Singapore's Language and Culture

Singapore is a multi-ethnic society where Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions coexist beneath the veneer of a western cosmopolitan metropolis. The three main ethnic groups are religiously and culturally diverse. Singapore has attempted to promote a national identity in its land of immigrants since its independence in 1965.  As part of this effort, Singapore has four national languages: Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and English. For business and politics, English is the language of choice
Similarly to Malaysia, the concepts of group, harmony, and mutual security are more important than that of the individual. The family is the centre of the social structure and emphasizes unity, loyalty and respect for the elderly. The term, 'family' generally includes extended family and close friends who are treated as family members. Respect for the elderly and seeing the family as the place one goes to for support, both help retain core values in this island nation. 
Additionally, face and respect are also significant values which is integrated into Singaporean culture. Having face indicates personal dignity. Singaporeans are very sensitive to retaining face in all aspects of their lives. Face is a prized commodity that can be given, lost, taken away or earned. It is a mark of personal qualities such as a good name, good character, and being held in esteem by one's peers. It can also be greater than the person and extend to family, school, company, and even the nation itself. Face is what makes Singaporeans strive for harmonious relationships.


The differing languages of Singapore have certain methods involving greetings which can make even the basics difficult to learn. 
Chinese traditionally have 3 names. The surname or family name is first and is followed by two personal names. Address the person by an honorific title and their surname. If they want to move to a first name basis, they will advise you which of their two personal names to use. Some Chinese adopt more western names in business and may ask you to call them that.
Many Malays do not have surnames. Instead, men add the father's name to their own name with the connector bin. So Noor bin Isa, would be Noor, the son of Isa. Women use the connector binti, so Zarina binti Isa would be Zarina the daughter of Isa. The title Haji (male) or Hajjah (female) before the name indicates the person has made their pilgrimage to Mecca. The name Sayyed (male) or Sharifah (female) indicates that the person is considered to be a descendent of the prophet Mohammed.
Many Indians in Singapore do not use surnames. Instead, they place the initial of their father's name in front of their own name. The man's formal name is their name 's/o' (son of) and the father's name. Women use 'd/o' to refer to themselves as the daughter of their father. Since many Indian names are extremely long, they commonly use a shortened version of their name as a sort of nickname. At marriage, women drop their father's name and use their first name with their husband's first name as a sort of surname. Sikh Indians all use the name Singh to denote themselves as Sikhs.