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Fri 9 Dec, 2016 12:00 pm
In Singapore, when asked about their citizenship, the people there write "Singapore Citizen". But in Malaysia, the residents write "Malaysian Citizen" instead of "Malaysia Citizen".
What is the reason for the difference in writing of citizenship?
Thanks.
I think the reason may be phonological. 'Singaporean' is four (or even five) syllables, and 'Singaporean citizen' is a mouthful. 'Singapore' is already used attributively in many other contexts. We talk about 'Singapore English', 'Singapore Parliament' and the Singaporean version of Pop Idol was called 'Singapore Idol'. It is 'Singaporean' when used predicatively ('The style is Singaporean').
The more appropriate analogue might be Zimbabwe (also three syllables, becoming four with Zimbabwean; 'Zimbabwe citizen' is possible too) rather than Malaysia ('Malaysian' is still three syllables).
Thanks, contrex, for the reply.
Can Singapore citizens be called Singaporeans instead? Can a Singapore citizen when asked to state his citizenship write Singaporean instead of Singapore citizen? Will it be legally wrong?
@tanguatlay,
It seems both terms are in use, so linguistically there is no barrier. Certain official and non-official publications mix the two words.
(1)
The Singapore(an) embassy in the USA says:
Quote:Under Singaporean law, an individual who automatically acquires Singaporean citizenship at birth retains that status even after acquiring U.S. citizenship. Singapore does not recognize dual nationality beyond the age of 21.
https://singapore.usembassy.gov/dual_nationality.html
(2)
(3)
The Singapore(an) consulate in Hong Kong says:
Quote:Citizenship Application for Child of Singaporean
The Consulate-General accepts Singapore Citizenship application, on behalf of Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), for Singapore Citizens whose children are born outside Singapore within one year from the date of birth of the child. At the same time, these children may also submit the application for their first Singapore Passport.
If you are applying Singapore Citizenship for your male child, please note that under the Enlistment Act, all male Singapore Citizens by birth or registration and Permanent Residents (PR) are liable for National Service (NS) when they reach the age of 16½ years. They are required to serve 2 years of full-time NS and up to 40 days of NS every year until the age of 50 for officers or 40 for the others.
Young Singaporeans who are accompanying their parents on overseas ventures must also discharge their NS obligations even if they have lived and studied away from Singapore for a period of time. This is regardless of whether they have taken up another citizenship. More information on NS requirements can be found in the MINDEF Homepage at
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/
https://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/overseasmission/hong_kong/consular_services/citizenship_application.html
Thanks, contrex, for the detailed reply.
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