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The Way to Use English LanguageWilfred FernandoDear Editor,
The Way to Use English Language
There is a raging debate afoot for a few months in the Sri Lankan printed media now, on the use of English as language of communication among the sport personnel. This was originated after some opinions were expressed in the media relating to the press interview of Sri Lankan cricket star Ajantha Mendis. He used an interpreter to express his views, which was a very rational and mature way to conduct the proceeding when the medium he was forced to communicate was not very familiar to him. In my view his course of action is commendable to many other people who insist on speaking in a language in which they are not comfortable or skilled with. What is most stupid and ridiculous is somebody struggling and stuttering in a language which he is not fluent, and making no sense of what he is saying and what he intends to say. This complexities and intrigues of speaking in English are unique to Sri Lankan, specifically - if I may so bold to add - to Sinhala speaking people. People speaking in languages other than their mother tongues are as ancient as the civilisation itself. At different times in different geographical areas, different languages had taken the pride of place as lingua franca. Greek or Latin in Europe and Sanskrit in Asia was once regarded as the common media, where as Arabic takes that place among the Muslims even today. When the whole world decide a language or some languages as the common speaking media there is no alternative. Either you use it for your advantage or lag behind the rest of the world. The very common argument people bring against this status quo is the case of Japan, China, and so on. How many countries can enjoys the independence and dominance enjoyed by these countries in the world stage. Sri Lanka is definitely not one of them. The whole question of English usage in Sri Lanka is shrouded with the ethos and social settings of the society. The status placed by the society to an object or to a social standard is what makes that object or value regarded as precious or degrading. For example the national flag, religious icon, or a language can ignite wars in any society. Though the English speaking may not create such explosive situation but can generate angst and stress among the individuals in many social circumstances in the wider Sri Lankan society. The reason for this is, among the Sri Lankans English is used as a tool or a weapon to generate social status, in the same manner wealth, attire, and power, etc. are used to bolster one’s social grade in the society. This is very much similar vein, the armed personnel used their ceremonial regalia. This can be further illustrated by the fact that, the use of English in certain situation is likened to use of sword or “Kaduwa”. There are many yarns about inappropriate use of English language, are woven around well known people in the Sri Lankan society with the intention of ridiculing them or lowering their social recognition. These social abnormalities will not disappear from our society anytime soon. It is ourselves to blame if we have given so much social grading to a one foreign language.
Wilfred Fernando
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