In postcolonial times language has become synonymous with nationality. This notion
existed even in pre-historic times. Freeman (1879) has emphasized that “Mankind
instinctively takes language as the badge of nationality.” Each nation aspires to be a
linguistic entity. This presumption is drawn from evidence in Europe, as native speakers
are identified by their language, such as native speakers of French, German, and Italian
are Frenchmen, Germans and Italians, respectively. The present context of discussion is
Sri Lanka which shares a common cultural history with other South Asian countries, yet
we find here a legacy of rich linguistic diversity. In spite of having common origins,
common historical experiences, common religions and morals, common customs and
interdependence, the region divided itself according to linguistic homogeneity after a long
history of colonial rule. Linguistic homogeneity and unity became a more durable policy
for survival and permanence than other parameters like religion, etc. The single national
language theory which is a product of European historical experience is problematic in
South Asia, which has shown that linguistic identity and national consciousness are
synonymous. Mother tongue is sacred and is a vehicle for all national endeavors. In an expanding global scenario, where the survival of economy and borders depend upon
communication and comprehension, English becomes the most unavoidable vehicle. While
critics most often focus on religion, region and nationality within South Asia, they rarely
focus on the linguistic regionalism inherent in this region and the position of English language
therein. In this paper, I have concerned myself with the problems of identity and survival
of English as a language of literature inside an important South Asian country, namely, Sri
Lanka.
This is an important factor that needs address. English which is considered to be a
global language takes a beating in countries like Sri Lanka. It is supposed to be the
language of enslavement which was used as a tool by the colonizers, and now a language
coveted by the Diaspora, who are thought to be escapists by the people of their homeland.
The Sri Lankan diaspora are born into the Sri Lankan culture and are raised in Western
ways, bringing with them a hybrid duality. They fight for acceptance in their own homeland
as diaspora/expatriates living outside their native domain. The study observes how colonial
oppression, ethnicity, and religion are paramount and have led to rabid linguistic regionalism
in Sri Lanka, relegating English language and literature to the position of a pariah. Literature
in English has struggled through odds to obtain a position of respect inside the South Asian
country and has often become an afterthought. Therefore, it is important today to take an
overview of the literary scenario in Sri Lanka and understand the crisis of identity and
survival that literature in English is undergoing there at present. This discussion involves
an analysis of the linguistics tensions and its impact on literatures in English available in
Sri Lanka.
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