Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2018)

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A Study On Teaching/Learning Of English To Visually Impaired Students In Sri Lanka
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2018), Department of English, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2018) Rathnayake, I.A.
This research study examines some of the basic issues that have impacted the teaching/learning process of English language to visually impaired students in Sri Lanka. The research study is conducted with the awareness that the percentage of visually impaired students who are fluent in both written and spoken English remains low in comparison to students with no visual impairment. The necessary information will be gathered through semi-structured interviews to highlight the fundamental issues that impact the English education of visually impaired students. Three interviews will be conducted with visually impaired students within the age group of 10-14, who have had a minimum of two years of school education. Furthermore, interviews will be conducted with a visually impaired teacher and a teacher without a visual impairment, who have taught English to visually impaired students. The research study uses these interviews to identify the issues pertaining to the English education of visually impaired students, by drawing on the theories of language acquisition such as critical period hypotheses, interaction hypotheses and motivation for L2 learning. It also suggests several solutions that can be implemented to overcome these identified issues and sharpen the English language skills of visually impaired students.
A Study On Language Socialization In Bilingual Daycares Around Nugegoda
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2018), Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2018) Weerarathna, A.M.P.H.
Inspired by the developmental stages of the first language acquisition (FLA), and with the context and cultural situations, the current study of learning patterns in daycares explores the language socialization as a main aspect of language acquisition. Considerably, this study aims to identify the specific steps of learning patterns for the language socialization and the effectiveness of the learning patterns for language socialization of the kids. In order to do this, a bilingual daycare was selected around Nugegoda. Thereafter, a reflective journal was written regarding the first visit and schedule of the daycare. The creative curricular activities of the kids were observed and images were taken, and the head of the centre and a teacher were interviewed. Generally, the findings of the study were language socialization takes place through the communication within the kids and with the teachers, identification of things in the world and the awareness of the culture and the society with various activities done collaboratively with kids as well as teachers and maids. Further, the specific learning patterns including indoor, outdoor and extracurricular activities have been effective for the language socialization of the kids as in the socio-cultural theory of Vygotsky.
A Phonological Study On The Japanese Numbers And The Counters
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2018), Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Wimalaweera, N.
This research discusses about Japanese numbers and counters. There are Native Japanese numbers and Sino-Japanese numbers. When counting, numbers are attached with counters. Then, the pronunciation of the number and the counter is changed. The aim of this research is to find out, how pronunciation changes and whether it has a theoretical pattern to do so. There are different varieties of counters in Japanese language which Japanese second language speakers find it hard to understand the correct pronunciation. As an example, when counting using ‘hon’ counter, there are some numbers that sounded different to how they usually sound, for number 1, it’s i-ppon, not ‘ichi-hon’, for number 6, it’s ‘roppon’, not ‘roku-hon, for number 3, it’s ‘san-bon’, not ‘san-hon’, only number 3 takes ‘bon’. Data were collected through a questionnaire and secondary sources. This research was conducted through using a dictionary of basic Japanese grammar by Seiichi Makino and Michio Tsutsui and referring useful websites. The results of this research shows that by learning the euphonic combinations / sandhi, Japanese second language speakers can achieve the pronunciation of Japanese numbers and counter terms correctly. The data analysis proved that, depending on the initial sound of a counter, the pronunciation of the number and the counter may change with the phonetic modification. Moreover, some counter categories were found as regular counter terms and some as irregular counter terms, with their pronunciation.
Impact Of Borrowings From Sinhala On Sri Lankan English Within The Religious Domain
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2018), Department of English Language Teaching , Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Harischandra, W.R.I.P.
Sinhala and Tamil can be considered the two main widely spoken native languages in Sri Lanka. Among these two main native languages, Sinhala has a great impact on the variety of English spoken in Sri Lanka which is known as Sri Lankan English. Sri Lankan English contains a considerable amount of borrowings taken from Sinhala. This research paper aims at finding the influence of native languages in Sri Lanka on the variety of Sri Lankan English. This research paper attempts to provide insights on how Sinhala, the language of the majority in Sri Lanka has influenced Sri Lankan English in terms of borrowings. These borrowings are noticeable in the domains like religion and culture. The objective of this research paper is to show the influence of Sinhala borrowings to Sri Lankan English within the religious domain by analyzing data from literary Sinhala. In this research study, fifteen participants whose first language was Sinhala were asked to write a paragraph on “Vesak festival” and the borrowings they used in writing were analyzed in order to show the influence of Sinhala on Sri Lankan English. The sample of the research study are students who are doing Advanced Level Examination in Sri Lankan government schools.
A Study On English-Sinhala Subtitle Translation; With Special Reference To The Movie “Goodfellas” And Its Sinhala Subtitles
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2018), Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2018) Wijayabandara, T.
Field of translation is exponentially expanding. Simultaneously, motion picture industry has reached its heights. Movies are culturally sensitive and they belong to one language. Therefore, involvement of another language is required to reach a wider audience. Subtitle translation emerges as a bridge to connect two languages by rendering the idea of the source text. The aim of this study is to identify problems an English-Sinhala translator faces in subtitling and eventually to find out strategies to improve the translation. Goodfellas is one of the most blasphemous movies in history including number of taboo words. Baiscopelk, the leading free accessible Sinhala subtitles website in Sri Lanka has translated this movie. Goodfellas movie and the Sinhala translation by Baiscopelk have been used as primary sources while scholarly articles on subtitling have been used as secondary sources. Findings of the research concluded that the translator has utilized taboo words from the target audience which are pragmatic but appear to be offensive. This research will facilitate freelance subtitle translators to carry out a translation by being sensible to the target audience.
The Impact Of Gender On Attitudes Towards Learning English As A Second Language
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2018), Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Ekanayake, E.M.A.N.; Pravini, H.B.H.; Hansakie, D. W. P. A.
Science has proven that the gender is not only a biological difference but also a collection of differences in thinking and behaving. Many researchers have been studying about the impact of gender differences on many fields such as health and communication. Therefore modern researchers have taken a number of attempts to distinguish gender on language learning. This study aims to examine the impact of gender on attitudes towards learning English as a second language. A qualitative research study was carried out via questionnaires and interviews to collect data. Participants of this study were 50 undergraduates (25 males and 25 females) selected from different years and faculties from the University of Kelaniya. The findings of this study show a significant tendency of females than males in the process of English language learning. This research study will provide guidelines for future research and implies the necessity to carry out new strategies for English language teachers to reduce the gender gap which prevails in the present society.
Challenges Faced By The Undergraduates Of State Universities Who Speak Minority Languages: An Exploration Of The Sri Lankan Language Policies On Higher Education
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2018), Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Randhuli, K.G.I.; Amarasinghe, H.P.; Kulathunga, K.M.J.S.
The present study attempts to investigate the challenges encountered by the undergraduates who speak minority languages in Sri Lankan state universities. Although there are varied issues that the minority undergraduates face, this area of research remains relatively understudied. The present study hypothesizes that (i) the undergraduates face difficulties due to the incompatibility between medium of instruction in the school and at the university; (ii) the undergraduates encounter problems in interacting in academic and non-academic settings and (iii) the authorities have taken necessary measures to implement the policies in order to minimize any issue that could arise. Random sampling was used for data collection. The sample consisted of 50 undergraduates from Sri Lankan state universities. For the study 50 online questionnaires were collected and 15 semi structured interviews were conducted. 88% of the participants were first language speakers of Tamil. 78% of them had studied in Tamil medium at school. 82% of them are studying in English medium at the university. The findings indicate that the undergraduates face problems in both the academic and non-academic settings. Although the constitution demonstrates some policies which are supposed to provide assistance to prevent such circumstances, the study identifies that necessary actions have not been taken. Hence; the first two hypotheses have been proven whereas the latter is falsified.
Myths And Ideas On Learning English Speech In Pinnawala, Sri Lanka
(, Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2018), Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Dilhara, S.; Herath, N.; Kavindi, R.
English speech has been given a lot of prominence in Sri Lanka in the ESL context. In the recent past, English was introduced as a life skill and is taught from grade one to grade eleven and is offered as a compulsory language for the Ordinary Level Examination. As only written skills are tested in the examination, students do not concentrate on developing their oral proficiency. As a result, some ESL learners carry various ideas regarding learning English speech. Some of them, which are myths, are passed down from one generation to another. Hence, this research paper attempts to explore the myths and attitudes of Sri Lankan ESL learners regarding English speech. As the research study is qualitative it is conducted through interviews. 15 students from Grade 11 were selected for this study from Pinnawala Central College, randomly. Also, in order to see if some of these myths have been passed down from one generation to another and 3 teachers from different disciplines from the same school were interviewed. The results show that some myths have been passed down from generation to generation and overall there are many negative ideas related to learning English speech.
Structural Analysis Of Hybridization As A Morphological Process Of Sinhala English Code-Mixed Advertisements In Sri Lanka
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2018), Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) De Silva, D.B.P.M.
Advertising is a creative art and it is used as a tool to connect a brand with a consumer. The attributes such as the target audience, product, services and the image the advertiser wishes to create in the mind of the consumer should be taken into consideration in using the language when designing any advertisement. Most importantly, the consumer needs to understand the message that is communicated. The language used should persuade and motivate the consumer. Hence, the advertisement needs to talk the language of the customer if it wants to attract a group of consumers. In this context, creative writers use hybridization as a trick to persuade the target audience. Hybridization can be identified as a productive morphological process followed by creative writers. This particular research intends to present a structural analysis of hybridization. 75 advertisements, which were telecasted in Hiru TV and Derana TV since 1st of July to 31st July during 8pm to 9pm were chosen as the sample of the research. The structural patterns of hydrid phrases can be recognized through this research study. The structure of hybrid phrases as a morphological process in TV advertisements will be discussed in this study.
The Impact Of Hegemonic Masculinity On English Language Learning In A Sri Lankan Context
(, Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2018), Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Udeshika, D.; Wickramage, N.; Perera, S.S.
An English language learner is a person who is learning the English language in addition to his or her native language. In Sri Lanka, a language learning classroom comprises a majority of a female population than a male population. Since Sri Lankan society possesses a misconception that learning a language, specifically English, will only open the path to a profession such as teaching which is believed to be a ‘female profession’, and the majority of the male population are hesitant to engage in the field of learning English language. The males in society fear the harm that would be caused to their hegemonic masculine identity by learning English as a language instead of a subject like Mathematics which is believed to be a ‘masculine subject’. Raewyn Connell’s concept of hegemonic masculinity serves as an analytical instrument to identify those attitudes and practices among men that perpetuate gender inequality, involving both men’s domination over women and the power of some men over other (often minority groups of) men. This paper examines the impact of hegemonic masculinity on English language learning in a Sri Lankan context and the reasons for the aforementioned. It was found out that the majority of the male population held into the conception that their hegemonic masculine identity would be detrimental by choosing to learn English language over a subject such as Mathematics.
A Socio –Linguistic Study on The Register Used in Aviation
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2018), Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Muththunga, M.M.S.C.
In linguistics, register is defined as a variety of language determined by subject matter. Generally, a switch into a particular register engages little more than turning to a particular set of words associated with the setting or else a style of language used in a particular context. According to the task and action, used jargons are differed. The objectives of this research study are to enumerate the aviation terminology along with the aviation alphabet and ascertaining the use of a specific set of words within the aviation field. This study has been limited to a selected lingo used by aviation personnel. Data is gathered by field observations and referring to IATA (International Air Transport Association), CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) approved documents. A specific alphabet is used to prevent misunderstandings in conveying information in the aviation field. Aviation jargon is used by airline crews to communicate about aviation related hardware, actions and titles. This investigation is mainly focused on these three areas and the aviation alphabet as well. So through this aviation register, degree in formality and stylistic variation in language consisted in airline terms are reflected.
Creating Critical Theory Using Cinema-Semiotics For The Music Video Art
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2018), Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Fernando, D.C.V.
Music video is considered a new art form in this era of digital media but it is a debate whether music video is an art form or merely popular commercialized industry. Although most of the music videos are only fan based commercialized videos, still there are many music videos which can be called as a piece of art because of their aesthetic approach. The art of music video is a collaboration of three major art mediums which are literature (lyrics and scripts), music and visual language. Andre Barters and Vladimir Props introduced the structure of the music video. Christian Metz, Roland Bath developed a cinema-semiotics for the film. Using Christian Metz cinema semiotics, we can create a suitable critical theory for music video art because both mediums share similarities in terms of structure. The structure of the music video contains visual language based on cinema semiotics, symbolism, the type of the editing rhythm. The content of the structure should always lead to the main concept of the song. The lyrics, the script and the story of the music video are the foundations of the content of the music video. This content leads to the philosophy and the ideology in the content music video. As any other art form, music video art also has that potential to express the philosophical and ideological content. In conclusion it is clear that there is a gap in the critical theory for music video art and using cinema semiotics there is potential in creating critical theory for music video art.
Should A Second Language Be Taught By A Native Speaker?
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2018), Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Wanniarachchi, N.; Ranathunge, S.; Siriwardhana, V.
Throughout the history of linguistics, many research studies have proven that a second language should be taught by a native speaker of the target language. Since Leonard Bloomfield’s army method (audio-lingual method), the field of language teaching has always adopted the method of using a native speaker as the tutor. The objective of this research study is to find answers to the question, “should a second language be taught by a native speaker? The importance of this research study is to emphasize the fact that a language like Tamil is difficult to be comprehended when taught by a native speaker. Questionnaires will be distributed among undergraduates of the Department of Linguistics who have actually faced difficulties in learning a second language like Tamil. Evaluating questionnaires and information gathered from the Internet it will be proved that using a native speaker to teach a second language is not successful in every situation.
Sinhala Phonological Features Of A One And Half Year Old Child
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2018), Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Lakmali, M.M.A.
Sound production is an integral aspect in the first language acquisition of a child. There are more features in the order of the production of sounds of a child in any language. The present study leads to the identification of the phonological of Sinhalese produced by a one and half year old child. In particular, the present study seeks to investigate the sounds that the child can easily articulate, the sounds that the child is unable to articulate and the organs that are frequently used by the child to produce speech sounds. For the purposes of this study, the child’s speech was recorded over three weeks. The main findings of this study reveal that the child cannot articulate any of the fricatives, most plosives other than bilabial plosive sounds, and any of the pre-nasalized voiced stops. Moreover, the child can articulate all the monophthongs although she cannot articulate any of the diphthongs in spoken Sinhala. In the present study, how the child articulates Sinhala consonants and vowels in her speech will be presented in detail.
In Between Fact And Fiction: A Study On The Novel “Village In The Jungle” By Leonard Woolf
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2018), Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Amrasinghe, H.
In the present study I intend to discuss the importance of facts on fiction, using the novel “Village in the Jungle” by Leonard Woolf. Being a novel written during the colonial rule, the novel portrays many socio-political facts regarding the colonial period of Sri Lanka. Among the many significant features of the novel, one outstanding feature is the availability of the diaries maintained by the author and the blue books which are available in print. In this study comparisons are drawn between the novel and the author’s service diaries to show the relationship between facts and fiction. This study is based on a textual analysis of the two books; “The Village in the Jungle” and “Diaries in Ceylon”, by Woolf. Woolf being a government civil servant during imperialism, who served as an Assistant Government Agent (AGA) in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, does not merely recite a story of a village which was romanticized by his imagination, but on the contrary he recreates true events that took place in this rural context in a way that British imperialism is recognized as one of the many factors that trod down the ignorant people of a rural village, the facts that are available in his diaries leave room to understand the social reality behind his novel as well as how a novelist alters and uses facts in creating fiction. Therefore in this study the relevance of the incidents and characters in the novel to the actual facts presented in the diaries will be discussed.
Morphological Variations In ‘Sri Lankan Song Lyrics’ Written In Both Sinhala And English
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2018), Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Kavishka, D.; Nilaweera, I.; Illepperuma, A.S.
Entertainment currently plays an integral part in modern man’s life. Undoubtedly, music plays a significant role in the field of entertainment and it has changed rather remarkably due to the concept of globalization. More often the song writers use more than one language and their bilingual pieces of work have been embraced by the audience as a result of bilingualism among many people. This paper is composed of a typological study based on 30 selected bilingual Sri Lankan song lyrics which have been extracted from secure web sites. The lyrics are categorized by analyzing their deviant bilingual characteristics and also by looking over how their linguistic identity can be categorized under certain morphological aspects. Therefore, this paper is a demonstration of various morphological processes evident in Sri Lankan song lyrics which depicts the creativity in the modern entertainment industry.
Pragmatic Application Of Back Translation As A Corrective Strategy To The Mistakes In Literary Translation: A Study With Reference To Agatha Christie’s Short Story Collection-The Thirteen Problems
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2018), Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Nanayakkara, A.; Nagodawithana, A.; Weerasiri, T.
Literary translation is a genre of literary form in which a work written in one language is re-created in another. Many translators believe that it is extremely difficult, if not impossible to translate works of literature. Due to this complication, mistakes are inevitable. Based on the assumption that reconverting a translated text back into its original language and comparing it with the source text might be an approach to determine such mistakes, this study focuses on the applicability of back translation into literary translation. In the course, extracts from the short story collection “The Thirteen Problems” by Agatha Christie were given to students reading for Translation Studies at University of Kelaniya to be translated into Sinhalese. Said translations were back translated into English. The source text and the back translated text were compared thereupon to discern how they differ from one another. After analysing the gathered data, the differences identified between the texts could be categorized as the mistakes of literal translation, exaggerated meaning, over dependence on machine aided translation (MAT), miscomprehended context, cultural differences and over confidence of the translator. Thus, it was identified as a comprehensive technique to re-create a novel text rather credible, accurate and loyal to the source text by the pragmatic application of back translation as a corrective strategy to the aforesaid mistakes.
Issues Faced By A Translator In Translating Cultural Words Under The 5th Cultural Category Introduced By Peter Newmark: Sinhala To English
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2018), Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Rathnamalala, R.I.B.S.U.
According to Newmark (1988) there are five cultural categories which a translator should focus on. The cultural categories vary from culture to culture and there are distinguished characteristics among them. This study focuses on the cultural words associated with the fifth cultural category ‘Gestures and Habits’ of the Sinhala culture and issues faced by a translator in translating those words from Sinhala to English. The required data were collected through observations and discussions. The gathered data were critically analysed separately under the two sectors, gestures and habits. Through the analysed data, it was found out that the cultural words under gestures and habits of the Sinhala culture have been greatly influenced by the Sri Lankan Sinhala customs and traditions and the translator sometimes found it difficult to translate because those customs and traditions are totally different from the target language culture. Furthermore, it was also found out that a translator should have a sound knowledge on the source language culture and the target language culture in addition to the language knowledge and skills. Therefore, the cultural knowledge will pave the path for a successful translation.
Investigating The Factors That Affect Esl Students’ Listening Comprehension With Reference To The 1st Year Humanities Students Of University Of Kelaniya
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2018), Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Ilfa, M.I.; Jayasinghe, J.D.U.M.; Upamalika, T.N.
One of the most important components of language learning in the ESL context is listening. In spite of its importance, listening has been a neglected skill in ESL context since researchers considered it as an ability that would develop without assistance. However, recently there has been an increased focus on ESL listening comprehension among researchers. Though it is an important skill, there are some difficulties in listening comprehension among ESL students which can be classified as linguistic and non-linguistic difficulties. This research study aims to investigate some selected problematic areas in listening comprehension among most of the ESL students. In order to achieve the study objectives, the researchers will develop two data collection methods: secondary resources and classroom observation. To overcome those problems various techniques would be applied with reference to Bottom-Up and Top-Down strategies. Activities are designed to overcome those problems and to investigate its effectiveness to the development of their listening comprehension. 50 students from the Faculty of Humanities are selected as the sample. Moreover, the study will suggest some pedagogical implications to ESL teachers and learners to eliminate listening comprehension problems in the language teaching and learning process.
Korean Wave In Sri Lanka: Past, Present And Future
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2018), Department of International Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Fernando, A.
“Korean Wave” is the increase in global popularity of South Korean culture since the 1990s. This phenomenon which began in Southeast Asia reached Sri Lanka a decade ago driven by the spread of Korean TV shows and music. Despite the abundance of global research on Korean Wave, no previous attempt has been made into tracing the Korean Wave in Sri Lanka. As images and information about South Korea are not familiar to Sri Lankan life, and as the country is heavily influenced by Indian and colonial cultures, the spread of Korean culture within a short period of time is an interesting subject of discussion. This paper attempts to discuss the beginning, spread, landmark moments, and the future of the Korean Wave in Sri Lanka. It shows that Sri Lankans were first introduced to Korean culture through the airing of Korean TV shows in local television channels, later accessed through means such as DVDs, movie streaming websites, and user generated content websites. Moving forward from Korean TV shows and movies, today Korean pop music is rapidly gaining a widespread local audience. This has resulted in the creation of active online fan communities on social media, a proliferation of Korean language classes, and an increasing interest in Korean culture within the island. The study is based on primary data collected through interviews of Korean fans, and secondary data collected from journal articles, websites and newspaper articles. The paper concludes that this increase in popularity of Korean culture, especially observed among youth, can challenge the status quo enjoyed by Indian and American cultural products