Reading classical literature for life

In this week's column I examine the standing of English and the importance of using the contemporary idiom of Standard English with an emphasis on reading classical literature which definitely provides a framework for the future progression of the language.

Although reading classical literature is a significant phase in one's language studies irrespective of the language one studies, here the focus is on the learning of English. As far as the standing of the English is concerned, it was Ben Jonson's view which made a shift of paradigms on the standing of English and its upkeep. Ben Jonson (c. 11 June 1572 - 6 August 1637) who was an English Renaissance dramatist, poet and actor and a contemporary of William Shakespeare expressed with regard to "the place of 'custome' within language "in Timber (1640): "Custome is the most certain Mistress of Language, as the public stamp makes the current money. But we must not be too frequent with the mint, every day coyning... Yet when I name Custome, I understand not the vulgar Custome: For that were a precept no less dangerous to Language, then life, if we should speak or live after the manners of the vulgar: But that I call Custom of speech, which is the consent of the Learned; as Custome of life, which is the consent of the good."

Ben Jonson's other publication entitled 'English Grammar... for the Benefit of All Strangers, out of his Observation of the English Language now spoken, and in use vindicates that his concern was for his native language and its living properties. The early publication on grammar and the usage of English expresses the interest in the vernacular (English) as a 'serious 'language and its usage indicates both status and morality.

It should be stated here that standing of English in the 14th and 16th centuries remained dubious although Chaucer and his contemporaries had made a substantial contribution to elevate the standing of English which was, at its infancy, constituted of numerous distinct regional dialects. Throughout the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries, the division continued between French as a language of court, Latin as that of formality and religion and English as that of the people or the mob, depending on one's standing. However, it was in the reign of Elizabeth 1 that consensus of approval reached on the standing of English language. It was prompted by the desire for national and religious unity following a period of political instability.

English as a respectable language

The gradual rise of the standing of English can be attributed to the poets of the era who were self-conscious of the masterpieces of literature and attempted either to be equal or to be better in their literary productions. For instance, the early poets of the Elizabethan era were influenced by epics by Homer in Greek and Virgil in Latin. Edmund Spenser and Sir Philip Sidney were chief among others in the Court of Elizabeth 1, in raising the standing of English as a respectable tongue. This process of raising the standing of English was further enhanced by the patronage which synchronized with the sensibilities of royalty, Court and particularly in poetry. Although the notion of good English is fraught with throughout the ages, one can subscribe to the notion that Jonson's view of 'consent of the Learned' as far as standing of English is concerned.

Although the protracted argument on the standard of English may continue for centuries, it is suffice to state that 'Custome' of English will continue to evolve in the years to come. However, what is important here is that study of English language is as important as the study of classical literature.

Classics as repository of idioms

One of the intrinsic properties of classical English literature is that English literature from Anglo-Saxon Literature to the contemporary literature contains not only descriptions of the socio-cultural life in the era in which they were written but also English idioms of those times.

This characteristic is common to all languages. For instance, contemporary users of English may find it difficult to comprehend or to appreciate Anglo-Saxon literature since the contemporary English idiom is absent in them. But, one should not forget the fact that it is the Anglo-Saxon Literature which laid the foundation for English literature. It is important to note here that Anglo-Saxon literature did not begin with books, but with spoken verse and songs or poems such as epic poems.

It is a home truth that only one, who mastered classical literature, could comprehend diverse dialects. Although one may learn grammar and structures of sentences from a teacher, it is the classical literature which teaches idioms of different eras and myriad of styles of the language.

Classical literature contains classical idiom whereas 'vulgar idiom' contains in 'vulgar literature'. Apart from literary value, classical literature would provide fertile backdrop particularly for young readers at their formative age to appreciate literature of universal value, substantially improving their language skills. It is because of this fact, that abridged version of work of classical literature has been introduced to children.

Therefore, reading classics is for life and the notion that they are boring, is far from being the truth. It should be stated here that the recent statement that the Sri Lankan readers should pick up work of new literati rather than reading boring classics as stated by Ms Gill Westaway, Director, British Council Sri Lanka, at a launch of a television programme. In my view, her statement was misleading and polemical! The ulterior motive of the statement (which was subjective) may lead to discourage Sri Lankan readers from reading classics. One may arrive at the conclusion that the statement was a part of a pidgin-making exercise which has been going on, apparently with the blessing of the British Council in Sri Lanka. Hypocritical nature of the entire project is vindicated by the fact that most of the proponents of the project are carrying on their business in Standard International English while advocating indigenising an international tongue. Though ridiculous, the project is made up of clown shows, talking bulls and dictionaries of dubious standing. It seems that more and more clown shows are in the making.

If we seriously look some of the activities supported by the British Council of Sri Lanka (including the sponsorship of the infamous Galle Literary Festival which excludes Sri Lankan writers!), it appears that the British Council of Sri Lanka does not want us to learn "good English"!

There should be a clear understanding of the difference between "good English" and "conventional" or "standard English." Standard English is likely to be good English, but all good English is not necessarily Standard English. What, then, is good English?

Is there an organised movement to discourage Sri Lankans to learn not so "good" English? That is the question!