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Language barriers in Singapore

Priscilla

Hello,

Learning a new language is a part of the expat process. Let's find out how crucial it is to know the language in Singapore.

What is the official language in Singapore, and what are the other popular spoken languages?

Is it possible to live in Singapore and get by without speaking the language?

How do you manage to communicate with the locals if you don't speak the native/official language fluently?

What are some popular and useful phrases that expats absolutely need to know?

Can you share some tips about how to survive in Singapore on a daily basis without speaking the language?

Thank you for sharing your experience.

Priscilla

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beppi

In Singapore, virtually everybody is fluent in English, which is the standard language of commerce, employment and education.
It might be possible to survive in some ethnic enclaves with the other official languages Chinese, Malay and Tamil, but I would not recommend it.
Any other language is near useless here - then better don't come to Singapore!

jeynergil

There's a lot of questions you have. English is official language.