Browsing by Author "Ramesh, S."

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Code Switching Problems in Bilingual Society of Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2015) Ramesh, S.
In Sri Lanka, national language issue seems very influential in both cultural and political sphere; it was the major bone of argument between the Sinhalese and the Tamils. The use of English words within the society has increased amazingly. One of the reasons may be due to the extensive use of the mixed code in daily conversations by Sri Lankan bilinguals like Sinhalese and Tamils. This study explores the impact of code switching in the case of bilinguals and multilinguals who select different varieties of two or more languages to meet the requirements of different situations. The switchers use English words and expressions even when equivalents exist in Sinhala or Tamil vice versa. They feel that these English expressions come so naturally to them that their equivalents in Sinhala or Tamil might sound formal and unnatural. Nowadays most communication in a bilingual or multilingual society crosses national, linguistic and cultural boundaries and requires confidence and competence to be effective. The data presented in this paper have been collected through observation, questionnaires and analyzed descriptively. The study also includes catch phrases and slogans used in the electronic media to substantiate data gathered from an analysis.The study provides insight into the mixing strategies used by urban bilinguals. The analysis reveals that the mixed code is used dominantly in advertisements (print and electronic) where the medium of communication is Sinhala or Tamil. The methodological functions are identified (a) for translation, (b) for clarification, (c) for highlighting and (d) for efficiency. The social functions included code switching (a) for praise, (b) for encouragement, (c) for disapproval. Findings shall be discussed formally in a conference presentation. Consequently, there is a need for a valid and reliable form of code switching when problems are analyzed.
The impact of dividends announcement on share prices of public quoted companies in Sri Lanka
(2008) Ramesh, S.
Personal Names in Jaffna Tamil Society: a sociolinguistic perspective
(University of Kelaniya, 2015) Ramesh, S.
It is clear that the primary function of personal names in modern society is the identification of individuals. As the value and significance of names differ from society to society, the variation in the naming custom can be noted. Personal names are very significant in Jaffna Tamil society. Each generation has different types of names. The society is very conscious of the pattern of names. Thus, names are symbolic and have translational meaning. This study investigates the characteristics of the naming system found in the language which has its own culture and traditions. For instance, in considering the races – whites or blacks; the different communities within a country – Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims etc., in Sri Lanka, the rise of the personal names has its connection with place and culture. This raises many questions about personal names in our minds.The naming process involves the meaning and the association of that name. This is why Levi-Strauss (Barnes: 1982) argues that in naming, someone is always signified, either the namer or the named. So the role of name can give significance (or signification) to the namer or the named. It is remarkable that Jaffna people are too biased towards naming. It is mainly that name could play a role in revealing one’s caste, religion, region and ancestry of Jaffna society. For example, tarmaraasaa a person of charitable nature kuNarattinam a person with good qualities Contributing to this paper, as a Dravidian family of Tamil language has number of attributes of personal names, particularly in Jaffna Tamil society is taken into account (A Tamil speaking Dravidian family is take into account in this paper). In this paper,the methodologyfollowed includes qualitative and comparative analysis. A sociolinguistic point of view has been adopted for the analysis. This research may thus be considered to emphasize and describe a number of characteristics of the naming system, that may be of interest to scholars of Dravidian languages.It seems that there is a great need for re-thinking in this aspect.
Testing Errors in Teaching English as a Second Language
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Ramesh, S.
The paper presents the testing errors in teaching English as a second language. This study has discussed with based on two main themes, 1.) What kind of difficulties they face during the classroom teaching? and 2) . How testing helps the teachers of English? The following reasons could be considered and this study is structured by these factors: Finding out about learning difficulties; Finding out about achievement; Encouraging students; providing for feedback to the syllabus and the evaluation of method and materials The most important reason is to find out how well the students have masters the language areas and skills, which have just been thought. Errors are evidence of the learning process and it is important to try to develop a tolerant attitude them in the class room. Constant and immediate correction of errors can adversely affect the learners confidence and hinder the main development in learning process. To what extent should we concentrate on testing the students ability to handle elements of the language and to what extent should we concentrate as testing the integrated skills? Our attitude towards this question must defend on both the level and purpose of the test. Successfully communication situations which stimulate real-life is the best of mastery of language.