In the Singapore context, anyone can be a linguist! We are a bunch who can speak English (being our first language), Mandrin, Malay, and for some of us who have been living with grandparents since young, can maybe speak languages like Cantonese, Hokkien, Teochew, etc. This is not so much of a difficult feat, since we grow up in this environment. I used to joke with some clients who asked me whether I do any translation. I said “Yes of course. So if you need to interpret anything in Hokkien or Teochew, please look for me!” And usually, I get laughs.

Because simply, there’s no translation requirement for most of these dialects.

Unlike some Singaporean translators whom we know, not only are they effectively bilingual in both English and Mandrin, some of them even went on to master a third or even a forth language! Personally, I really admire their courage. Having recently tried to pick up French, I realise it is not an easy task. Every language has its uniqueness, and one has to be emersed in that environment in order to become a language specialist. Sometimes, even the natives might not know as much!

Thus for this, kudos to all linguists out there! I really admire your courage and determination to help us all bridge cultures. The world is smaller because of you!