‘English Grammar and Usage’ by R.S. Karunaratne Future lies in linguistic proficiency

In the first section, the author lucidly explains 57 items with special emphasis on prepositions

The second section has 33 items explained on usage. There are plenty of examples cited to make things easy to understand

Whether we believe in insular narrow nationalism or not, it is inevitable that the 21 million Lankans should know at least a fleeting familiarity of the widely-spoken English language. This alien linguistic will be the link among fellow Sri Lankans and more importantly with the outside world. It is because the internet has become powerful in communication, trade, tourism, travel, business, industry, banking, finance, politics, human rights, honing skills, understanding different cultures and love 
for humanity.   

We cannot continue to remain as frogs in the well because the world is changing rapidly. Whether in the city or village, it will be English that would be spoken more than our indigenous languages. Some might consider me as an unpatriotic or lover of a language that was introduced to us by colonialists. Far from the truth, we love our own culture and mother tongue but made a terrible mistake in dethroning the English language. We became a closed nation. We started to be parochial and self-centred. 

We cannot continue to remain as frogs in the well because the world is changing rapidly. Whether in the city or village, it will be English that would be spoken more than our indigenous languages

Still, there is hope for us, particularly among the younger generation that fathoms the value of English language. They’re different from us. They think differently. They look to the outside world to be world citizens. It is bound to happen in this century. So, how can the youngsters be practical in learning the English language? There is one way. 

I know, when yours truly was studying in the English medium, we used Warner and Martin, W.H. Samaranayake’s Practical English and B.C. Chinnaiah’s English Grammar books hone language proficiency. And in lower grades, we delved into the series of ‘New Method Readers’ and ‘The Radiant Way.’ 

But now, a veteran journalist has authored a comprehensive book that is easy to understand and benefits even by a child nesting in the rural hamlets. This is an author publication by a writer who understands the difficulties encountered by young people in provincial areas where they don’t have the opportunity to converse with each other as they have been indoctrinated by ignorant politicians that English was like Kaduwa. 

It is priced at Rs.650 and is available at the author’s residence – No. 95, Main  Street, Panadura. He can be reached on 0382238338

The book titled ‘English Grammar and Usage’ is authored by R.S. Karunaratne – a well-known essayist and visiting lecturer in English at various educational institutions. He has many academic credentials and has authored 12 books in English. The second edition of the book was in 2017 and was first published four years ago. The 234-page book is judiciously divided into two sections as ‘Grammar’ and ‘Usage.’ 

In the first section, the author lucidly explains 57 items with special emphasis on prepositions. Most people are clueless when it comes to using the correct preposition. Yes, even to me in speaking Sinhala, I am at a loss to choose the correct preposition. Another problem is in regard to active and passive voices. Some of the best writers in English advise us to use active voice over passive. On the other hand, the second section has 33 items explained on usage. There are plenty of examples cited to make things easy to understand. 

In addition, a key of eight pages complete this useful guide. It is priced at Rs.650 and is available at the author’s residence – No. 95, Main  Street, Panadura. He can be reached on 0382238338.