When you come to a new country which is multilingual and English speaking, where the number of languages most people speak is at least two, if not more, you tend to think, at first, that you understand signs and what they mean when they are in English.
Until you realize that you don’t, quite.
After six months in Singapore, it’s still hard for me to know when Singaporeans are serious and when they are tongue-in-cheek, when it’s a genuine mistake in translation and when it’s simply a different usage of English (from what I’ve been used to) and when there is some history behind a term I’m totally unaware of because of which I just didn’t get it.
I’ve passed by this sign for a restaurant at a beautiful mall in Bugis. I thought I’d take a picture of it today. There is a picture of a whole skinned chicken next to it.
There are signs for sales everywhere. This kind of humour is something I’m more familiar with:
The construction taking place all over the island is accompanied by a ubiquitous term that I wouldn’t have used quite the same way but I’m getting more and more used to it– “business as usual.”
Sometimes there are signs where I think there is an issue with translation when it isn’t an issue at all.
The caption is from an older post but I found out later that this is a dish invented by a husband and wife duo and not what it seems like at all.
Other occasions show signs for more practical reasons but they still seem unfamiliar (to me). These cutouts of cows representing various professions of people here on the occasion of fifty years of Singaporean independence are in many places. But also accompanying them is a sign:
I’m sure that as I spend more time here, either this list will become longer or shorter depending on whether I spot more and more signs or whether I get so integrated that I stop seeing them.
For those of you who are not familiar with this part of the world, I’ll leave you to decipher the following sign:
bottledworder 
Thank you for sharing such an informative article about singapore signage. Crazy Art Singapore has developed into a one-stop hub specializing in visual advertising production. Founded in 1999, Crazy Art has worked efficiently with countless design & build firms in the commercial interior sector and has proven to be a trusted partner in all aspects. We provide nothing less than exceptional service and problem-solving for our partners.
LikeLike
thank,s
LikeLike
like, http://www.grsirgamismurah.net
LikeLike
i like
LikeLike
I Like Singapore. There is so many beautiful place..
LikeLike
When can I get there?
LikeLike
Singapore is a small country but it has been developed. Indonesia big countries but is still in the process of being developed and developing countries . Why be retarded?
LikeLike
for us it may seem strange
LikeLike
As a local, I am at times amused by these signs. Although the majority of her citizens speak at least two languages, with English as a first, their proficiency vary – often with hilarious results, as is evident in the pictures 😊
LikeLike
I was just recenly in Bangkok and I posted a couple like this on my facebook page. If I could post them here I would. One was instructions for opening the hotel safe – google translate I’m sure. Too long to post here. The other was a sign that said, “Beware of your belongings.”
LikeLike
funny!–BW
LikeLike
My father talks about durians in his memoir. I believe there are certain cheeses you are not supposed to transport on trains in France, because of the smell.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Durians are a fruit that, though delicious and popular, have a very intense and generally unsavory odor, especially while opening them. I’m assuming this sign is there to prevent the offensive odor in that area.
Still hilarious.
LikeLike
correct answer :)–BW
LikeLike
Singapore is unique. Singlish – Singaporean English. Hope you will have really great time there
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on oshriradhekrishnabole.
LikeLike
“No Durians” is hilarious:0)
LikeLike
Talk about strange, I don’t know how I would cope I would be as confused as hell by the signs
LikeLike
I have to wonder what the cows are up to, that they require surveillance. Hmmmmm……
LikeLike
apparently the cut outs were being taken away or stolen . . .
LikeLike