Encyclopaedia of cinema

Reviewed by Kalakeerthi EDWIN ARIYADASA

“A lexicographer is a harmless drudge, that busies himself in tracing the original and detailing the significance of words.”

Dr. Samuel (Dictionary) Johnson

In the annals of global lexicography, the personality that has earned lasting reputation as one-man dictionary – maker, is Britain's Dr. Samuel Johnson. History endowed upon him the sobriquet “Dictionary Johnson.”

Dr. Samuel Johnson's single-handedly produced lexicon, made its two–volume debut, way back in 1755, under the title English Dictionary, etymological, analogical, syntactical, explanatory and critical. Since then, his “tribe” of one-man lexicographer, has flourished with astonishing prolificacy, right round the globe.

In Sri Lanka, the only one-man Encyclopaedia-maker I know, is Percy Jayamanna. His remarkable capacity for sustained unflagging effort, has won my profound admiration.

Dramatic appearance

But, now, another one-man lexicographer has made his dramatic appearance in the landscape of Sri Lankan lexicography, with a surprise-packed product. Titled Concise Sinhala Encyclopaedia on Cinema and English-Sinahla Glossary of Cinematic Terms, this work is a dictionary and encyclopaedia rolled into one.

Before an assessment is attempted of the precious contribution another Justin Belagamage, makes, to widen the horizons of cinema versatility of the Sri Lakan cinema enthusiasts, is essential to offer encomiums for the sheer endurance, patience and assiduous cultivation of knowledge, that have gone into this production.

His preamble to the work, provides ample light to appreciate his profound awareness of the need to construct a strong foundation of responsible knowledge, to ensure the film wisdom of the Sri Lankan masses.

He quite efficiently and accurately diagnoses the ailment. Whenever, Sinhala discourses take place on the theme of cinema, the technical vocabulary is a mere substitution of words. A Sinhala usage is improvised to convey the significance of a given film-related English word. A well thought-out, systematic array of usages, created through a deep scholarly study of the associated fields of knowledge, has not been available in Sinhala for more than six decades.

Pioneer

In a personal note, I cannot help but record my own experience as a pioneer mass communicator in this country. When I started introducing the study of media only communication in Sinhala, more than 40 years ago, evolved usages to teach media-related issues to students at higher education level. Some of the usages I pioneered for the field of cinema are still alive and kicking -in a manner of speaking.

At the specific request of media expert Givantha Arthasad and his colleagues, I introduced such expressions as Maadhya Roopa (Graphics) Sajeeveekaranaya (animation) I taught cinema, at pioneer level, in universities – utilising fitting Sinhala expressions.

I say all this not as a self-pleasing ego-excursion, but just to prove that there has never been a sustained effort to codify Sri Lanka cinema terms, in a rational and scholarly manner, for the benefit of the scholar and the average person, alike.

Lexicographic presentation

This ad hoc process of word-substitution has been ended by Justin Belagamage, through the present work. His double lexicographic presentation, is the highly praiseworthy outcome of endurance and prolonged scholarly research pursuits, over several decades. This inspired publication reflects a series of agonies and ordeals. Only those who are familiar with this kind of scholarly experience, will be able to appreciate fully the soul-breaking effort that is called for by an undertaking of this calibre.

But, unlike Dr. Samuel (Dictionary) Johnson, Lankan lexicographer Justin Belagamage was blessed by fortunate circumstances. Let me quote: “For nine years balanced precariously in a chair with only three legs, he (Dr. S.J.) worked at his word lists, in the garret of his Gough Square House”.

Justin Belagamage, utilised his affluence, lavish domestic comfort and support from family and friends, to get through his lexicographic activities.

What kind of work has Justin B. produced? In terms of format, it is a synthesis between dictionary and encyclopaedia. Entries are arranged in the English alphabetical order. The head word (expression) is given in English. In some instances, this is followed by a pronunciation guide in Sinhala. Next comes the Sinhala vocalism. This is followed by in meaning and quite often by an extensive exegetic elaboration.

The work, yields a massive horde of film-knowledge, in a manner that is truly unprecedented.

In some instances, the text is effectively supported by apt illustrations. The main segment of this Dict-Enc, sets down entries extending from “above-the-line (budgeting),” to “Zoom ratio”. In the back of the book, the author accommodates “numbers and symbols”, an “English-Sinhala dictionary” an Index of film titles, an aid to the proper pronunciation of the names of film persons and a bibliography”.

Justin Belagamage, has provided the essential preliminary, for the initiation of a move, to establish a cinema culture in Sri Lanka. His work enriches all those associated with cinema, at a variety of levels.

Anecdote

To come back to Dr. Samuel (Dictionary) Johnson, there is an anecdote that illustrates his iron will. Someone spoke to him; “Sir, how can you do this in three years? The French Academy with 40 members took 40 years to complete their dictionary?” Unperturbed Dr. S.J. responded; “Let me see: 40 times 40 is 1600. As three to 1600, so is the proportion of an Englishman to a Frenchman. According to him 3 Englishmen equal 1600 French. Here, one Justin B = about 10,000, ordinary film-writers.

As a person dedicated to the teaching of cinema and media for nearly 50 years, I wholeheartedly felicitate Justin Belagamage for enhancing Sri Lanka's film literacy.