The languages spoken in Singapore include four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese, and Tamil. English serves as the lingua franca and is the de facto main language used in daily life, government, legal, trade, and commercial affairs. Malay is the national language symbolically, reflecting the indigenous Malay community, and the national anthem is sung in Malay. Mandarin is widely spoken, especially among the ethnic Chinese majority, and Tamil is used by the Indian community. In addition to these, Singaporeans often speak Singlish, an English-based creole with influences from Chinese, Malay, and Tamil, which is commonly used informally. Most Singaporeans are bilingual or multilingual, typically fluent in English and their ethnic mother tongue, with many speaking two or more languages at home
. Summary:
- Official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
- National language (symbolic): Malay
- Lingua franca and main working language: English
- Informal creole: Singlish
- Multilingual population with bilingual education policy
