Redefining Parametersr The Case of Lankan Urban Bilingual Discourse

Abstract

Spoken and written forms of discourse empioyed by English-Sinhala bilinguals at present cali attention to certain significant factors which have served to condition the exponents of such forms at diverse levels. Research studies dealing specifically with English-Sinhala bilingualism are indeed few; more so any recent evaluations of extra-iinguistic determiners applicable to the language behaviour of English - Sinhala bilinguals. In this study, I have attempted to deal with some of the significant features of extra-iinguistic interest within the discourse pattems among present day urban English-Sinhala bilinguals in respect of spoken discourse. The main objective of this exercise happens to be the initiation of extensive discussion/research leading to the recognition of the functional aspects of some distinct discoursal features current within urban bilingualism. In addition, this study seeks to update the already available material with regard to new additions of many sorts to be noted within the vocabulary of the present day urban bilinguals which require an in-depth analysis. My research in identifying these disGoursal features and subsequent analysis involved direct and indirect interaction with urban English - Sinhala bilingual representatives of several age groups as weil as educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and extensive recording of their use of both languages in question. Special attention was paid towards ascertaining how representativo each exponent was of a particular group thus divided, since the quality and the effectiveness of the language functions of certain bilinguals often lead to questions .rather than definitions based on the in-group identity of the speakers in question.The focus of this research was aiso concemed with capturing the aspirations, emotions and attitudes of selected bilinguals as they are framed in language, since interpreting the extra linguistic and social significance of such features would enable one to grasp the character and complexities of language behaviour of present day language users belonging to the urban sector. Further, it has been attempted to examine some of the attitudes, past and present of linguists and discourse analysts towards the language use of individuáis, through reference to discourse pattems among the urban English - Sinhala bilinguals. The valué of such , attitudes has been questioned by analysing these discourse pátterns, considering the very ithin the present day context. It has been argued that extra-iinguistic factors goveming the language behaviour of the urban bilinguals can hardly be placed in perspective in relation to their discourse acts through some unproblematised theoretical notions of modem discourse analysis.