This is actually very common in Singapore. People often use the words 'please' and 'kindly' together for emphasis. However, the meanings of these two words are different and i feel that they cannot be used together. I looked up the meanings of both words using The Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. The word 'kindly' is used to ask or tell somebody to do something, especially when you are annoyed, i.e. 'Kindly leave me alone!'. It is usually used to express sarcasm in sentences and statements. In contrast, the word 'please' is used as a polite way of asking for something or telling somebody to do something, used to add force to a request or statement or used as a polite way of accepting something. To add on, the word 'please' is used in formal situations while the word 'kindly' is used in informal situations. Therefore they should not be used together. The above statement should be 'Please throw the rubbish into the dustbin.'
Another great example, Kar Yan. Yes, many Singaporeans think that "please" and "kindly" are interchangeable. But they're not. "Please" is a marker of politeness. "Kindly" on the other hand usually carries overtones of annoyance and is most often used when the speaker has some kind of authority over the listener.
Another great example, Kar Yan. Yes, many Singaporeans think that "please" and "kindly" are interchangeable. But they're not. "Please" is a marker of politeness. "Kindly" on the other hand usually carries overtones of annoyance and is most often used when the speaker has some kind of authority over the listener.
ReplyDeleteHi Dr Tang,
ReplyDeleteYes, that's why I find it rather annoying to hear something like 'Kindly help yourselves to the food.' =p
Kar Yan