I REFER to the letter 'Neighbours do not interact' (my paper, June 3), in which the writer said many residents in Singapore keep to themselves.

He finds that in Hubei, China, where he is based, community living is very lively and exciting.

The writer fails to appreciate the acute differences between the two localities.

Not having been to Hubei, I can only presume that its residents, who are all likely to be ethnic Chinese, communicate among themselves in the local dialect and/or putonghua.

Singapore has four official languages which are as different as chalk and cheese.

It may be true that English serves as a bridge of sorts, but it remains debatable as to whether it is as effective as a communication tool among different races.

In addition, there is much ethnic and religious diversity here that may keep people apart, with many preferring not to mingle for fear of unwittingly upsetting the sensitivities of their neighbours.

By the writer's account, Hubei does not appear to be as prosperous as Singapore, and this is another explanation.

Poverty tends to bond people and this was certainly the case among our early immigrant communities.

Today, with more affluence, people generally tend to think there is little need for much 'interaction' with other people, especially those deemed to be outside their social circle.

Truth be said, the general feeling among Singaporeans is that even if there's no interaction among neighbours, all would be just fine.

Mr Narayana Narayana

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