I understand the ubiquitous word "lah" is derived from Malay. Just curious. It becomes a symbol(can I say 'image'?) of Singapore, When ppl imitate Singaporean, they must say that 'lah' word at the end of the sentence.
And those words like 'yah lor', 'ya la', 'meh?', 'wa lao'....etc
That make Singapore a unique place with its own language.
Who started to say 'lah' in Singapore?
Sandara
17 June 2010 04:01:20
10
diptouch
18 July 2010 05:58:26
4
Well,
I have been to HK for a long time. Using "..Lah" at the end of the sentence is common. Eg, "No lah"...So when I moved here, did not find any difference apart from people are very friendly and talktive here rather than HK...hmmm...They are all HAPPY TALKING...
- dip
beppi
08 August 2010 17:26:19
14820
From Malay meh?!?
I heard it comes from a Chinese dialect, possibly Hokkien lah!
JustJess
16 August 2010 17:52:36
7
It's from Malay lah and we are a multi cultural country and so we speak like this lor.
ablair85
18 August 2010 08:37:25
4
I love hearing people say it, but I refuse to adopt it!
JustJess
18 August 2010 13:12:21
7
ablair85 wrote:I love hearing people say it, but I refuse to adopt it!
Take your time, the night is still young.
Jun
02 September 2010 09:08:29
6
I think its from hokkien.. Issit very annoying to hear that? Hahaha...
rdhalla
18 September 2010 17:57:01
20
ok i am getting it now. LA 
NO LA. funny an cute at the same time
georgelsf
04 October 2010 08:43:18
30
I stay with a Chinese family with Cantonese roots (HK). They told me that Lah comes from both Hokkien and Cantonese.
But MY and SG both have adopted it from the Chinese who have settled there.
abrikoska
06 October 2010 16:46:21
3
It's very prettily. Litle countres and languages can boast some difference. It's easy remember. I don't know why people say that, and where it's become...may bein Chinese dialect may be not. (Moderated: No free advertising, Please)
Naori
14 November 2010 23:22:49
18
it is from the Chinese who brought the language over.
Mostly from the Cantonese family.
Because Malay has a large population of Cantonese.
Therefore HK people use it.
HK is Cantonese dominant.
It is probably why HK, Malay and SG use it.
Cantons immigrated to malaysia, then malaysia spoke it, then SG
in proximity to malaysia also speak it.
mulatto
15 November 2010 01:13:49
11
Most of the Singlish "suffixes" came from Minnan-speaking immigrants to southeast Asia. Then Malays picked it up and the next is history.
Suthar1981
22 November 2010 14:05:54
7
I am from Malaysia and we over there use 'lah' too. It is derived from Malay language. For example. Alahai..sayang
Rossonera
24 November 2010 13:15:01
7
I started using lah n my SO hates it >.<
nrai
28 November 2010 12:28:10
2
i'm a malay, and lah prolly comes from everywhere it doesn't even matter now who started it! BUT what i do know is that 'lor leh mah meh' comes from the chinese haha! well have fun with singlish people! it's just so addictive no matter how much you might hate it
Subscribe to this topic
Articles to help you in your expat project in Singapore
Nightlife in Singapore
Singapore wouldn't necessarily come to someone's mind as a nightlife capital. However, the small nation has a ...
Leisure activities in Singapore
Singapore is an international hub with a truly cosmopolitan population. Despite its size, it's home to a ...
Exploring beyond Singapore
One of the major drawing points of Singapore is what lies around the nation state. Unlike many other locations ...
Escaping the Singapore Squeeze
One of the most oft-heard gripes by expats in Singapore, especially amongst those who recently returned after a ...
Cheap places to shop in Singapore
We often hear how Singapore is a shopping paradise for the rich. As you stroll along Orchard Road, you see big ...
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
"