Browsing by Author "Inparaj, C.T.J."

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Concept of Second Language Learning Environment in the Enhancement of Listening Skill of English as a Second Language Learners
(Department of Linguistics, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Inparaj, C.T.J.
Target language exposure is significant in ESL pedagogy. L2 learners should be provided with a culturally supportive atmosphere to enhance their language skill with activation of schemata. Positive attitude towards the culture and people of target language levels up the involvement and confidence of L2 learners. Effective L2 learning environment is a situation where learners‟ need is recognised and used as a basis to achieve the competency level. To what extent, creating L2 learning environment functions as an inspirational and motivational factor for second language acquisition to enhance their listening ability? The objective of this study is to shed light on the effects of creating L2 learning environment in an ESL class room. It is limited to listening skill. To achieve this objective data were collected from thirty third year students of the Arts faculty, University of Jaffna. A quantitative analytical comparative methodology was utilised. It was performed in a three-phased, three months long project using various data collection methods. At first this study investigated students‟ initial perception of their listening ability through semi-structured questionnaires and individual interviews. The second phase deals with the experimental group which was raised up through L2 environment and the control group which was not much aware of L2 learning environment. Final phase of the project was a comparative study consisting of pre and post tests to measure the progress in students‟ listening skill. Tests were evaluated. Members of the experimental group outperformed the other group in every aspect of listening investigated. It is noteworthy to conclude that the effect of adapting L2 learning environment in ESL classroom was profound. Students were highly impressed and it has been reflected on their eagerness to have more similar sessions in future. Therefore this study recommends that education policy makers and ESL lecturers in Universities should take more effort to implement L2learning environment in ESL listening sessions.
Gabriel Okara’S Poetry Functions as a Vehicle of African Identity
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Inparaj, C.T.J.
Gabriel Okara is the first significant English language African poet to write in a modern style. With Okara, Nigerian poetry in English matures and taken a big leap forward. Conflict of identity is often emerged as an issue in Okara‘s poems. It is not only contradicts with the western and African concepts and values but also develops the identity of Africans with its own history and perspectives. He was greatly concerned about the African people and their thoughts, though he is caught between two different worlds. Okara appreciates his native culture and tradition by accepting the alient culture as it is. This quality symbolizes the rich Africanness which is carried by Okara in his literary work. Throughout his poems he discusses both the cultures but it is evident by appreciates his own culture; he has already made up his mind on Africaness. Okara‘s treatment of the indigenous theme shows his sense and reverence for his people, no less than his sense of nostalgia for and rootedness in Africa. He has been extremely successful in capturing the moods, sights and sounds of Africa by using the rhythms and sentence patterns of Ijaw speech, oral tradition, folklore, mystery, fairy-tale, local imageries symbolism and metaphor of traditional quiet. The objective of this paper is to shed light on the vitality of African identity, reflects in Okara‘s poetry. This study is limited to some of his poems which mirror the African identity. In order to achieve this objective, a qualitative analytical methodology is undertaken. The selected poems were examined on the basis of his own opinion. Criticisms were collected from secondary sources such as books, journals and articles. A close examination of Okara‘s poetry reveals that there are many concerns which make the world understand the African ethos and traditions. His poetry tells the Africans‘ experiences in Europe as protests/ satires/ lyrics confirming their own identity as well.
The Role of English Language Awareness in the Enhancement of Rural Development
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Inparaj, C.T.J.
The pedagogy of teaching - learning in the primary education system is deeply rooted within the society they belong to. The awareness of the parents becomes a vital focus in modern pedagogical trend. Teachers who teach English as a second language (ESL) are expected to bridge the gap between the rural society’s understanding of English language and the scope of English language in the globalized world. Therefore, this research was undertaken to provide a sound exposure to the static community with regard to English language learning. This study is limited to the competency levels of reading and writing. The objective of this study is to reduce global challenges by conducting awareness programmes to the parents of a particular society on the scope of English language in the modern world as a Linqua Franca. To achieve this objective, data was collected through the analysis of pre and post evaluation tests, questionnaires, interviews as well as observations during the teaching – learning process and interaction sessions with parents. The respondents of this study consisted of hundred mixed – ability students of grade four in J/ Skandavarodaya Primary School and fifty parents of them. All the respondents were selected randomly. Among them, fifty students were considered as the controlled group, since their parents were not given any instruction regarding the language awareness project. The other fifty students were considered as experimental group and their parents were selected from a rural area to carry out this research. A quantitative analytical comparative methodology was utilized. Findings of this study brought out the factors which hinder students’ participation in learning activities and confirmed that by giving awareness to the parents and maintaining good rapport with them, the whole community is motivated towards working towards the betterment of English language proficiency of children. Thus maintaining public relation and communication within rural undeveloped areas generates and enhances students’ proficiency level in English language.