Our culture might be strange to foreigners but that\u00a0is what makes us unique –\u00a0it is easy for a Singaporean to spot a fellow Singaporean overseas when they display\u00a0some of following traits.<\/p>\n
It might seem odd that whenever a young person calls anyone older than them either an \u201caunty\u201d or \u201cuncle\u201d. \u00a0This does not mean that everyone is related to each other. Referring to someone you do not know as \u201caunty\u201d or \u201cuncle\u201d is merely a simple way to address them without knowing their name.<\/p>\n
It also eliminates any awkwardness as one would not have to worry what to call the elders. \u00a0In some ways, this displays\u00a0courtesy and respect.<\/p>\n
Unlike in the United States or any other countries that are used to tipping, it is not required here. Bills already include the Service Charge and Goods and Services Tax. Moreover, waiters and waitresses are paid by the hour hence there is no need to tip them.<\/p>\n
Certain places do accept tips by having small tipping jars by the cash register.\u00a0Apart from that, tipping is just not a customary standard in Singapore.<\/p>\n
It is a well-known fact that Singaporeans are one of the fastest walkers in the world.\u00a0 The experiment was conducted by British Council analysts who covertly timed thousands of pedestrians\u2019 walking speedily in city centres globally.<\/p>\n
Personally, I would tend to speed walk whenever I\u2019m heading to a specific place, irrespective of whether I\u2019m rushing or not. \u00a0And from what I have seen, Singaporeans also rush for seats in the MRT as soon as the door opens.<\/p>\n
Last but not least, what better way to spot a Singaporean; if not for the use of \u201cSinglish\u201d. Along with a \u201crojak<\/em>” sentence\u00a0which is a sentence that consists of three or four or even five languages.<\/p>\n \u201cSinglish\u201d or the Singaporean-English slang include words such as \u201clor\u201d, \u201cleh\u201d, \u201clah\u201d, \u201ceh\u201d, \u201cah\u201d, \u201chor\u201d, \u201cone\u201d, \u201ccan\u201d and \u201cmeh\u201d to emphasise emotions or to simply complete\u00a0a sentence.<\/p>\n For example; when someone says \u201cWhy you liddat one?\u201d which translates to \u201cWhy are you like that?\u201d or \u201cWalao eh”. “Go makan never invite one. Bo jio!\u201d which just shows the annoyance of someone of not being invited to a meal.<\/p>\n These are just a few examples that describe a true blue Singaporean. \u00a0There are so much more to add to the list which shows the significant evolution our country has attained in terms of its uniqueness and that it will continue to evolve over time.<\/p>\n