ICH 2023

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Perceptions Towards Online Education of Undergraduates who have not Received an Onsite Learning Experience; A Survey Based on The Experience of First Year Undergraduates of Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Nandasena, K. G. D. W.
The outbreak of COVID-19 which resulted in the temporary closure of educational institutes has abruptly transformed the education landscape in Sri Lanka. The traditional classroom of one-to-one teaching interaction saw a radical shift with the implementation of distance learning through online education. With the continuation of online instruction, it is critical to examine the undergraduates’ perception regarding online education adopted at the university level. The study focuses on the perception of those who have not received an onsite learning experience. Semi structured interviews and online questionnaires were used to collect data and the study population consisted of first year undergraduates of Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa in Sri Lanka who are alien to onsite learning as well. It is evident that most of the participants prefer onsite learning, yet they have progressively accepted online education as the only alternative available during this period. Furthermore, the cost effectiveness, incorporation of multimedia, flexibility of lecture hours and other incentives have supported this attitude. The responses shed light to the fact that the respondents are satisfied with the way in which the university as well as they have adopted to this newly introduced system. Moreover, the findings of the survey demonstrates that the students have accepted this as “a crisis management system” followed by the university. The mixed attitude towards continuation of online education would facilitate the authorities in the progress of online learning in an upgraded version.
Psychological Factors that Affect the Interpersonal Conflict Between Mother and Son in Western Dramas (With Reference to Selected Dramas)
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Kodagoda, Asanka
The conflict of a drama is based on its character. It happens as a result of a disagreement or an opposition. The conflict between two characters is identified as interpersonal conflict. This interpersonal conflict is popularly depicted in mother-son relationships in Western Dramas. It is evident that most of the plays written in Western literature are portrayed from a deep psychological angle. Many psychological concepts and theories have been composed in the recent past. Yet, it is evident that early dramatists were successful in effectively bringing out the emotions and feelings of humankind. For instance, Greek, Elizabethan, European, Russian, and modern American play scripts can be considered. Sigmund Freud explains the theory of psychoanalysis through four main concepts. Namely, Levels of Mind, Structures of Personality, Defense Mechanism and Psychosexual Development Stage. The objective of this research is to examine the psychological factors that affect the interpersonal conflict between mother and son in relation to the psychoanalytic theoretical concepts brought forth by Sigmund Freud. The Sinhala translation by Siri Ediriweera of Sophocles’ Oedipus, the Sinhala translation by K.C. Liyanage of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Punaragamanaya by Sunil Wijesiriwardana, the Sinhala translation of Henrick Ibson’s Ghost, the Sinhala translation by Sriyarathna Withana of Anton Chekhov’s’ the Seagull, and Punchi Paligu Rena by Henry Jayasena the Sinhala translation of The Glass Menagerie have been referred as the primary sources. The research question of this study is to illustrate what are the psychological factors that affect interpersonal conflict between Mother and Son.
An Investigative Study on the Communicative Aspects of Oppari Singing Used Among Sri Lankan Tamils
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Weerasooriya, R.M.P.S.
Oppari singing can be identified as a form of singing used by the Tamil people at funerals. Not only the Hindu people who migrated from South India to Sri Lankan estates but also the Tamil people of Jaffna sing this Oppari at their funerals. In these funeral ceremonies, it is special that only the women sing this song, standing next to the dead body. Oppari singing is defined as a rhythmic lamentation. That is, singing the merits of the deceased person and forming a rhythmic chant. Does Oppari singing in use among Sri Lankan estate Tamils contain social communication features? This research was conducted on the basis of the problem and collected data on the assumption that the social communication features of Oppari singing used among plantation Tamil people are included. This included the communicative aspect of Oppari singing, the peculiarities of Oppari singing, the current use of Oppari singing, etc. Qualitative data collection methods and discussion analysis were used as research methods for data collection. The primary source of data was collected through field study and interviews with people in Haputale and Poondaluoya, while the secondary source of data was collected through books, newspapers and documents. The analysis of this data shows that the Sri Lankan estate Tamil people give an understanding about the dead person to the people participating in the funeral by singing Oppari, and that Oppari song represents itself as a symbol and communicates and interprets the person, and this Oppari song which performed for the dead body, not to express the grief over the loss of the deceased person but to remember what the deceased person did while he was alive. It was also revealed that this Oppari singing is a special kind of funeral singing that is only limited to the Tamil people and unique to them.
A Study of the Utility of Orthography for Meaningful Expression in Language
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Vipula Thero, Ginikatuwewe; Chandasiri Thero, Olaganwaththe
The relationship between orthography and meaningful expression is crucial with regard to any given language, though opponents of orthographic rules or patterns often argue that orthography is not an essential element in generating meanings. A common characteristic of these debates is the lack of a proper quantitative explanation regarding the relation between orthography and the semantic aspects of language. Hence, the present study is an attempt to examine the nature of this relationship in a critical manner. Accordingly, the primary research question here is whether orthography plays a crucial role in generating meaning in language. In exploring this research question, library research under qualitative research method and insider perspective as a native speaker is employed while concepts such as Vaikruthadhvani, Prakrutadhvani and Spota of Bhartruhari; Abhithanvaya or the Indian theory of 'relation of the denoted meaning; Anvithabhidhana or the theory of the denotation of the related meaning; the concept of Akhanda Shabdavali, the theory of Artha Sanjanana Vyarapathra of the Dvani school and Homophones are also examined. All these theories or conceptions are examined retrospectively from the perspective of a native speaker. Prakrutidhavi is necessary for Spota, while a Vaikrutadvani is transformed into a Prakrutadhvani after absorbing the meaning. In speaking, the special pronunciation elements in Vaikrutadhvani, such as Pasarapalitha or nonpasarapalitha do not hinder meaning generation. Any speaker expresses a consistent sequence of sounds in any utterance while the listener too grasps the meaning of what he or she hears in the form of such a sound sequence. After this initial step, utterances are understood as collections of 'words'. In revealing the essence of the expression of meanings, certain factors bear special attention, including grammar, Upamana, Nighantu, Aptavachana, Vyavahara and Prasiddhapadantara Samabhihara. Further, the expression of the intended meaning of these various words with different meanings depends on the context. Hence, the literal meaning has to be identified from the context and then reveal the meanings of words. The diversity in meaning leads to ambiguity, and the orthographic conventions limit such ambiguities to a greater extent in writing. Even though orthographic conventions help resolve the ambiguities in writing caused by the complex variety of meanings, the revelation of meaning in language does not depend solely on orthography alone. The verbal context, as well as the context of a situation, are equally important to understanding the proper meaning(s) of a given word. Hence, meanings could not be understood without considering discourse.
Food Preservation Methods in the Traditional Sinhalese Society (with Relevance to Traditional Villages in North Western Province)
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Wasala, W.M. Madu
Food security is the reliability of the physical availability of nutritious, safe and culturally appropriate food for all people at all times. Any change that makes a food unfit for human consumption can simply be defined as food spoilage. Food preservation involves the reduction or cessation of the effects of food on its quality, edibility, nutrition, or effects that accelerate spoilage. The purpose of this study is to investigate and study the methods of preserving food in the traditional Sinhalese society. This is primarily a qualitative method-based research which is based on empirical data and secondary sources. For primary data, information was obtained from the elderly living in the villages above 60 years of age through interviews, and as secondary sources, books and research articles were used in accordance with the purpose of the research. Since certain foods are limited to a certain period of time, food safety can prevent food wastage, allow devouring in the off seasons, allow effective usage, and minimise wastage of resources. Prominent among such traditional strategies are the systematic storage methods. Atuwa, Bissa, clay pots, Valankuttu, and bags have been used for preserving grains. Moreover, wood ash and plant leaves have been used. In preserving other types of food, the methods of burying in the soil, drying in the sun, smoking, air drying, using sugar and salty acids, deep frying in oil and using honey have been used. It is important to use natural strategies of food preservation and post-harvest conservation strategies at the household level and the national level as a solution for economic and social problems in the country. Moreover, these conservation strategies, followed by utilising natural resources, will also help to create a healthy society.
An Investigation of Buddhist Concepts That Can Be Used in Reducing the Mental Disorder of Sexual Jealousy
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Dissanayake, S.U.
One factor that determines human behaviour is sex. Jealous feelings about sex are called sexual jealousy. This is a psycho-disorder in terms of psychology. Sexual jealousy can be called a major topic of controversy in modern social life. The problem of this research is whether Buddhist concepts can be used to reduce sexual jealousy. The research aims to investigate sexuality According to Buddhist Teachings on sexuality. The research is based on qualitative research methodology, and data collection is done through primary, secondary, and tertiary sources. The study of the related problem was conducted by exploring and analysing the data. As a result of the discussion and results, it was found that there is an unconscious influence on sexual jealousy and that it has developed into a form of mental illness in many unmarried or married individuals and elderly people. A conflict has arisen between the destruction of others, the basis of one's own destruction, frustration, and motivation with negative values. This sexual jealousy occurs in the inability to maintain one's sexual activities properly. In Buddhism, it is possible to identify psychological techniques that can be applied to control this mental problem to some extent. The points of Dassanā, Sanvarā, Patisevanā, Adhivāsanā, Parivajjanā and the meditation of the Sabbāsava Sutta can be used for this, and the mind can be calmed down by following the Noble Eightfold Path through the restraint of the senses, patience, removal of the three evils, the spread of the concept of compassion, the growth of the four branches and the Noble Eightfold Path. Reversible. According to the research conclusion, sexual jealousy is the feeling, pressure, etc., that one's object is owned by others, and it is tiring to the mind as well as the body. According to Buddhist concepts, sexual problems will not occur if one enjoys only the object of one's own lust.
Iconographical Study on Solias Mendis’s New Kelaniya Vihara Shrine’s Sculptures
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Dharmasri, C.P.
The new Kelani Vihara shrine construction is a temple project that reflects the socio-political and cultural change in Sri Lanka in the early twentieth century. This was implemented during the colonial era from 1927 to 1946. It seems that nationalistic ideas that existed during this time influenced the structure of the shrine and the visualisation of its paintings and sculptures. In the design of the new Kelani Vihara, there is a complete suppression of the previous temple styles, such as Kandyan and colonial Architecture. Here, there are differences in the form and theme of the exterior sculptures of traditional temple designs. This shrine has many paintings related to Sri Lankan history along with convent paintings of the Lord Buddha’s life story, and there were many Hindu god figures, provincial god figures, various animal symbols, flora fauna decorations and endemic god figures unique to Kelani Vihara. The form of all these sculptures depicts a change from previous styles. Also, the form of the sculptures has been inspired by the Hindu idols built in ancient Indian architecture and the sculptures created outside the Thivanka statue. Moreover, this style replaces the popular contemporary style of M. Sarlis’s sculpture and creates a new style. Therefore, the research question of this project investigates the difference in theme selection, form and style of his project, and whether there is any influence from the contemporary social and political situation on these differences. The purpose of this is to study the thematic and stylistic innovations of this Vihara project, to identify the social and political influence that affected it, and to examine the patronage and creative roles of the Vihara project. The iconographical research methodology has been used to analyse these sculptures. As a primary source, the sculptures on the exterior of the new Kelani Vihara were studied. Books, journals, and research articles have been studied under secondary sources.
Translation Loss in “Alimankada Sita”: the Sinhalese Translation of the Novel “The Road from Elephant Pass”
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Jayasinghe, D. G. T. A.
Literary translation is an interesting but complex field of Translation Studies. If the translator fails to convey the idea given by the source text along with its extralinguistic elements, it will cause a translation loss. The objective of this study is to find the translation loss in the novel “Alimankada Sita”: the Sinhalese translation of “The Road from Elephant Pass”. Accordingly, the research problems are: “What are the linguistic levels at which translation loss occurs in “Alimankada Sita?” and “What are the reasons for such loss in translation?” Further, the researcher attempts to analyze the impact of such losses in rendering the meaning of the original text. This qualitative research was conducted as a comparative content analysis. Accordingly, it was found that translation losses occur at different linguistic levels. Further, it was found that such losses occur in instances where unnecessary omissions and additions take place, and in translating and transliterating Tamil terms, idiomatic phrases, taboos, slang, and dialogues. Moreover, it was identified that there are translation losses that occur as a result of following the structure of the source language, while not looking for the target language structure and equivalents on syntactic and semantic levels. It was also noticed that the lack of prior studies about Tamil language and culture which appear in dialogues is another cause for losses in the target text. Moreover, the impact of such losses could give incorrect information to the target reader. They damage intended message of the original writer of the story as well as the feelings generated through some vital incidents.
An Evaluation of the Social Role of the Sri Lankan Women Portrayed in the Sinhala Marian Hymns: Based on the Marian Hymns of Rev. Fr. Marcelline Jayakody
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Fernando, Christine Rovina
Marian devotion holds a significant place in Christianity, with Mary symbolizing the ideal representation of women. Over time, a rich tradition of Marian devotion developed, resulting in the creation of prayers, hymns, sculptures, paintings, and churches dedicated to her. Among these artistic expressions, hymns, in particular, have a unique ability to resonate with people's hearts through the power of music as an art medium. The origins of Sinhala Marian hymns can be traced back to the compositions of Catholic hymns by Rev. Fr. Jacome Gonzalvez. Rev. Fr. Gonzalvez compared Mary to Sri Lankan women, highlighting her noble, humble, and maternal qualities within the context of the Jewish society in which she was born. However, a comprehensive academic evaluation of the social role of Sri Lankan women as portrayed in Sinhala Marian hymns is yet to be undertaken. This study aims to fill the existing research gap in the academic exploration of this subject, as previous research has primarily focused on the aesthetic aspects of femininity portrayed in Sinhala Marian hymns. This research employs a qualitative research methodology, drawing upon Sinhala hymns, historical reports, academic journals, internet sources, and interviews. By analysing these diverse sources, the study seeks to identify and understand the social role attributed to Sri Lankan women in Sinhala Marian hymns. By delimiting the research scope to the hymns found in the book "Thun Kekula" written by Fr. Marcelline Jayakody, the study ensures a focused analysis within a specific context. The findings of this research will shed light on the social role ascribed to Sri Lankan women in the context of Sinhala Marian hymns. It will contribute to a deeper understanding of how cultural and religious beliefs influence the portrayal of women in religious contexts, providing valuable insights for scholars, researchers, and practitioners in the fields of religious studies, gender studies, and cultural studies.
The Portrayal of Women in the Renaissance Theatre in the Late Fifteenth Century (1580-1600)
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) De Zoysa, Handunneththi Shanika Dilhani
This research paper explores the various ways in which the female is represented in the Renaissance theatre in the late fifteenth century (1580-1600), contesting the dominant view of female victimhood and patriarchal norms. Despite the dominant view being the lack of freedom and identity of the Renaissance women, the era can also be called a time period in which women such as Portia and Lady Lucre, women who fought for their needs and wants for whatever the means, also existed in the Renaissance theatre. The theatre being an actual demonstration of life in England in contemporary times, these dramatists delineate the contemporary issues that these females went through in marriage and relationships as well as their means of contesting them. In order to explore the portrayal of the female beyond the victimhood and patriarchal norms, an in-depth textual analysis would be conducted on the selected texts, The Merchant of Venice (1600) by William Shakespeare and The Three Ladies of London (1584) by Robert Wilson. Therefore, the objective of this study is to find out the dichotomous representation of the female in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice and Robert Wilson’s The Three Ladies of London as well as to portray how these portrayals showcase women with beauty as well as wit to validate financial gain, and political dominance. Tactically, these dramatists signify the idea that females are not always the victim of patriarchy and that there are females who wittily manipulated the patriarchal norms to gain their means.
An Investigation of the Aesthetic Principles Underlying the "Maha Kola Sanniya" in Sri Lankan Mask-Making Tradition
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) De Silva, Malliya Wadu Arosh Chaminda
A mask is a craft creation by which the natural face of a person is covered by an artificially created face of a different type. According to circumstances like belief systems, society, rituals, and meanings, people wear masks on their natural faces to disguise their true identities. This makes changing personalities simpler for a brief amount of time. But the mask used to be much more than just a face covering device. Anthropologists have accepted the fact that ancient people in various countries used masks to frighten enemies in battle, making an attractive impression on cultural rituals and as entertainment. Its use in ritual dances was undoubtedly an important aspect of the religious and social life of our ancestors. In some parts of the world the mask still retains a deep and often complex aesthetic meaning. In Sri Lanka’s cultural background, the “Maha Kola Sanniya” represents a very unique aesthetic essence of the Sri Lankan folklore. But there are very limited research findings on the Maha Kola Sanniya and its aesthetics values. The research problem of the study is how “Maha Kola Sanniya” is able to express aesthetic values through its performances. The research paper describes that there is a particular aesthetic essence of the Sri Lankan ‘Maha Kola Sanni Mask’, especially in Ambalangoda on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. To clarify the aesthetic account of "Maha Kola Sanniya" in Sri Lankan mask making history, the study of how Maha Kola Sanniya is able to express the aesthetic values through its performances serves as a qualitative research project.
An Analytical Study of Practical and Linguistic Problems Arising in the Study of Literature for University Students Studying Hindi as a Foreign Language: Based on Hindi Prose Literature
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Dayawansha, W. A. Nimesha Sandeepani
The contribution of literature to the learning and teaching of a foreign language is enormous. The study of the literature on those languages for language learning is the subject of discussion in many books and research studies. Although Hindi is a practically unused language in Sri Lanka, it is taught as a foreign language in many educational institutions. Among these, Hindi studies have a prominent place in Sri Lankan universities, where Hindi prose literature is naturally used. According to the facts obtained from the presurvey of the students, it was found that they face some kind of challenging situation in the study of Hindi prose literature. The main objective of this study is to identify the challenging pedagogical problems arising in the study of Hindi prose literature. Apart from this, other objectives of this study are to help make literature an attractive and problem-free method of study for students by discussing solutions to those problems. This study is going to be conducted as qualitative research. In this study, the survey research method, as well as the evidence-based research method, will be used. Primary data will be obtained through a questionnaire. Data is collected from the third- and fourth-year undergraduates studying Hindi at Kelaniya, Sabaragamuwa and Sri Jayawardhanapura Universities, selected as the research sample. The secondary data will be collected through interviews with university lecturers based on the primary data. These problems and challenges are to be classified and analysed mainly into two parts: practical and linguistic problems. The presumption of this study is that practical problems are more challenging than linguistic problems.
Bridging the Education-Employment Gap in Sri Lanka: With Special Reference to Translation Studies Curriculum and Translation Profession
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Bandaranayke, H. I. W.; Gunathilaka, D. D. I. M. B.
Many young people today find it difficult to receive employment due to a lack of qualifications and abilities for specific vacancies available. Despite this, the numerous public colleges have continued to generate graduates over what the labour market has demanded, creating an imbalance in the educational system. The purpose of this research is to examine how far the BA Honors Degree in Translation Studies could bridge the Education-Employment gap in Sri Lanka, especially referring to Translation Studies Curriculum and Translation Profession, and to identify the challenges faced by graduates and undergraduates when engaging in the profession. Objectives of this research are to examine the changes to be made to the curriculum to make it in line with the profession, the changes that should come within the profession to aid the development of the curriculum, and lastly, to examine how the curriculum and the profession could be bridged to cater to both present and future needs of the profession. The research used a mixed approach and provided a thematic analysis. Questionnaire-based graduates and undergraduates survey, expert interviews with professional translators, and focus group discussions were used as research instruments for primary data collection. The results showed that there is a gap between Translation Studies Curriculum and Translation Profession. The focus on teaching language skills over translation skills, undergraduates’ interest in the subject, less standard in the practical training, no opportunity for specialized translation, and less support and recognition towards the degree program from the profession and the government have been identified as reasons for creating this gap. Overall, the BA in Translation Studies is an academically successful program that creates graduates with higher language skills but not professionally.
Readiness of Teachers in ICT Integration: An Investigation of Secondary Schools in Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Kumara, Karunarathnage Lakmal Eranda
This study examined the readiness of secondary school teachers of Sabaragamuwa Province to integrate ICT into teaching and learning. The study aimed to determine how best to assist or prepare teachers for integrating technological tools in teaching and learning. The study used qualitative methods, and the population was secondary school teachers, and convenient sampling followed. This study used the Diffusion of Innovations theory to investigate the factors influencing the integration of ICT in Sri Lankan secondary schools. The theory explains how new ideas and technology spread through cultures, making it an appropriate framework for understanding how ICT is adopted among the teacher population. The study revealed that most teachers lacked awareness of ICT integration in teaching; teachers were aware of the necessary resources for ICT integration but lacked technical knowledge. Teachers have faced several barriers to ICT integration, including a lack of competence, negative attitudes, limited time, and etc. The study's findings highlighted the need for training and support to address these challenges and enhance teachers' readiness for integrating ICT into teaching and learning. The study found possible solutions to the challenges teachers face in integrating ICT into teaching and learning. There is a demand for stakeholders to make necessary efforts to integrate ICT in secondary schools successfully. The study suggested that the government should enhance both pre-service and in-service training for teachers in pedagogical issues related to ICT integration. The study's findings provide an opportunity for stakeholders such as the National Education Commission, Ministry of Education, ICTA, National Institute of Education, and Provincial and Zonal Education Authorities to plan how to improve teachers' readiness for integrating ICT into schools.
Dubbing or Subtitling Interculturalism: Students' Perspectives
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Ratnayake, Iruma
Although a relative newcomer to the field of Translation Studies, Audio-Visual translation (AVT) has advanced from the field's borderline to its' centre over the past period. AVT is a specialized area of translation that deals with transferring multimedia texts into another language and/or culture. Making Audio-Visual products is one of the most visible demonstrations of multiculturalism worldwide. Given this situation, it is evident that translators play a crucial role in transferring such material. This paper attempts to determine whether dubbing or subtitling, two main approaches of AVT, can be more effective in manifesting cultural differences. Data were collected through a questionnaire from 20 final-year undergraduates reading special degrees in Translation Studies at the University of Kelaniya. The reason for selecting such a sample to gather data is that their final year comprised a course unit titled Introduction to Audio-Visual Translation. Analysis of the results discovered that 1) A considerable amount of students are aware of interculturalism, 2) The majority of students perceive that AVT can promote interculturalism, 3) and dubbing has the most impact on promoting interculturalism 4) The most common reason stated is that oral language is the best mode to experience a culture, 5) The most common challenges in promoting interculturalism are lack of translator's knowledge on both cultures, contradictory ideologies between different cultures, particularly between religions, and technical constraints, and 6) The most suggested solutions are providing professional training to AVT translators, broadening the knowledge of translators on both cultures before translating, and conducting Audio-Visual translation from a neutral and common position that is acceptable to the majority in the respective target audience in consultation with professional translators without making decisions alone. In manifesting cultural differences dubbing and subtitling are subject to their restrictions and regarding interculturalism that must be taken into consideration.
Sri Lankan English as the Target Language Variety in Teaching English as a Second Language: Perspectives of Tertiary Level Educators
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Ekanayake, E. M. P. E.
While features of Sri Lankan English and its use in literature have been explored in studies to a certain extent, there is little research on the relevance of Sri Lankan in English (SLE) in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) and its degree of acceptance as the target language variety by educators engaged in TESL. Therefore, the objectives of the study were a.) to identify to what extent educators identify SLE as the target language variety of their teaching, b.) to understand how teachers define SLE, and c.) the reasons for educators to choose/ not choose SLE as the target language variety for teaching. The study was conducted in the Faculty of Arts of a state university of Sri Lanka. Convenience sampling method was used to select participants for the research and data was collected through semi-structured interviews (15). The data was analyzed using the method of Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA). According to the analysis of data, 93.4% of the educators (14), were of the opinion that their target language variety in teaching is Sri Lankan English. The reasons for accepting SLE as target language variety were, a.) awareness of SLE as the language variety that is used in Sri Lanka, b.) influence of degree programmes that the educators have undergone and the reading material they have been exposed to. The reasons for rejecting SLE as the target language were the view of SLE a.) as ungrammatical, and, b.) as discriminatory towards ethnic minorities in the country. It was also found that there is significant difference in how SLE is defined by the educators. The findings of the study highlight the importance of assessing practical implications of SLE/ periphery varieties of English in fields such as TESL since studies so far have been highly prescriptive and theoretical in nature.
Error Analysis of Case Markers in Writing: A Special Reference to Undergraduates Learning Hindi as a Foreign Language at the University of Kelaniya
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Athapaththu, A. M. S. J. B.
The Hindi language is considered as a widely spread language in India and some other parts of the world. In Sri Lanka, Hindi is taught as a foreign language at universities, schools, and some other institutions. The University of Kelaniya holds the only department for Hindi studies. Hindi is taught at Kelaniya for both B.A and honours degrees. Hindi has a rich system of grammatical case marking, which employs a variety of case markers. There are 8 case markers in the Hindi language. Understanding the proper use of these case markers need frequent practice and theoretical knowledge. Improper use of the case markers may make the whole sentence or phrase grammatically incorrect or change its meaning. Most undergraduates learning Hindi face many difficulties using case markers. This research will focus on the errors in case markers of undergraduates learning Hindi at the university of Kelaniya. The research sample is based on 47 undergraduates from general first, second, and third years and special first, second, and third-year cohorts who are learning Hindi as a foreign language at the University of Kelaniya. Undergraduates are given a questionnaire related to the case markers, then errors are analyzed. The outcomes of this study are to be displayed in the descriptive method using charts. The problem of the research is how accurate the undergraduates are using case markers in Hindi language. The main objective of this study is to identify the errors and causes for these errors and examine the overall progress of each batch. This study will help both undergraduates and teachers to identify the areas with more errors.
The Effectiveness of the Flipped Classroom Approach in Improving Speaking Skills of Adult ESL Learners in a Sri Lankan University Context
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Hemali, Dilini; Ganepola, Gavithri
Competency in speaking English is crucial in contemporary Sri Lanka as it is employed in every official domain as well as in other existing fields such as trade, science, technology, and education. Nonetheless, literature claims that Sri Lankan youth lacks English speaking skills in required contexts. Hence, the present study is an attempt to address this issue by investigating (1) the effectiveness of the flipped classroom (FC) approach in improving the speaking skills of ESL learners (2) learners’ perceptions towards integrating the FC approach, and (3) challenges faced by teachers using the FC approach. An ESL tertiary education institution was chosen as the research context and the study comprised a sample of stratifiedrandomly selected 120 first-year undergraduates of the University of Kelaniya, whose proficiency was at the elementary level. The sample comprised three groups; one control and two experimental groups, where traditional teaching and flipped-based teaching were applied respectively. The data were collected utilizing a mixed-method research paradigm including a pre-test / post-test design, an attitudinal questionnaire, and semi-structured interviews. Accordingly, a Paired Samples T-test was used to determine the statistical significance of the undergraduates’ test scores. Thus, a thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the open-ended questionnaire items and the semi-structured interviews. The findings reported that the mean scores of the post-test marks of the experimental groups have surpassed the ones of the control group. As such, it points towards the effectiveness of the FC approach in improving the speaking skills of learners. The questionnaire analysis on undergraduates’ perceptions towards this approach revealed their satisfaction whereas a few challenges were identified based on the lecturers’ responses at the semi-structured interviews. Conclusively, the researcher recommends ESL practitioners integrate the FC approach as it improves learners’ speaking skills.
Development of Reading Comprehension through Simple Texts of German as a Foreign Language in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka: CEFR Level A1
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Liyanage, A.M.J.N.; Dissanayaka, D.M.H.
Learning German as a foreign language has become popular among many school students in Sri Lanka. German is now included in the school syllabus and is studied by students as a subject for GCE Advanced Level Examination in Sri Lanka. In the acquisition of a foreign language, reading comprehension plays a key role since it positively affects students' language skills and rapidly influences them to acquire a new language. However, students have an unpleasant attitude toward reading comprehension in the classroom. Thus, this study is an empirical study of the development of reading comprehension at CEFR Level A1 in Sri Lanka's North Western Province. The main purpose of this research is to increase the readers’ comprehension skills and encourage them to become active readers by engaging with the text. For this purpose, the study aims to investigate the reasons why students lose their enthusiasm for reading and propose a suitable solution for it. 10 teachers and 90 learners from 10 selected schools in the North West Province of Sri Lanka participated in this study, and questionnaires, observations, worksheets, and interviews with teachers and students were used to obtain data. The results of the study show that although learners prefer to read, they are not enthusiastic about it. The study indicated that the teaching methods and text format have a strong influence on the loss of students’ interest. As a suitable solution, the research introduces the use of simple texts as an appropriate method for developing reading comprehension in learners who are at CEFR Level A1 and suggests the most appropriate teaching methods that teachers can use in the classroom to develop reading comprehension.
An Ecological View of Jesus’ Parable-Based Teachings on the Kingdom of God in the Synoptic Gospels of the New Testament
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Samarasinghe, Sanduni Mahesha
The art of storytelling, which is enriched by parables and country folklore’s creativity, exists in every rural society. The Rabbis of Judah employed parables as a powerful teaching and encouragement tool in the Galilean Palestinian folk tradition where Jesus lived. This research examines how Jesus’ parable-based teachings on the Kingdom of God in the New Testament parables reflect an ecological vision. The main objective of this research is to explore the ecological perspective that Jesus, a Judean Rabbi, emphasized when he used parables to explain the mystery of the “Kingdom of God,” which was a typical teaching method in Galilean Palestinian folklore. Among the New Testament Gospels of the bible, Matthew, Mark, and Luke are referred to as “Synoptic Gospels” because they depict the stories and events in a similar way with regard to the teachings and mission of Jesus. These Synoptic Gospels contain parables. Parables in the New Testament are described using the Greek word “Parabola,” which means to compare two things from the natural world or day-to-day life. There, the ideas of challenge and equality are emphasized. For this, both primary and secondary sources were analyzed using the Historical method. According to the research, Jesus’ parables frequently featured natural themes such as fruit trees, wolves, sheep, birds, seeds, wheat, harvest, and flowers blooming in the field. This suggests that Jesus presented an ecological view. In the same way that a message about the Kingdom of God is conveyed by using an analogy of an item drawn from day-to-day life or nature, it is important to study the ecological context of contemporary Judean society to realize what the Kingdom of God means.