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JRJayawardena
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 1 Oct 2007 18:41:17 GMT Report for Abuse
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Sri,
'Englishmen' English
In fact one should not be ashamed of not speaking 'Englishman's English because none of the English, other than the Englishman is known as English.
This is exactly why I said not to worry about the eloquence. Perhaps trying to speak phonetically correct English is a good attempt. I remember when Queen Liz II came to Lanka in 1981 or 82 to open the Victoria dam. She addressed the folks and she pronounced river Mahaweli as 'Mahaweli Ganaga', 'Ganga' as in Sinhalese language properly without any letters dragged or shortened for that matter. This I guess was a very good attempt by her.
I think this is why its ought to know a language as closer as possible to its native speakers. But for English now it has been far more than native, because we have so many variations in English due to globalisation. Those Lankan politicians like you say may be speaking with long lankan accents, but at least if they can convey the message appropriately with a good command of English that should be fine and of course those who speak far better English without typical accents are worthy of mentioning.
After all its all down to individual person and perception than one entity Sri.
I know some Sinhalese kids speak Sinhalese with a western accent as they feel Sinhalese as their second language. Then again if the kids' parents prefer that so be it. Its down to ones own preference Sri than anything else.
JRJ |
DVLADV
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 1 Oct 2007 18:46:44 GMT Report for Abuse
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| Reading JRJ reminded me of my dad, he speaks text book Sinhalese and with a little of Tamil accent believe me it sounds offensive. |
Sritharan
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1 Oct 2007 18:58:12 GMT Report for Abuse
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| I like JRJ's cover up stories. Some of you guys has been making fun of LTTE's members ability to speak in 'proper' English. I guess it is not relevant anymore! |
JRJayawardena
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1 Oct 2007 19:04:21 GMT Report for Abuse
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DVLADV,
Reading JRJ reminded me of my dad, he speaks text book Sinhalese and with a little of Tamil accent believe me it sounds offensive.
In fact this is not at all offensive. I guess your dad must be applauded for his endeavours. In fact this is what the Sinhalese lacking except for a few who strive to learn Tamil language and literature.
I am in fact quite ashamed that I could not learn Tamil to be part of the Tamil culture to explore which is also a part of Lankan culture. Sinhalese and Tamil culutures go in tanderm. We celebrate the New year together. So learning Tamil would have been a bounty to explore the Tamil culture. But now I guess I am too late for that. My bro can speak a little Tamil.
All in all I am in full agreement whoever says that both Sinhalese and Tamil must be taught at school, because this is a core component in the society.
I have tamil friends whom I converse in English and their father's speak Sinhalese, so I guess you may be in my age bracket then, and your dad may be closer to 70sh.
JRJ
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bakamoona
Joined: Aug 2007
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 1 Oct 2007 19:04:27 GMT Report for Abuse
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1.JEEZ! this matter of English!
Its only a tool guys.
Intelligence & ability to do things does not depend on one's fluency of English or lack of it. Eg Einstein and a million others.
You can hire professional interpreters for that.
All Europeans , Arabs , Chinese , Japs , Latinams do so.
2.Despite whatever the US Ambassador says , military conflicts -unless settled by negotiations - end up with the side which has better manpower and other resources winning.
Military skills are standard-all warring parties acquire them and is secondary.
No need to be elated or despondent because of something an ambassador said.
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kotia
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 1 Oct 2007 19:08:13 GMT Report for Abuse
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I think everybody must appreciate of speaking others language. English is the best example. whenever you are talking with Englishmen they are really happy to talk with us. It is a common practice in SL to find others mistakes and make that as a hilarious think.
If you are making your native language that is really bad. that does not mean making mistakes in non-native language is allowed.But trying to speak in other language must be highly admired and most of the people do not know how to show the mistakes to others and finally they take it as another joke.
No body in this forum may agree with this. but I believe that is true.
And one more thing, If the people in this forum has an opportunity to meet each other I know it will be a wonderful time.
No language barriers. then the truth will be the game.
Edited By - kotia - 1 Oct 2007 19:08:41 GMT |
shan
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1 Oct 2007 19:10:54 GMT Report for Abuse
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Eelam could have been on the map many years ago if not for dirty Indians. Why sin halease can't win the war with more than 80% of 85% of the population supporting war? Are you going to support LTTE from now on? Or do you think VP is a superman?
Now Mr Ambassador you have shown your weakness in Darfur and Burma. You are dying in Iraq for sleeping with Israel. You pushed Muslims day and night for Israel and now they took the war straight on to you. How many supermen you lost in Iraq? You could have supported Shiites and Kurds when they were up against Sadam if you were really interested.
Don't pick on the weaker minority communities fighting for its rights. Just take a step aside and watch the game if you can. If India and you are neutral Tamils could have sorted thinks long time back.
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kotia
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1 Oct 2007 19:13:18 GMT Report for Abuse
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I have tamil friends whom I converse in English and their father's speak Sinhalese, so I guess you may be in my age bracket then, and your dad may be closer to 70sh.
This could be true. The older generation might be able to talk in all the three languages but the new generation can not.
Then it is easy to find out where the problem lies? |
Priyanthy
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 1 Oct 2007 19:15:36 GMT Report for Abuse
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Finally my job is over. I have just triggered a bullet and it hit some of the centre nerves.
Well, i will put this thread into my bank locker to Boomerang our dearies whenever they come up with humiliating statements like 'Barber speaking English' this and that. LOL
However, it is an undeniable truth....whether you people accept it or not, 'weeramonkey cannot speak English'. Period. |
kotia
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1 Oct 2007 19:20:40 GMT Report for Abuse
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i will put this thread into my bank locker to Boomerang our dearies whenever they come up with humiliating statements like 'Barber speaking English' this and that. LOL
probably it may last in your locker ever.
You may no need to take it out. But sometimes you will feel that it takes some space in your little locker and need to dump it out.
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