English Language Proficiency through Buddhist Literature, Culture, Art and Architecture

Authors

  • R. M. Rathnasiri Department of English, Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to introduce the utility of innovative andunprecedented techniques of teaching English in a short period of time.

In the present context, the Buddhist Monks, Nuns and scholarly Laypersons asDhamma Propagators all over the world should be proficient in the use of aninternational language for the propagation of Dhamma. Therefore, they should be wellversedin the English language to make the above noble service a reality as well as topursue research work in that regard.

The all the grammar lessons and all the basic sentence patterns in English can beapplied in Communicative and Written Exercises by means of Buddhist teachings,Buddhist literature and Buddhist arts. For instance, SVC Pattern (Subject–Verb–Complement), Active Voice, Passive Voice, Eight methods in the Synthesis ofSentences, Adjective Phrases, Adjective Clauses, Noun in Apposition, Phrase inApposition, Conjunctions, Affixation etc. can be applied by means of the STRUCTUREof STŪPA, MOONSTONE, PUNKAḶASA etc. For instance, (Active Voice) –Thefoundation of stūpa symbolizes cycle of births. (Passive Voice) – Cycle of birth issymbolized by the foundation of stūpa. (SVC – Noun) – The foundation of stūpa is asymbolization of cycle of births. (SVC– Adjective) The foundation of stūpa issymbolical of cycle of births. Thus, all the grammar lessons can be used. This method isunequivocally empirical and so it is to be pragmatically proved.

All the grammar lessons can also be included in a single JĀTAKA TALE.Construction of sentences, combination and transformation of them can be done througha pair of sentences based on BUDDHIST CULTURE or BUDDHIST LITERATURE.This course which adopts innovative pedagogic techniques of English teaching provideslearners with a comfortable access to the overall development of English Languageproficiency.

Key words: English, Language proficiency, Buddhist culture, Buddhist arts andarchitecture, Jātaka tales

 

Author Biography

R. M. Rathnasiri, Department of English, Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka

Department of English, Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka

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Published

2015-07-07