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National Development Minister Lawrence Wong at a recent press conference stated that the government is following the advice of the World Health Organization (WHO).
While it is understandable to stay in line with an international body like the WHO, the government’s choice of words in giving its advice does not seem to coincide with that of other countries.
For example, the rest of the world calls the measures taken to close schools and the like “Lockdown”, the government has decided to call what is happening in Singapore “Circuit Breaker”. Are they trying to be different just for the sake of doing it? Most Singaporeans have access to international media and are kept up to date with what is happening in the rest of the world. Aren’t you using different terminology for basically the same confusing thing?
This is NOT the time to show that we are creative! The government has deployed the police to verify and punish people who still go out in groups. But could it be that people, especially seniors, don’t really understand what “circuit breaker” really means, whether in English or Mandarin? However, the term “block” is very clear. Using a term used in many other countries could send a better and stronger message.
If Wong claims that Singapore follows WHO’s advice, why is the government coining its own unclear phrases like “circuit breaker”?
In uncertain times like these, people want clarity! It is not a bland language.
Either we wear a mask or not. Why are unclear phrases like “no longer discouraging people who are okay to wear masks”? It is not that the government has a problem telling people what to do in other cases. Why are you suddenly so shy?
In difficult times, people want things to be clear. It is not the time of flowery language that is subject to interpretation. For example, to control the spread of the virus, it would suffice to say “linked cases” or “unrelated cases”. It is black or white. Everyone understands it.
In Singapore, we say “follow-up contact pending”. How is this useful? There is no point in saying right? Just tell us the answer when you know. Do not throw more useless information to confuse the situation.
Has the government joined in your approach?
And even in these dangerous times, the government has introduced ways to pat yourself on the back. “Situation under control but more steps to follow”. Basically “more steps to follow” means you are not under control right? Why not simply say “the outbreak worsens, the existing measures are insufficient”?
While the Singapore government has done relatively well, that is for us to say. Not for them to build on language to praise themselves.
