Mae, these tropical flowers and trees are really very pretty! Could you tell me a little about Singapore Botanic Gardens?
Of course I can. So far as I know, this botanic garden already has a history of nearly 200 years. It was founded by the Englishman Sir Stamford Raffles in 1822. This botanic garden has made a big contribution to Singapore. For example, the rubber tree, which is extremely important to the Southeast Asian economy, was cultivated here.
I have another question. Are most people in Singapore Chinese?
About 70% are Chinese; the remainder are mainly Malays and Indians, plus some people from other countries all over the globe.
What languages do Singaporeans use?
Singapore has four official languages: Chinese, Malay, Tamil, and English. Most people can use at least two languages, and some people can speak three or four languages. But all people use English as their formal working language.
What is the difference between your “Huayu” and China’s “Putonghua” and Taiwan’s “Guoyu”?
Singapore’s “Huayu” may carry the intonation of local dialects, and there’s a part of the vocabulary that has been influenced by the other three local languages. But Singapore’s “Huayu” can basically be said to be largely the same as “Putonghua” and “Guoyu.”
