Gnosis - Undergraduate Research Symposium - Department of English

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Responsibility of media for the change of traditional food and eating habits
(Department of English, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Dhammarathana Thero, B.; Mendis, N.; de Saram, H.
The research focuses on Sri Lankan food and eating habits. Today the food have been changed due to various reasons and media is one effective factor for this change. Today television and magazines are filled with plenty of advertisements and most of them are concerned with food. They point out the positive side of that product and how that product is helpful to the consumer. They highlight the simple, quick and easiness of that product to use. Today media, that is mainly television and magazines or newspapers have given major place to advertisements and among them the advertisements on instant food compel the people to buy it. It is proposed to undertake the following approach as methodology in order to meet the research objectives. This research will consist of two primary stages. First stage consists of content analysis of primary and secondary sources and the second stage is a qualitative research by means of interviews. Information were gathered from the students, lecturers and few families in countryside and city. Through the information the conclusion was that media is highly effective for the change of traditional food and eating habits mainly in the cities than the villages.
The impact of the language medium shift on undergraduates specializing Social Science subjects in the University of Kelaniya
(Department of English, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Bandaranayake, S.; Weerasinghe, I.; Jayathilleke, S.; Gunesekara, H.; Thennakoon, T.; de Silva, A.N.
This research study discusses the impact of the change of language medium instruction from Sinhala to English medium in the case of pursuing special degree of courses offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences in the University of Kelaniya. It has been identified as one of the major long standing issues confronted by undergraduates who chose to specialize in Social Science subjects. This process of language medium shift in education is known as Content and Language Analysis (CLIL) which is a dual focused teaching approach aimed at acquiring subject knowledge as well as foreign language competence simultaneously. Several studies have been carried out in this fieldsuch as by Cenoz, Genesee and Gorter (2013),Georgiou (2012) and Evans and Morrisons (2011). Howeverdespite of such research, a gap had always existed in terms of research focusing on university education. A questionnaire and interview based survey was carried out to gather necessary information and perspectives from undergraduates specializing in International Studies, Economics and Sociology in which this shift was prevalent. The results of this research can be used to devise strategies for major improvements in this field.
Code mixing in the field of tuition particularly in Economics and Biology classes in Kiribathgoda area
(Department of English, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Awanthika, T.; Hapuarachchi, P.; Ihalagama, H.; Samarasinghe, N.
Human language is the most effective medium of communication. Variations appear in the process of its development due to its mutability. Code mixing is an important concept in sociolinguistics and it is a highly discussed phenomenon in Sri Lankan speech. Moreover, code mixing is commonly used by bilingual speakers in different situations. Most of the Sinhala speakers mix Sinhala and English languages when communicating with others both intentionally and unintentionally. In fact, code mixing is the use of one language in another language, the mixing of two or more languages or language varieties in a speech. Many research studies on code mixing have been conducted in various fields such as fiction writing, broadcasting media, print media and advertising. However, no research has been conducted on code mixing in the field of tuition although it is prominently used in this field. Data for the study were collected through questionnaires and unstructured interviews which were conducted after analyzing them in order to gather in depth data. The sample included randomly selected group of teachers and students who are involved in the field of tuition particularly Biology and Economics in Kiribathgoda area. This study explores when and why code mixing is used in the field of tuition. In addition it investigates the advantages and disadvantages in using code mixing and its nature of occurrences.
The importance of letters in “Pride and Prejudice” and “Emma”
(Department of English, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Jayamaha, A.; Botheju, K.; Jayatilaka, R.; Prasangi, D.; Welgama, E.; Gunawardana, Y.
Epistolary writing is a feature which only a few novelists have adopted. The research is aimed at examining epistolary writing with regards to Jane Austen’s novels Pride and Prejudice and Emma. Both the novels Pride and Prejudice and Emma contain several letters that fulfill the task of developing the plot through its aim of creating incidents. The novel Emma mainly contains only one letter in specific, which is Frank Churchill’s letter that we find in Chapter 50 and all the others are incidents where someone else speaks up about what is conveyed through a letter. Letters of confession, letters of love marriages, letters of unspoken emotions and letters of informing certain trivial matters as arrivals and illnesses, day to day casual letters are mentioned in both novels. Through the information revealed by the letters, the plot too develops in a certain way, manifesting certain characteristics of the characters and adding up to the themes. Letters Austen mentions in both novels can be categorized according to the message the letter conveys and how a letter adds to the development of the plot can be analyzed with a close examination of the letters and the incidents where letters are brought out.
Attitudes towards Sri Lankan English lexis and grammar
(Department of English, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Perera, N.
In Sri Lanka, English has long been a language of authority granting access to the higher classes of society. However deviating from the “British” standards and speaking Sri Lankan English is not always regarded in a positive light. The research was conducted to explore the acceptance, the notions on grammatical accuracy and lexical validity of Sri Lankan English among undergraduates and graduates of the University of Kelaniya. The findings are compared with responses from the older users of English. It is seen that both the younger generation and the older generation hold a more permissible attitude towards the use of English, which can be attributed to the increased acceptance and the popularity of Sri Lankan English. However there is less willingness to bend certain hard core rules, especially grammar rules and rules governing the pronunciation of words.
Teaching English to Marketing Undergraduates - A Self Reflection
(Department of English, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Hettiarachchi, A.
This is a self- reflexive study of the researcher’s experience as an English Language teacher, which was carried out as an assignment for the course unit Literary Pedagogy.. A group of third year students of mixed ability, from the department of Marketing, varying from upper elementary level to lower intermediate level, was chosen to carry out a language lesson using a literary text, of which the focus was prepositions. Her presentation includes her personal viewpoints as well as the students’ view point on the effectiveness of the lesson and her own teaching methods. She will also address question of effectiveness in using literary texts in language teaching.
Teaching English at a Colombo Girls’ School – A Self Reflection
(Department of English, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Kottearachchi, S.
This presentation highlights the experience of teaching Advanced Level Literature students at a prominent girls’ school in Colombo. It reflects the trials of revising for government exams and how it affects the performance of each individual student. It also addresses the benefits and limits of using a structured lesson plan. Finally, it inquiries into the presenter’s strengths as a teacher while evaluating certain areas that would merit improvement.
Manipulating TV news
(Department of English, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Rathnayake, H.; Marasinghe, S.; Mahathmaarachchi, H.; Mahathmaarachchi, T.; Herath, I.
Media is the means of communication that teaches or influence people widely. Media does not only create news but they create news with a message. However currently it is impossible to find any news without biasness. This puts a heavy responsibility on TV news to adhere to the laws enacted upon the media. The fact that media tends to telecast news as exciting stories through political biasness, exaggerating the violent activities of the country, the omission of information and racism are often criticized. Research have been conducted on the responsibility of the media in presenting news to the general public. According to these research generally media should attempt to weigh ethical obligations of accuracy in order to fulfill the necessity of competitive reporting. Therefore this research intends to analyze popularity as a main reason for the above discussed matter and present it as the research gap of the study. Accordingly the research will use the viewpoint that “popularity” is the main objective of news media in broadcasting their news. In this study, we focus on analyzing the Sri Lankan television channels’ quest for popularity results the lack of reliability of news broadcasting. Content analysis and video based questionnaire are identified as more appropriate methods. We intend at capturing three important aspects, politics, excess depiction of violence and racism as tools to gain popularity. This research proves that TV news must be honest towards their efforts and should not have any concealed purpose in presenting news.
Teaching a kuppi class: A Self Reflection
(Department of English, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Mallawarachchi, I.
The study is based on a self-reflection of the experience of teaching a lesson which was prepared as an assignment for the course unit, Literary Pedagogy. An exam - preparation class was conducted for the course unit, Critical Thinking for the first year students and the second and third year students who repeat the exam. The self-reflection will attempt to identify the presenter’s strengths and the aspects to be developed as a teacher. It will also address questions regarding the effectiveness of the lesson plan.
The depiction of love in Sri Lankan English poetry
(Department of English, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Senanayake, M.; Karunaratne, J.; Amarathunge, L.; Wathsala, C.; Dayananda, P.
The topic of the research is the depiction of love in Sri Lankan English poetry. The poems Words to a daughter by YasmineGooneratne, A Soldier’s Wife Weeps by Kamala Wijeratne, Fisherman Mourned by his Wife by Patrick Fernando and The Gift of Love by Jean Arasanayagam have been selected as the primary sources. The representation of love in these poems is scrutinized in terms of the effect of the Sri Lankan culture on the expression of love and how the artists have utilized the English language in their works. The analysis of the previous research done on Sri Lankan English poetry reveal that they have researched on the reconciliation of the indigenous traditions and Western traditions, the role of the English language and the fusion of local idioms and the English language in Sri Lankan English poetry. The effect of Sri Lankan culture on the expression of love and the use of language in Sri Lankan English love poems is the gap in the research. The methodology that is followed in this research is content analysis. This research proves that Sri Lankan culture has influenced the depiction of love in Sri Lankan English poems and that the use of language in the expression of love reflects Sri Lankan social and cultural values, beliefs and traditions and manifests a typically Sri Lankan usage of English.
The Contribution of Cumaratunga Munidasa as a Neologist
(Department of English, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Randula, G.
CumaratungaMunidasa (25th July 1887 - 02nd March 1944) was one of the greatest classical Sinhalese scholars of the recent times, remembered over years owing to the remarkable service rendered by him in a number of disciplines. He isadmired by many as the first individual to recognise the need of new Sinhalese technical terms capable of imparting the knowledge of modern technical and scientific concepts introduced to the Sinhalese speech community during the past century. Still, no commendable attempt has been made to examine his role as a neologist. Therefore this study attempts to undertake the task. An adequate corpus ofdata was collected for examination by referring toa number of books and paper articles written by Cumaratunga. It was observed thathe had followed many a morphological processes in coining neologisms, which reflect a number of salient features that one should take into consideration in coining Sinhalese technical terms. Since a great mass of neologisms coined by Cumaratnga have gained currency in the day-to-day discourses, further studies should be encouraged, concerning the morphological processes and standards maintained by him as a neologist.
The use of the word “Seriously” in social network
(Department of English, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Alwis, S.; Bandara, A.; Mayakaduwe, C.; Salwatura, T.; Koralage, A.; Bandara, T.
Nowadays, many of the slangs have emerged from social network and they are used to state disbelief, doubts, as intensifiers and also as responses to someone stating the obvious. Word “seriously” is an adverb which uses to indicate the importance of an action. However, in today’s context there is a question “what is the present status of the word?” The aim of this research is to find answers for this question. According to the findings of the research, the word “seriously” is using as a positive exclamation in social network. The word “seriously” is using as a negative exclamation in social network. It has become a trend among young generation to change the real meaning of the word “seriously” and currently they are using this word as a slang exclamation too. Nevertheless the old generation is still using the word to convey the real meaning. According to the analysis of the findings final outcome is the word “seriously”, is more often used as an exclamation than as a general word. It is also used as both positive (grave, sincere, nothing humorous) and negative exclamation (disbelief). The word “seriously” is mostly used by the young generation as a slang exclamation but middle age people also use it to a certain extent.
The use of abusive language in Carl Muller’s The Jam Fruit Tree
(Department of English, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Wisumperuma, T.; Nawamali, H.; Gurugamage, T.; Withanachchi, P.; Nayanathara, D.; Malankande, C.
The use of abusive language is a novelty to Sri Lankan literature. Carl Muller has used this novelty in his novel The Jam Fruit Tree with the intention of portraying the life style and ethics of the Burgher Community in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this Gratiaen prize winning novel is equally admired and criticized for its diction. The present study is an attempt to convince the Global readership that the abusive language can be used as a powerful medium of expression to depict the culture and identity. Moreover, the abusive words used in this novel are collected and categorized in order to achieve the aim of our research.
A Research Study on Frequent code mixing by the undergraduates of the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Kelaniya
(Department of English, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Sudhara, G.; Hettithanthiri, P.; Lafeerkhan, A.
The research study was based on Code Mixing. Code mixing is a linguistic-related term, which denotes mixing of two or more languages in the process of speaking. Being a vast area of study, the research study had to be restricted to the recurrent code mixing by the undergraduates of the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Kelaniya. Through many effective methodologies, which included a questionnaire of 11 questions, distributed among 20 ambiguous undergraduates (10 female and 10 male students) from the faculty and by recordings of their actual conversations. With the knowledge gathered through examination of the past research studies and comparing and rationalizing the gathered information, thegroup arrived at many conclusions. 99% of the participants agreed that code mixing modifies their speaking; making a conversation stylish and impressive.1% of the participants expressed pessimistic views on this issue, claiming that it affects the originality of Sinhala language and that of the conversation. When analysing the matter of code mixing, a gender based study will declare many interesting and important information. Additionally, in a study on code mixing, it is important to consider the participants’ multilingualism, specifically in a location where a variety of language learners exist. Finally, widening the scope of study on code mixing to a large language community would make a research study, more sophisticated.
The influence of English language on the Spanish speakers
(Department of English, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Warnakulasooriya, P.
This study will be mainly focusing on three sub topics: first how English has influenced the Hispanic community in the United States, secondly how English has influenced the English- Spanish bilinguals and thirdly how English terms have influenced the Spanish language which is also known as “Anglicisms”. The background for this study is mainly based on the passion towards learning popular foreign languages. This passion towards learning languages and to examine their co relationship mainly initiated the study on “The influence of the English language on Spanish speakers”. The study was done using the qualitative research method because this is primarily exploratory research. Individual interviews, participation and observations were the main techniques used to carry out the research project. The interviews were recorded on a CD in order to observe the participants more closely. The focus group was native Spanish speakers who are either undergraduates or graduates who have come to Sri Lanka for an internship. The research gap focuses on how the influence of the English language has affected the attitudes of Spanish speakers. The findings were that although the English language has affected the Latinos on a larger scale their attitude towards the English language is fixed; English will not replace their mother tongue and they will try their best to protect their language and culture.
An Attitudinal Study of English Undergraduates at University of Kelaniya towards ‘Spell Checker’ and ‘Auto-Correct’
(Department of English, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kariyawasam, D.
The present research is aimed at studying the attitudinal variations of undergraduates studying English at the University of Kelaniya towards ‘spell checker’ and ‘auto-correct’ in relation to their spelling skills. Existing studies mainly deal with more pragmatic aspects, such as studying the possible impact of these two programmes on the ability to spell and/or the memory of English language users. Data for the current study is gathered through an online survey participated by undergraduates of the University of Kelaniya who are reading English for their degree. The study explores participants’ attitudes relating to several aspects of the two programmes including the main functions, usages, and possible impacts on spellings. The research thus examines how undergraduates in a local university react towards these two systems as second language users of English and attempts to discover possible trends and patterns in attitudinal responses. The results of the study reveal that participants have a more positive attitude towards the SC than AC. There is a tendency to over-rely on the two functions due to which a possibility looms for undergraduates’ level of confidence to erode in terms of their spelling skills.
Code-switching among Junior Secondary level students in Sri Lanka
(Department of English, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Vithanage, A.M.H.; Weerasekara, W.M.P.H.; Paththinige, L.B.; Amarasinghe, C.J.; Ponnamperuma, D.A.O.
The researchers’ exposure to the concept of code switching made them realize the lack of in-depth research on it among Sri Lankan schoolchildren. The aim of this research was to evince social and linguistic factors trapped in the concept of code switching. This research followed the qualitative research approach and selected the Convenience Sampling method. Data collection was through picture based discussions where it was recorded and evaluated. The findings of this research reveal that the non-availability of adequate terms in either of the languages compels Sri Lankan schoolchildren to switch from one language to the other. In addition, code switching acts as a defensive mechanism by enabling the participants to fill the gaps that emerge in conversation. However, the findings of the research reveal that there are no regional differences in code switching among junior secondary level students of Sri Lanka. The researchers assume that this may differ if the research had been conducted amongst non-English medium students from rural schools.
Usage, Attitudes and Issues of Cursive Handwriting faced by Learners using English as a Second Language in University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
(Department of English, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayasinghe, H.S.; Keerthiwansha, N.W.B.S.; de Alwis, V.N.N.U.; Egodage, W.A.
The research intends to focus on a less researched area and is designed to find the level of usage, the issues and attitudes of cursive writers and non- cursive writers using English as a second language in the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Moreover, when the history of research in the field of English language is considered, there have been various studies conducted on cursive handwriting on an international level focusing on the level of clarity, performance at examinations, teachers’ attitudes and writing speed. However, a study on cursive handwriting has not been conducted so far in Sri Lanka. Thus this is an initial step for further research. The results of the study prove that cursive writing mainly relies on personal interest and students are not encouraged to learn cursive handwriting at school. In addition, the majority prefers manuscript style in an examination and taking notes in a lecture. Moreover, the majority have stressed on the proper practice and proper format when writing cursive handwriting. Meanwhile, a majority admires the beauty of cursive script and they enjoy reading when they find a properly written piece of cursive writing. Significantly, certain individuals do not measure the intellectual level of the writer through cursive handwriting. Nevertheless, due to the lack of systematic training only a minority uses cursive writing. The number of difficulties faced by the Sri Lankan cursive users is quite high, and the issues identified need to be addressed cautiously for its improvement.
Use of prepositions among University students learning English as a Second language
(Department of English, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Madhushani, H.N.G.; Athapaththu, A.M.H.K.; Athapaththu, S.P.; Navarathne, A.S.; Kumari, H.R.U.E.
Prepositional usage is a difficult grammar area among the students who are learning English as a second language. Thus, it has been demonstrated that even undergraduates learning English as a second language face difficulties when using prepositions accurately. The present study is an attempt not only to identify the common errors made by the students in using prepositions, but also to recognize the more familiar prepositions used among the students. This has led to the assumption that both teaching and learning prepositions in English by the teachers and learners who study English as a second language are inadequate. Forty undergraduates representing the four faculties, ten from each, were given a questionnaire to be answered. Accordingly, the faculty of Humanities, the faculty of Social Sciences, the faculty of Management and the faculty of Science in the University of Kelaniya answered the questionnaire consisting of fifteen questions including two open ended questions. The findings revealed that the students of the faculty of Science possess a thorough knowledge regarding the accurate use of prepositions while the knowledge of the students in the faculty of Social Sciences regarding the use of prepositions was very low. Furthermore, prepositions that had been used more accurately were: ‘into’, ‘among’ and ‘from’, while the prepositions that had been misused frequently were: ‘on’, ‘between’ and ‘of’. Thereby, our research study became a success, signaling green lights for maiden future studies.
Oppa prefers Gangnam style: linguistics borrowings in K-pop fansubs and their Foreignizing effect
(Department of English, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Hettiarachchi, A.
Hallyu wave, which implies the increasing popularity of Korean cultural products at a global level, is a cultural phenomenon that derives maximum benefit of the fansubbing culture. Within the discourse of translation studies, the “foreignizing” tendency of fan-made subtitles is an area well researched into, proving it a fertile ground for academic investigation. While most of these studies are based on Japanese anime fansubs that pioneered the fansubbing movement in 1980s, a significant lack of survey into the linguistic features of fan-made subtitles is also felt, owing to the fact that these studies are situated within the discourse of translation rather than language or cultural studies. Positioned within this gap, the present study encompasses a linguistic analysis of several versions of fan-made subtitles for music videos of six selected K- pop (Korean pop) songs. The study shows that the linguistically marked singularities of Korean culture as well as syntactical peculiarities of Korean language compel the translators to borrow Korean linguistic features directly and indirectly into English, making the fansubs “foreignized.” Based on this observation, the paper argues that linguistic borrowings in fansubs signifies a refusal to translate culture specific terms and concepts on the part of the fansubber.