Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2019)

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Sequencing of grammar contents and its impact on achieving the intended learning outcomes: An analysis of English textbooks used in Sri Lankan government schools from grade 6 - 8
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2019), Department of English language teaching, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Amarasinghe, H.
The English knowledge of a majority of the school students in Sri Lanka is not up to the expected standard, this is a well-known fact. The analysis of O/L results of the 2015 English language paper by the Examinations Department shows that the percentage of students who have obtained a weak pass (W) for the O/L English paper from the school candidates is 55.44% and from the private candidates is 53.29% which is more than half of the number of candidates who have sat for the exam. Since the ordinary level paper is based on the content of the textbooks from grade 6 to 11, I intend to conduct this research study on the grammar sequencing and its effectiveness using the textbooks from grade 6 to 8. The objectives of this research can be identified as investigating the impact of sequencing of grammar lesson on the leaner's ability to use English in target language use domains accurately and effectively, and the perceptions of the teachers, students, and the content developers towards the grammar lessons in the English Textbooks from grade 6 to 8. The finding of this research study would aid in providing some useful suggestions to improve the quality of the grammar lessons in English text books. The methodology of this research study includes a mixed methods approach. A content analysis of the text books, a test paper developed for the selected three grades and interviews conducted with content developers and English teachers will be analysed. For the purpose of this research study, 10 students from each of these grades were given a test that was designed according to the competency levels given in the syllabi of these grades. The results of the test indicate that the students are somewhat capable of understanding the grammar rules and answering questions based on them, yet when it comes to speaking skills, they lack the ability to use the language accurately. This is an ongoing research study which is still on progress. Therefore the final findings of this research require the interviews conducted with teachers and content developers.
A Study On The Impact Of Machine Translation Software Towards Technical Translation: With Special Reference On English To Sinhala Category
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2019), Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya. Sri Lanka, 2019) Dilshani, T.; Senevirathna, C.
A software capable of conducting a flawless automatic translation between natural languages independent of human interference could be termed as Machine Translation (MT) or Fully Automated Translation (FMT). As a subfield of Computational Linguistics, Machine translation has continuously evolved with time to connect numerous communities around the world through its technological advancements. It is certain that machine translation techniques contribute in minimizing the complexity and ambiguity of source texts and thus enhances the readability and understandability of texts while making the translation process smooth. In this study, mainly the most prominent MT tools used at present in the Sri Lankan context by the freelance translators such as Google Translate and online translator of the Akura Sinhala Dictionary App are discussed along with their strengths and weaknesses. A special emphasis is given towards the intralingual translation from English to Sinhala and the problems encountered by freelance translators such as the difficulty in translating combined and complex source sentences as well as, certain technical phrases and terms. For this purpose, the data were gathered through analyzing 100 combined and complex English sentences translated to Sinhala by the translators and via the said MT software. Freelance translators in the profession, mostly deal with parallel sentences rendered by MT software, as it translates based on its Translation Units (TU). Hence a freelance translator must edit such a translation grammatically and make it free from interpretational errors, working to mold a better translational output. Moreover, the objective of the study is to highlight the significance of human translators in assuring the accuracy, consistency and quality of instant translations delivered by the considered MT software. Nevertheless, considering as a whole, 'Will Machine Translation software replace human translators around the world in near future?' still seems to be a controversial question owing to the impaired quality of output it persists to render
Discussion of Love through the Setting of Emily Bronte‟s “Wuthering Heights”
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2019), Department of English, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Hewa, S.
Emily Bronte‟s novel “Wuthering Heights” revolves around the unique romantic relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff. The landscape of the lonely moorlands of Yorkshire acts as a central image to which the plot and the characters are directly linked. The representation of love by Emily Bronte is intricately based on this evocative setting of the moorlands. It also serves as an ideal tool to portray the main characters of Catherine and Heathcliff. It becomes impossible to separate these two characters from each other and the nature around them from which they seem to draw life. Bronte merges the characters with the setting to show the interwoven nature of their lives. The inner qualities of Catherine and Heathcliff become a reflection of the raw, unbridled nature of the moorlands. The intensity of their relationship is created due to the perfect desolation of the moors where the two characters are allowed to form an intimate connection which transcends the physical bond. The objective of the study is to prove that there exists a relationship between the setting of the novel and the unconventional romance of Catherine and Heathcliff. The ethereal quality of their relationship which goes beyond the traditional notions of love and affection is discussed through this study by analysing the significance of the setting used by Bronte. Secondary materials such as journal articles and research papers were used to substantiate the argument. The inclusion of subthemes such as revenge, identity, conflict between nature and culture, solitude and social class in discussing the central theme of love makes this novel unique. It is the backdrop of the moorlands that allows Bronte to discuss an unconventional aspect of love thereby elucidating the importance of the setting in “Wuthering Heights”.
Buddhist Economic Philosophy as a guideline for country oriented Economic Growth
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2019), Department of Economics, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya. Sri Lanka, 2019) Abeyrathne, R.M.D.H.
Buddhist Economics is a branch of Buddhist philosophy originated in India 2500 years ago. Initially Buddhism was known as a religious study based on spirituality and the middle path known as (medum piliwetha) is the prescribed way towards the ultimate intention of acquiring the redeem (mokshaya). Economics is the study of economic behaviour of man who is considered to be rational in making decisions. It deals with how to maximize the profit and utility when the gievn resources are limited and fixed. The presumption is that immaterial human needs exceed material resources. At this point, the dilemma arises whether Buddhism influences Economics which focuses on local wellbeing. Therefore, this study focuses on the potential factors accelerating and influencing modern Economic targets. Buddhist teachings are for both ordinary lay man's wellbeing and for the spiritual wellbeing seekers. Accordingly, Lord Buddha has admonished on consumption (C), savings (S) and investment (I) patterns which is discussed under modern economics using theories like simple production function (Y=C +S), Harrod Domar theory and Rostow's growth theory. Eventhough sustainable development concept, equal rights for women, green concept and happiness index are newly introduced concepts for Economics, the old Buddhist teachings have shed sufficient light on these vital factors. Despite the major belief that Buddhism makes the economic man a lethargic man, E.F. Shumarshar in his notorious book "Small is Beautiful" points out the depth of Buddhist influence on modern Economics. In furtherance of this study, secondary data resources such as relevant and approachable books, magazines and reliable websites will be referred and a comparative study will be done depending on the previous Buddhist Economic concepts and modern Economic theories.
Examining the Impact of Video Feedback as a Teacher Feedback Method in ESL Learners‟ Paragraph Writing
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2019), Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Thennakoon, B.N.
Feedback provision is a significant task of English as a Second Language teachers. Yet, there is a continuing dispute over the efficacy of feedback. Even though teacher written feedback is the most frequently used teacher feedback form, studies have found that it is disadvantageous for certain reasons. Hence, this experimental study investigated the impact of video feedback as a teacher feedback method in ESL learners‟ paragraph writing. To explore whether video feedback has an impact on learners‟ paragraph writing, the study explored answers to the following research areas such as whether students who receive video feedback report higher levels of correction into their written work as compared to students who receive written feedback, learners‟ perceptions towards video feedback in ESL writing and whether video feedback can be an alternative for written feedback in teaching writing. The sample included 20 undergraduates in the Industrial Management degree course at the University of Kelaniya. Over a five-week period, the control and the experimental groups are provided with teacher written feedback and video feedback respectively. In addition, a questionnaire is administered to the experimental group to explore their perceptions of video feedback. The extent of feedback incorporation is analyzed through SPSS statistics and data driven coding. The findings imply that learners who receive video feedback have incorporated higher levels of correction into their writings than learners who receive written feedback. The study confirms that teacher feedback delivered in the form of videos is more effective than written feedback when ESL learners revise their written work in process. Therefore, it is eligible for classroom practice and for future research.
Enhancement of Sri Lankan English vocabulary in Sri Lankan short stories and poems in English: A Morphological Analysis
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2019), Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Wicrkamage, N. P.; Ekanyake, E.M.A.N.; Welgama, N.N.
Sri Lankan English (SLE) was born through the contact between Standard British English (SBE) and the vernacular languages of Sri Lanka; Sinhala and Tamil. In the contemporary society, SLE has become the high yielding way of writing short stories and poems which are based on Sri Lankan contexts as a consequence of the prodigious use of English by Sinhala – English bilingual population in Sri Lanka. Thus, the primary objective of this study is to identify and analyze the enhancement of SLE in Sri Lankan short stories and poems in English by referring to five morphological processes. Therefore, this study aims at emphasizing the fact that the Sri Lankan writers in English tend to integrate the lexical items from Sinhala and Tamil languages in order to enhance the use of SLE lexicon in Sri Lankan literary compositions. Crucially, three short stories and three poems which comprise of SLE lexical items were selected as the sample of the study. Data gathering was done as a collaborative work by reading the selected short stories and poems in order to identify the SLE lexical items. Furthermore, a qualitative data analysis approach was implemented to identify the use of SLE lexical items in the selected sampleand they were analyzed by using charts according to the respective morphological process that they belong to. The analysis of the identified data demonstrated borrowing, hybridization, compounding, coinage, and literal translations as the most common morphological processesin the aforementioned sample while indicating borrowing as the most recurrent morphological process. Henceforth, this study investigates the manner in which the SLE morphological processes expose the Sri Lankan culture and tradition whilst playing a functional role in enhancing the lexical items of Sri Lankan short stories and poems in English.
A Study on how audience reception affects Professional Wrestling
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2019), Department of English, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya. Sri Lanka, 2019) Wickramasinghe, H.
The success of a Professional Wrestling or any entertainment medium depends entirely on its reception by the audience. Without listening to the audience‟s expectations the show cannot exist. Therefore, audience reception plays a major role in Professional Wrestling storylines. While audience reception has been very predictable and manipulatable in the past, the audience reception in contemporary wrestling has turned very unpredictable and confusing for producers of Wrestling shows. There are varied reasons for changing audience receptions among Professional Wrestling fans which span from entertainment values to cultural, social, gender and athletic values of people. This research is concerned with analyzing and understanding some of the prominent changes in values that affect the audience reception of Professional Wrestling and how they have refashioned Professional Wrestling as a product. The critical framework for the research is Stuart Hall‟s Reception Theory which helps us understand the influence of audience manipulation (Preferred Reading), the rejection of preferred readings (Oppositional Reading) and compromisation between dominant and oppositional readings by the audience (Negotiated Reading) in Professional Wrestling. Furthermore, changing audience reception in Professional Wrestling will be discussed by comparing and contrasting audience reception to traditional (Old-School) and modern (NewSchool) methods of professional wrestling since their entertainment ideals have had differing receptions in the past and in the present. To conduct this analysis, the research will use analyzed examples from wrestling promotions such as WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), AEW (All Elite Wrestling), NJPW (New Japan Professional Wrestling) and the independent circuit. In conclusion, the deeper intention of this research is to understand how changing values, knowledge bases and perceptions are influencing audience reception in Professional Wrestling and how they have fashioned the changes in the business of Professional Wrestling.
Using English Songs and Poems to teach vocabulary for the learners of English as a Second Language
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2019), Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Dineshika, H.K.P.
Vocabulary is an important aspect of teaching and learning a language, especially in teaching and learning a second language or a foreign language. Lexical Approach by Lewis (1993) contains a taxonomy of lexical items which shows what kind of vocabulary the learner should develop. When learning vocabulary, the aspects of pronunciation, meaning spelling and grammar should also be taught. In that case, there have been various strategies to teach and learn vocabulary in the English as a Second Language (ESL) context. This study investigated whether the use of English songs and poems to teach vocabulary for the Secondary level ESL learners enhances their vocabulary learning in the ESL classroom. This study provided an answer to the research question “To what extent do English songs and poems increase students‟ vocabulary enhancement at the secondary level?” and claimed two hypotheses a) The use of English songs in more effective in teaching vocabulary than using English poems. b) There is a significant difference in using songs and poems in grade 6 than in grade 10. Twenty-five students from each class from grade 6 and grade 10 at H/ WeeraketiyaRajapaksha Central College participated in the study. The data was collected using the pretests, posttests, and delayed tests. The data was analyzed using SPSS. The findings indicated that both songs and poems have a positive effect on the enhancement of vocabulary knowledge at the secondary level. In both grades, songs are more effective in teaching vocabulary than poems. In general, the findings will indicative of the effectiveness of the usage of English songs and poems to teach and learn vocabulary for the secondary level ESL learners though teachers did not pay much attention to its usage, hence, the need of teachers‟ training on using this strategy to teach vocabulary is indicative.
A comparative study on Chinese Wushu Sanda and Sri Lankan Angampora
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2019), Department of Modern Language, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya. Sri Lanka, 2019) Madhumadhawa, H.R.N.
Every country has their own culture; each has significant characteristics. Both Sri Lankan and Chinese culture have attracted people all over the world because of the uniqueness of their cultures. Both countries have their inherent arts which have both the similarities and differences between them. Martial arts have a significant place in both cultures. Chinese Wushu is a recognized martial art all over the world but Sri Lankan Angampora is only limited to Sri Lanka. Yet, the fighting part of both arts have similarities and differences. Present research is focused on a comparative study between the Chinese Wushu Sanda and Sri Lankan Angampora. Related information was gathered from the research done by Chinese and Sri Lankan researchers, books and government information center. When analyzing the history of Chinese Wushu, it is clear that Wushu has two parts as Wushu Sanda and Wushu Taolu. Wushu Taolu is a performance art which displays the martial art as a performance, sometimes equipment also been used. Wushu Sanda is an authentic martial art which is done according to a specific regulation system and it includes attacking and defending. Wushu Sanda is famous as a sport all over the world. But, Sri Lankan Angampora is a hereditary martial art. Sudaliya and Oruvalliya are some examples for such legatees. Sri Lankan Angampora has three parts as Angam, Elangam and Mayaangam. Angam is an unarmed martial art which includes attacking, blocking and defending. A significant characteristic of this part is the use of pressure points when fighting. This is recognized as a deadly art. Therefore, normally this cannot be seen as a sport. The art of Angam which mostly uses self-defense techniques has a significant development in the modern society. While Elangam is the martial art which is done by using inherent equipment, Mayangam is done by using invisible things such as yanthra, Manthra, Pilli. Traditional medicine and meditation are also a part of this martial art. Thus, the present study strongly highlights the awareness of Chinese Wushu Sanda and Sri Lankan Angmpora to the readers who have a particular interest in this field through this comparative study.
A Study on the Difficulties encountered by the translators when translating cultural words with special reference to the short novel Vap Magula by Somarathna Balasuriya
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2019), Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya. Sri Lanka, 2019) Ratnayake, I.
Translation which is the process of transferring an idea of one language to another language, can be considered as one of the most effective ways to communicate between two cultures. This study was specially focused on difficulties encountered by translators when translating cultural words from Sinhala to English in the field of literary translation by using the short novel “Vap Magula” by Somarathna Balasuriya and the English translation of the book by Dorathi Lokubalasuriya. The reason why this novel is chosen to continue this study is, it includes a considerable amount of cultural words and also cultural events which inherent to Sri Lanka. Accordingly, it was noted that the translators are using different types of solutions based on the problems they faced. The main purposes of this study were to identify the problems in translating cultural words, to find the solutions adopted by the translator and to observe the accuracy and propriety of those solutions. Scholarly studies by Jean-Paul Vinay, Jean Darbelnet and, the aforesaid novel and the translation have been used as sources. Findings concluded that most of the cultural words have been translated by using the technique of borrowing. The main reasons why this technique is being frequently used for the translation of literary works, is the lack of equivalent terms in the target language and also to preserve the local color of the word, or to be used out of fear that some of the semiotic aspects and cultural aspects of the word would be lost, if it is translated. Apart from that, equivalence and modulation have been also used to some extent. This study will assist in a time where one could see mistranslations in the field of literary translation and for translators who could see literary translation as a hard task due to the usage of cultural words.
Challenges of Translating Newspapers from Sinhala to English: With Reference to Political News
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2019), Department of , Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Rathnamalala, R.I.B.S.U.
Within the spectrum of genres in news media, this study aims at print media (newspapers) and on sub genres called „news features‟ and „news articles‟ based on politics. In the journalistic field, especially in the field of news translation the translator plays a major role. It is important as the translator has a responsibility to reveal the current political affairs of the country to the target readers through the view of the writer. Newspapers can reach a large audience and can have an impact on public opinion on politics as it plays a major role in publishing comments and therefore, the terms and phrases should be used carefully.This study focuses on political news and political news feature translations from Sinhala to English. The objective of this study was to highlight the significant features that a political news and political news feature translation comprices. The required data was collected through observations and discussions. The gathered data was critically analysed under two separate sectors; news articles and news features based on politics. As per the analysis, it was found that the political news translation is greatly influenced by the historical, sociological and political environment. The news translator sometimes found it difficult to translate some political news features and articles as there are specific styles, terminology and cultural context used. Furthermore, it was found that a news translator should have a sound knowledge in history, politics and current social affairs in addition to the source and target language knowledge specially when translating political news features and articles. Therefore, in addition to the language knowledge and skills, the knowledge in history, politics and sociology also pave the path to successful political news and feature translations.
How does film score of a movie affect the success of a movie?
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2019), Department of Fine Arts, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Senevirathne, N.
A film score (also known as background music, film soundtrack, film music, screen composition, screen music, or incidental music) is original music written specifically to accompany a film. The score forms part of the film's soundtrack, which also usually includes dialogue and sound effects, and comprises a number of orchestral, instrumental, or choral pieces, which are timed to begin and end at specific points during the film in order to enhance the dramatic narrative and the emotional impact of the scenes. Music in films achieves a number of things. It establishes setting, it creates atmosphere, it calls attention to elements, it reinforces or foreshadows narrative developments, it gives meaning to a character's actions or translates their thoughts, and it creates emotion. The main objective of this study is to examine the fact that how does the film score of a movie makes a bigger impact on the success of a movie. Therefore for this study, I chose the movie Bohemian Rhapsody ( directed by Bryan Singer ) which won the Academy awards for best sound editing as well as for best sound mixing in the year 2019. Bohemian Rhapsody is a biographical drama film about Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the British rock band Queen released in the year 2018. John Ottman, a frequent collaborator of Singer, edited the film's soundtrack. For this study, I chose content analysis as the research methodology and my conclusion is the film score of Bohemian Rhapsody played the main role to develop the story and the message of this film.
How do social structures shape the queer characters in Cinema?
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2019), Department of Fine Arts, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Madanayake, K.P.G.S.
The purpose of this research is to analyses how do social structures shape the queer characters in Cinema? This is exploratory research based on Blue is the warmest colorby Abdellatif Kechiche (2013)Disobedience by Sebastián Lelio (2017)and Thani ThatuwenPiyambanna by Asoka Handagama (2002). This research will try to identify how social structures shape the queer characters in cinema. How do social structures such as patriarchy, economic class, and religion affected to build a lesbian character in cinema and how do those characters influence these social structures? To define this, I will argue and use the theories presented by Leslie Feinberg: a feminist and a lesbian writer and a philosopher. The research is consisting of what Leslie Feinberg said about the religion, patriarchy and economic class. In cinema how do filmmakers bring out these social structures equals to lesbian characters via the technical side of the cinema. This research will explore how the filmmakers use technical parts to reveal these three types of social structures in these three movies. How the movie scenes and shots reveal the homosexual love affairs with equaling to social structures.
A study on translator's approach in translating comedy-dramas; with special reference to the dramatic text of the comedy-drama "The Bear" by Anton Chekhov and its Sinhalese translation " වලසා” by Ariyarathna Vithana
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2019), Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya. Sri Lanka, 2019) Siriwardana, S.S.W.
Drama is a form of literature which was created and produced to be read and staged. The textual form of a drama is known as the dramatic text or the script. Delivering a dramatic text from one language to another is known as the dramatic translation or theatrical translation, and it is considered as a more complex genre among the other literary translation genres due to its distinctive characteristics such as speakability and performability. A drama that ultimately makes the audience laugh or cheerful is considered as a comedy-drama. This research intends to explore the manner that the comic element is conveyed when translating dramatic texts of comedy-dramas, and the stratergies used to overcome the challenges faced by the translator during the process. The data of this research were analyzed with a qualitative approach using comparative methodology. The dramatic text of the comedy-drama “The Bear” by Anton Chekhov and its Sinhalese translation “වලසා” by Ariyarathna Vithana are used as the primary sources and data were collected by comparing the two texts. As per the findings, the translator deals with two major aspects in dramatic translation; text and spoken message. The main challenge in translating comedy-dramas is conveying the actual sense and the comic element of the drama to the target audience while being faithful to the source author. Comedy-dramas mainly uses pun on words, verbal satire and sarcasm in the dialogues to evoke the comic element. Therefore, the usage of Sinhalese terms that render the similar pragmatic effect of the terms in the source text and the usage of translation theories; omission, addition and adaptation are the key techniques used by Comedy-drama translator. The translator must be aware of both the culture and the structure of the languages used in the dramatic texts to reach the audience with a successful comedy-drama.
Chinese Language as a soft-power instrument in Sri Lanka
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2019), Department of International Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Jayasinghe, D.P.S.N.
The people‟s Republic of China is regarded as one of the most prominent countries which have utilized their soft power in order to expand their influence. PRC attempts to use its economic power through debt-trap diplomacy and language/cultural influence to gain over South Asia. Whilst Belt and Road Initiative is the main economic mechanism endorsed by President Xi, Chinese language teaching through Confucius Institutes has been able to propagate their cultural influence. Confucius Institute is a public educational organization under the ministry of education of the people‟s republic of China. Although the stated aims of the institute are to promote Chinese language and culture, support local Chinese teaching internationally and facilitate cultural exchanges, scholars have raised concerns over their subsidiary role in attaining non-academicgoals such as expanding China‟s economic, and diplomatic reach through the promotion of Chinese language, intelligence collection and influencing host countries‟ perspectives on China. Although previous studies have captured the popularity of learning Chinese as a foreign language among Sri Lankan universities, there has been less focus on the strategic manipulation of Chinese language teaching to establish influence over Sri Lanka as a soft power paradigm. Against this backdrop, this study provides an in-depth analysis of China‟s usage and implication of soft power through Confucius's institution of the University of Kelaniya, general and special degree programs atthe University of Sabaragamuwa and University of Kelaniya and Confucius classroom. To conduct this research, both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. Questionnaires and Interviews were used to collect primary data while online sources, journals, and reports were used to collect secondary data. To analyze the collected data descriptive analyzing method was employed. The research findings suggest that while providing many academic opportunities to Sri Lankan undergraduates, Confucius institute and the Chinese language degree programs in Kelaniya and Sabaragamuwa universities have been hubs of China‟s overseas propaganda set-up which also thrive in uplifting China‟s image.
Difficulties Encountered By Translators When Referring Glossaries: With Special Reference To The Glossaries Of Technical Terms Of The Department Of Official Languages – Sri Lanka
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2019), Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Thennakoon, T. M. N. M.
Translation, the process of transferring the meaning of a text in one language into another language can be categorized as technical translation and non-technical translation. Technical translation, also known as non-literary translation, can further be subdivided into several sub-fields such as scientific translation, legal translation and commerce translation according to the subject field the document belongs to. When translating technical documents, translators often refer glossaries. Glossaries are alphabetical lists of words related to a specific subject field with the translation of each word. The main difference between a glossary and a dictionary lies in the fact that a dictionary is a collection of general words in alphabetical order with their relevant meanings and a glossary contains words belonged to a specific subject field. The study pays particular attention to the glossary collection compiled by the Department of Official Languages, Sri Lanka. The official translator to the government of the Department of Official Languages has published several glossaries belonged to various subject fields. In addition to the printed versions, the department has also compiled a collection of glossaries which can be accessed online via its official website, and a mobile and desktop application of glossaries. These applications, however, are at a developing stage, and this study aims to discover some of the difficulties novice translators encounter when referring glossaries of technical terms through both printed and electronic sources. Glossary applications are rarely up to date and contain many technical errors. They also lack new words; therefore the translator faces several difficulties. Apart from the glossaries compiled by the Department of Official Languages, glossaries published by several other institutes including Educational Publications Department will also be referred.
A Study on Translating Profane Terms in Literary Translation
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2019), Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya. Sri Lanka, 2019) Pallewatta, P.G.D.S.
Profane Language can be described as unsophisticated, offensive language comprising socially unacceptable taboo terms that are often used to express anger. In almost every language profane terms are apparent. Profane language is a mixture of body parts, functions and products and quite often it is interlinked with the culture. They are used not only to express anger but writers use them as a technique to convey the reader of a certain character's social class. In translating profane terms translators often get confused. They think twice before translating them. Usually, translators tend to omit profane terms and in doing so consciously or unconsciously affect in altering the meaning of the original text. The objective of this study is to find an answer to the question "how to translate profane terms effectively instead of omitting?". In the process, the novel 'Senkottan' by Mahinda Prasad Masibula was used to extract data. A single paragraph consisting of several profane terms was given to five Translation Studies undergraduates to be translated. The source language was Sinhala and the target language was English. The students were encouraged not to omit any word in the process of translating. After analyzing the gathered data three effective methods to translate profane terms were identified. Direct translation, replacing the meaning with another word and translating the profane terms giving weight to the emotion and purpose behind it were the three methods uncovered in the process. Thus when the first and second methods failed the third method proved befitting in translation and can be regarded as the most comprehensive strategy.
A Study on Attitudes of Teachers and Students Towards Implementing an Open-Book Examination for GCE O/L English Literature
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2019), Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya. Sri Lanka, 2019) Pravini, H.B.H.; Hansakie, D.W.P.A.; Amunugama, A.M.W.D.G.K.
Generally, the examinations conducted in Sri Lanka, including Grade five Scholarship examination, GCE Ordinary Level examination and GCE Advanced Level examination are focused on testing the memorizing skills of the candidates. This study aims at investigating the problem of conducting closed-book examinations for GCE Ordinary Level English Literature students, and the primary objective of this study is to show the attitudes of teachers and students towards implementing open-book examinations for GCE O/L English Literature examination. A qualitative method was employed to address the objectives of the study. The participants of the study consisted of teachers of English literature and A/L students who have studied English literature for GCE O/L from Colombo and Kandy cities. Forty A/L students who have studied English Literature for GCE O/L were given questionnaires and ten teachers of English Literature were interviewed to gather the necessary data of this study. The data which was collected through interviews and questionnaires were examined, analyzed and synthesized using critical thinking. The synthesized data showed that the participants prefer implementing an open book examination for English Literature at GCE Ordinary Level and explained that the exams of English Literature should not test learners‟ memory but how they interpret the text. Thus, the government should take necessary actions to establish laws and examination methods that respond to learner needs and current trends around the world.
Themes based on the Walther von Der Vogelweide‟s Poetry on courtly love (“Minnesang”) in Medieval Era
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2019), Department of Modern Languages, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Rathnayaka, R.M.R.P.N.
Walther von der Vogelweide (c.1170-c.1230),who composed and performed courtly love (“Minnesang”), which was a tradition of lyric and songwriting in Germany that flourished in the Medieval Era (5th -15th century), was recognized as the single greatest Middle High German lyric poet before Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. This study strives to illuminate “What are the scopes of themes represented in Vogelweide‟s love poetry?” Previous researches based on Vogelweide‟s love poetry have especially focused on courtly love. Primary data for the present research were based on websites and lecture room observations. For secondary data, resource persons such as lecturers of the Modern Language Department were interviewed to test out my hypotheses. His poems which were chosen, are filled with examples of knights setting out on adventures and performing various deeds or services for ladies because of their courtly love.“Loving nobly” was considered to be an enriching and improving social practice in his poems. He moved German courtly love poetry to a fresh personal expression, even inventing the corresponding lyric genre,the “Madchenlieder” (songs to a common-class girl, sometimes also misleadingly called songs of “lower love”). From this research that has been carried out, it is possible to conclude that in Vogelweide‟s love poetry, he is not satisfied with a one-sided platonic relationship or adulation of more external beauty or high social status. The scope of Vogelweide‟s themes and the tone and manner of their treatment make it unmistakably clear that his office as a lyric poet went beyond courtly entertainment and ethical critique, functions which are performed today by the communication media.This study is intended to provide particular themes based on the poem category “Minnesang” written in the Medieval Era.The findings of this study would be beneficial for the novice German specialized undergraduates.
Facebook as a Platform to Develop Paragraph Writing Skills of Tertiary Level ESL Learners
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2019), Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Jayarathna, D.
Facebook, being one of the most visited social media sites in the world as well as in Sri Lanka, is identified as an exceptional source of influence on language learning. Especially, Facebook groups are effective applications to incorporate into teaching writing skills which are not frequently addressed in existing Sri Lankan research. The problem of the present research is sprung from learners‟ low achievement in English writing tests, lack of motivation and confidence in writing and less interest in paperbased learning. Thus, this study was aimed to investigate the impact of adopting a Facebook group in developing descriptive and narrative paragraph writing skills for tertiary level ESL learners and their perceptions on the efficacy of using Facebook as a medium for learning. A mixed-method research design was implemented in the study as data was collected through a pre-test, post-test and five semi-structured interviews. A purposive sample of 30 intermediate level ESL learners of the University of Kelaniya who study in the first year English for Social Sciences course participated in the study during the academic year 2017/2018. By conducting the pre-test, participants were selected and a closed Facebook group was used for six weeks to identify its effects on students‟ ability to develop paragraph writing skills. Subsequently, based on the „Paragraph Hamburger Strategy‟, lessons on „descriptive‟ and „narrative‟ paragraph writing procedure were posted on the Facebook learning group. Students were expected to practice and engage actively with lessons. Findings reveal that there were statistically significant differences between scores of the pre and post-tests in favor of the post-test. Moreover, Facebook is an innovative learning setting that is appealing, motivating and full of social interactions instead of traditional teaching practices. This study serves ESL practitioners by adopting an effectual approach such as Facebook in teaching language skills to solve existing issues in the teaching sphere.