Borrowings in Sri Lankan English Novels: An Analysis of Types and Functi ons

Abstract

The present research investi gates the types of linguisti c borrowings used in Sri Lankan English (SLE) novels and their role in shaping linguisti c and cultural identi ty. As a disti nct postcolonial variety of English, SLE has evolved through conti nuous interacti ons with Sinhala and Tamil, embodying a dynamic blend of linguisti c infl uences that highlight Sri Lanka’s multi lingual and multi cultural context. This study closely examines the use of borrowings in three Grati aen Prize-winning novels: The Jam Fruit Tree by Carl Muller, The Road from Elephant Pass by Nihal De Silva, and Playing Pillow Politi cs at MGK by Lal Medawatt egedera. Employing a qualitati ve content analysis framework, the borrowings in these novels are categorized into three primary types: loanwords, loan blends, and loan shift s. Loanwords frequently represent culturally specifi c items, practi ces, and concepts within the narrati ve, grounding the stories fi rmly within a Sri Lankan setti ng and allowing readers to engage with the cultural specifi city of SLE. Loan blends, which combine English with local language elements, facilitate the expression of nuanced cultural concepts, making these terms more accessible to Sri Lankan readers while preserving local meaning. Although less frequent, loan shift s adapt idiomati c expressions and metaphors from Sinhala and Tamil, preserving their cultural signifi cance while integrati ng them into English. The study concludes that these borrowings signifi cantly enrich the authenti city and cultural relevance of SLE literature, highlighti ng the hybridity and adaptability of SLE within the broader framework of postcolonial Englishes and refl ecti ng its unique positi on in the evolving landscape of World Englishes.