Notwithstanding the motivated rhetoric about globalization, internationalization and cultural synthesis, the specter of discrimination based on color, race, religion and caste looms large over several parts of the world. The pangs of deprivation and cultural apartheid are intense and sensitive writers have portrayed them in their works. The plight of the marginalized engages the attention of writers in English and Bhasha literatures. The stilled voice of women struggles for articulation. The imposed caste system which dehumanizes people encourages revolt as is the case of the renowned scholar, Vyasa. Migration has been going on since time immemorial with its advantage of cultural assimilation, in some cases, and cultural alienation, in some other cases. Recent trends in teaching vocabulary to L2 learners have been the focus of much research.

In the first paper, “Indian Diaspora and Cultural Pluralism”, the author, C V Padmaja, brings out various instances of migration resulting in the rise of diasporic dilemma, since the times of the expulsion of Jews from Israel. In India, there has been migration even in the times of the Mahabharata or even earlier. But in India, those who immigrated to India got assimilated and contributed to cultural pluralism. But in some instances, alienation persists. In a related paper, “Captivating Experiences of Discrimination, Disasters as Agents of Change for Diaspora in Chitra Banerjee’s Novels: Mistress of Spices, Queen of Dreams and One Amazing Thing”, the author, Ritu R Agarwal, examines the different responses of protagonists in Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s novels, Mistress of Spices, Queen of Dreams and One Amazing Thing. The continuing discrimination gives rise to terrorism. There is an urgent need for establishing bonds of friendship through understanding, points out the author. The rebellion of Tilo, who marries Raven, against established canons, shows her urge to belong.

R Prabhakar, in his paper, “Theme of Survival in Margaret Laurence’s A Jest of God”, stresses the need for human relationships through the presentation of the discourse of resistance, though only through fantasizing. The narrative of Rachael Cameron, who is at the center of the novel, is an urge for survival of the workers.

Shruti Das, in her paper, “Language as the Badge of Nationality: Locating English in Sri Lanka”, discusses the place of English in postcolonial Sri Lanka, where there was an urge to give higher place to regional language, to ensure linguistic identity, along with recognition of unavoidable need for English to facilitate entry and growth in professional career. There has been downgrading of English, as also of the literature written in that language. English is at once a language of enslavement and of opportunity. In recent times, though, a balanced approach is discernible.

The persistence of subjugation of women in the domestic sphere through male domination, as presented by Poile Sengupta in the play, Mangalam, is studied by
K Jayasree, in her paper, “Negotiating Silence and Speech as Manifestations of Power in Poile Sengupta’s Mangalam”. The silence imposed on Mangalam by the patriarchal structure is subverted by the victim as it is turned into a tool of resistance and expression of self-knowledge. Her attempt is a courageous rejection of interior colonization.

GRK Murty, in his paper, “Bikshâpâtra, a Telugu Playlet: Critiquing from a Marxist Perspective”, examines Telugu writer G V Krishna Rao’s playlet, Bikshâpâtra (Bowl for Alms), as a denunciation of unreasonable religious restrictions. Borrowing the central theme of banishment of Vyasa from Kasi, when he was about to curse the holy city, as he had been denied alms for several days and had been starving, the playwright chastises the fossilized caste system and the resultant social injustice, leading to revolt as advocated by Marx.

Possession of rich and varied vocabulary is the key for successful communication and subsequent career opportunities and growth in the modern world. Pushpa Nagini Sripada, in her paper, “Towards Better Vocabulary Proficiency: Research Trends in the Area of Vocabulary Teaching”, reviews the recent researches related to the teaching of vocabulary—particularly to L2 learners. An important contribution of the paper relates to Suggestions for Further Research, which includes preparation of frequent collocations and models for word study strategies.

The distinguished Indian poet in English, Keki N Daruwalla, in a frank interview with Amitendu Bhattacharya, shares his views on modern poetry written by Indians in English. He says that he cannot describe himself as a poet, though he might have crafted a good poem; it is for the readers to judge him as a poet or a mere versifier. He has strong opinions on the poetry of earlier writers, like Tagore and Sarojini Naidu, who wrote in the romantic strain of England. He justifies the debunking of the poets of the previous generation by poets of his time, like Nissim Ezekiel. The no-holds-barred interview is worth pondering over.
The urge for colonization by Prospero even when he had to leave his kingdom, in
The Tempest, is shown by Papiya Lahiri, in her paper, “Prospero’s Chimera of Indulgence: The Subaltern in Shakespeare’s The Tempest”, as inhuman treatment of the subaltern, like Caliban. He orders Caliban to perform all menial jobs out of the power of magic he possesses and threatens dire punishment if he dares disobey. The island originally belonged to Caliban’s mother and he is the rightful successor, but the politics of power results in the usurpation of the island by Prospero, who additionally harasses Caliban, calling him ‘poisonous slave.’

Before we close this Focus, we wish to record our profound sorrow at the passing away of Prof. C Subba Rao, former Chairman of AP State Council for Higher Education, Professor of English, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, and a distinguished member of the Editorial Board of our journal. Dr. Rao was a percipient critic and passionate lover of English and Telugu literatures and was known for his stellar contribution to the educational scenario of Andhra Pradesh. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace!

-- S S Prabhakar Rao
Consulting Editor