Language and Sinhalese nationalism: The career of Munidasa Cumaratunga
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Date
1972
Authors
Dharmadasa, K. N. O.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Abstract
The nationalist nussion, therefore, was to recover or reconstruct the authentic uniqueness of the nationality (which had been contaminated by foreign models) and, thereby, to recover for the present as well as establish for the future the greatness that had existed in the past.
Munidasa Cumaratunga- (1887-1944) was one of the most outstanding personalities of the Sinhalese literary scene in the period extending from the 1920's to' the 40's. He is remembered today mainly as a grammarian and a literary figure. As a grammarian his contribution was singular, unprecedented and, as yet, unsurpassed.s He was, moreover, a gifted literary artist" and a perceptive critic.! His achievements in these fields have tended to loom too large in the evaluation of his career. When his career as a whole is taken into consideration, however, it can be argued that it had a significance that extended beyond the literary and linguistic spheres, and that its impact on Sinhalese society was much deeper than hitherto recognised.
Description
Keywords
Language , Sinhalese nationalism , Munidasa Cumaratunga
Citation
Modern Sri Lanka Studies, 1972, III(2), P 100-143