Pardon our 'ahs' and 'ums', Counter...

Since being a Toastmasters, sometimes I'll tend to take note of all the pause fillers in a casual conversation. I began counting the pause fillers of the other person in my head and once in awhile noting my own mistakes. I tell you, it still amazes me how much we rely consciously or subconsciously on these pause fillers in our speech. The normal conversation which I am sure all of us are familiar with goes " You know ah, that day ah, I meet Ah Lian Oh. She slimmed down a lot you know. Don't know what slimming tea she drink or slimming pill she bought." The other person goes "Erm, i also don't know oh. Ask her lor." Now, toastmasters, be an Ah Counter and count the pause fillers yourself.

As much as it is consider a "no-no' in order to speak the standard or perfect English, I guess sometimes, these pause fillers filled language are what contributes to the culture of a certain nationality as a whole. Our nation actually takes pride in it by exclaiming "That is Manglish what!!" just as how the Singaporean exclaimed "That is Singlish what...Don't Pray Pray!"

If you observed closely, even the English speaking nation adopt an English slang of their own. Australian or Britain like to add an "aye" at the end of each statement, Americans say 'like' 2 or 3 times' per sentence like "You know, she's like way over the top like she's all that" and what's with "Yo, good morning y'all! How ya doing?"

But then, we identify their slang of languages as part of what makes them a whole. That's another beauty of it. Being an international Language that goes to narrow down for each countries or nations on how even English Language could be a symbolic aspects to be added to their already diverse culture.

So, hoorays for 'Ahs' and 'Ums' but when it comes to Toastmasters meeting, let's play 'speak proper English,' shall we?

Cheers for now,

Melissa, CC and VPPR 2007/2008

1st Training Meeting for Feb 2008

Date and time: 15th February 2008 (7.30pm to 10.30pm)

Venue: Mark Lodge, Mini Private Room

Theme: CNY 2008 (Red or oriental or festive)

Be there or be square!