was measured using criteria adapted from Tan (2014), Foo (2017) and Rampton (1990), which are personal identification, extensive use and proficiency. Overt language attitudes of participants were assessed through their responses to statements pertaining to the three components from Baker (1949), behaviour, cognition, and affect. Covert attitudes were measured using the Matched-Guise Technique (MGT). Results showed that ownership was positively correlated with overt attitudes, showing the strongest association with affective and behavioural components of attitude. However, the relationship between ownership and covert attitudes was unclear. There was also little differentiation between the young and old participants in their ownership and attitudes towards SSE. Future research can further analyse the relationship between ownership and covert attitudes towards SSE with other methodology. Studies can also investigate the relationship between ownership and overt attitudes towards other language varieties such as SCE, observing if findings will remain consistent.