Why Singapore can lah?
Can, simply meaning, “be able to”, is the Singaporean’s
monosyllabic answer denoting one’s ability to do a required
task. It is often used to praise someone for one's abilities or
something specific.
“Lah”, probably the best-known Singaporean expression,
is often added to the end of a sentence for emphasis. This ever-present
Singlish tag is a very common suffix that is used almost like a
full stop.
Hence, when someone tells you “can lah”, you can immediately
understand it to mean “definitely no problem”; a strong
affirmative!
Singlish is Singapore English, or colloquial English. This local
variety of the English language is a product of Singapore’s
multi-racial society and diversity of languages. There is a natural
tendency to mix the various local languages and dialects when communicating
in the common language of English. As a result, wittingly or unwittingly,
Singlish has become the unofficial badge of identity for many Singaporeans,
as a very effective tool of verbal communication.
“Can Singapore bring the Sars outbreak under control, restore
confidence, boost morale and get the economy moving?”
"Sure can, lah!"
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