Prof (Mrs). S. Ramesh

Past Appointments and Positions

Professor in Linguistics, Dept. of Linguistics and English, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka (2014 onwards)

Head, Dept. of Linguistics and English, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka (2017 – 2018)

Head, Department of Law, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka (2014 – 2017)

Adjunct Instructor, Claflin University, South Carolina, USA (Spring & fall semesters 2011- 2012 (Three semesters)

Research Affiliate (Post-Doctoral), Dept. of English and Foreign Languages, Claflin University, South Carolina, USA (2011)

Head, Dept. of Linguistics and English University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka (2001- 2010)

Guest Lecturer (MA in Linguistics), Dept. of Linguistics, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, (2000)

Senior Lecturer I, Dept. of Linguistics and English, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka (2000 – 2014)

Senior Lecturer II, Dept. of Linguistics and English, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka (1993-1999)

Lecturer, Dept. of Linguistics and English, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka (1988-1992)

Temp. Asst. Lecturer, Dept. of Languages and Cultural Studies, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka (1986- 1988)

Temp. Tutor, Dept. of Tamil, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka (1985)

Teaching

Linguistics: Syntax, Semantics, Socio Linguistics, Stylistics, Lexicology, Lexicography, Contrastive Linguistics, Translation and Transformational Grammar

English: ESL, Applied Linguistics and Postcolonial Studies.

Research Interests

Sri Lankans' Views on English in the Colonial and Post-Colonial Eras, Cambridge Scholars Publishers issued a book contract agreement, Co-Author: Mitali P. Wong, Claflin University, USA - Post-Doctoral research from 2011

A Contrastive Study of Nominalization in Tamil and Sinhala, Tamil University, India, 2000 - PhD in Linguistics

Supervisors: Prof. K. Rangan and Prof. S. Rajendran (Tamil University, India)

A Comparative Study of Literary Tamil and Jaffna Spoken Tamil: Phonology and Noun Morphology, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, 1993 - M.A. in Linguistics

Supervisor: Prof. S. Suseendirarajah (University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka)

Publications and Presentations

Books

“The Sri Lankans’ Views on English in the Colonial and Post-Colonial Eras” Cambridge Scholar Publishing (CSP), UK, 9781527544321, 2020

“A Contrastive Study of Nominalization in Tamil and Sinhala”, Kumaran Book House, ISBN978-955-659-191-0, 2009

“Peculiar words in Ceylon Tamil”, Paranan Associates & Printers, Colombo, ISBN955-8435-01-X, 2005.

Editing of Collection of Essays and Classical work

Classical work

ஈழத்து இலக்கண ஆளுமைகள் 1: சுன்னாகம். அ. குமாரசாமிப் புலவரின் இலக்கண சந்திரிகை வினைப்பகுபத விளக்கம் (Grammatical Personalities in Sri Lanka 1), Kumaran Book House, ISBN 955-659-145-3, 2008

Collection of Essays

Current Trends in Tamilology – Prof. S. Rajaram Commemoration Volume, 2002

தமிழ் மொழியியற் சிந்தனைகள் (Thoughts on Tamil Linguistics), 1999

Studies in Sri Lankan Tamil Linguistics and Culture – Prof. S. Suseendirarajah Commemoration Volume, 1998

Presentations

“New Technology (ICT) in Second Language Classrooms: Challenges to Change in Sri Lankan Context”, UGC-SAP-V International Seminar on Challenges for Language Technology (ChaLT -2020), Organized by CAS in Linguistics, Annamalai University, February 6 – 7, 2020

“மரபிலக்கணத்தில் மொழியியல் கோட்பாட்டுச் சிந்தனைகளின் செல்வாக்கு” (Influence of Linguistic theories on Traditional Grammar), Journal of Tamil Mozhiyiyal Sangam, Coimbatore, Volume 1, June 2020

“Status of English Language Teaching in Sri Lanka: Structural Approach”, Prof. L. Ramamoorthy Commemoration Volume, Coimbatore, January 2019. pp. 257 - 267

“Reflecting Culture: Special reference to Veddas Language in Sri Lanka” International Conference on Indigenous Languages, Societies and Cultures of India, organised by UNESCO Chair on “Language Policies for Multilingualism” Centre for Study of Foreign Languages, University of Hyderabad, Central Institute of Indian Languages, Mysuru & Indian Council for Social Science Research, New Delhi, February 21-22, 2019, pp. 48-53

“Semantic Aspects of Lexical Collocation in Tamil”, S. J. Yogaraja Felicitation Volume, (ed.) W. M. Wijeratna and Janaki Wijesekara, 2019, S. Godage & Brothers (PVT) Ltd, ISBN -978-678-624-00-0151-9.

“Importance of Spoken words – Tamil Dictionaries”, Proceedings of the 4th International Tamil Conference, International Institute of Tamil Studies (IITS), India and International Institute of Higher Studies (IITHS), Part I on 28th – 29th Sep 2019, Paris, France, pp 17-23. ISBN 978-29-51012-23-3

“Female Personalities in Sri Lanka”, Proceedings of the 4th International Tamil Conference, International Institute of Tamil studies (IITS), India and International Institute of Higher Studies (IITHS) Paris, Part II on 28th – 29th Sep 2019, France, pp 1-10. ISBN 978-29-51012-27-1

“Traditional grammar and Linguistic grammar – Structural Approach”, 10th International Conference on Tamil Studies, July 4 – 7, 2019, Chicago, USA, p. 45

“Translation is beyond Lexical Meaning: Study through some select terms”, Madras University Post-Centenary Diamond Jubilee International Seminar on THE FRONTIERS OF LEXICOGRAPHY, March 28 – 29, 2018

“Agreement system in Tamil and Sinhala”, 45th All India Conference of Dravidian Linguistics and International Symposium on Case, Agreement and Postposition, University of Delhi, India, held on 23-25th June, 2017, pp 52.

“Lexicon and Dictionary of India and Sri Lanka - Historical Approach”, International Conference on the Role Self-role of Language and Mastery in Dictionary, Tamil University, Thanjavur, India, held on 18-19th December 2017, pp 1-11

“The role of multimedia in second language teaching and learning”, Tamil University, Thanjavur in Collaboration with CIIL-SRLC, Mysore, India, held on 20-21, December 2017 (Presentation)

“'ஈழத்தில் சைவமும் தமிழும்' என்னும் கருத்து நிலை உருவாக்கம்” (‘Saivam and Tamil’ concept developed in Ceylon)”, Lady Lilavathy Ramanathan Memorial Speech, University of Jaffna, October 13, 2017, Pp1-42.

“பெரிய புராணத்தில் மூவிடப்பெயர்களின் பயன்பாடும் செல்வாக்கும்” (Usage and influence of place names in periya puraanam )”, Periya Puraanamum Thamil Samaya PaNpaattu NerikaLum, Ministry of Hindu Religion and Culture, Colombo, held on 28-30th April, 2017.

“மொழியியல் நோக்கில் திருமந்திரம்” (Thirumanthiram - Linguistic Point of View”), Annual Research Seminar on Paththam Thirumurai, Department of Hindu Religions and Cultural Affairs, Colombo, 2016, pp. 293-307.

“நவீன மொழியியல் கல்வியும் மரபிலக்கணமும்” (Modern Linguistic studies and traditional Grammar)”, Presented a Paper on Research Seminar on Eelamum Tamil Ilakkanam (Tamil Grammar Studies in Ealam) , Colombo Tamil Sangam, held on 2-4, 2016.

“Problems of Teaching spoken variety forms in Diglossic Language”, Literary Explorer, An Annual Publication of Critical studies in English language and Literature, Volume 1, Number 1, ISSN 0973-0524, held on August 2016, Pp21.

“திருவாதவூரர் மொழி நடை” (Language style on Thiruvathavuurar), Annual Research seminar on Thiruvathavuurarum saivatthiru neriyum, Dept. of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, Colombo, 2015, ISBN 978 – 955 – 9233 – 37- 4, Pp 427 – 439.

“Attributes of Personal Name in Jaffna Society: Then and Now”, Studies on Dravidian, Prof. V. I. Subramaniom's Commemoration Volume – 1(ed.) 2015, International School of Dravidian Linguistics, Thiruvananthapuram, India, ISBN 81- 85692- 60-2.

“Status of English Language Teaching (ELT) in Sri Lanka”, The Global Association of English Studies, Gujarat, India, South Asian English Volume I, 2015.

“தமிழ் மொழிப் பாட நூல்களில் இலக்கண அறிமுகம் – மொழியியல் நோக்கு” (Introducing Grammar in Tamil Language Text – Linguistic point of view), 9th International Conference-Seminar on Tamil Studies, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur ,Malaysia, held on February 29-1, 2015.

“சுஜாதாவின் 'என் இனிய இயந்திரா’” – நடையியல் அணுகுமுறை" ( Sujatha’s Novel - Stylistic approach), Proceedings of 2nd International Conference on Contemporary Management ( ICCM-2015 ), Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, held on June 2015 , ISSN 2448 – 9883, Pp126 – 138.

“The Function of Translation in Culture: Transforming Tamil Culture via English for Sinhala”, SRI LANKAN JOURNAL OF SOUTH ASIAN STUDIES, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, Volume 01 Issue 01, held on June 2015, ISSN 9772386195007, pp 23 – 35.

“Code Switching Problems in Bilingual Society of Sri Lanka” ,1st International Conference on Linguistics in Sri Lanka, Dept. of Linguistics, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, held on August 6th 2015, pp. 27.

“Personal Names in Jaffna Tamil Society: A Socio Linguistic Perspective”, International Conference on the Humanities: New Dynamics, Divergences, Directions, held on May 21 – 22, pp. 142, 2015

Veddas Language: Regional Dialect of Sinhala or Creole Language”, 43rd All India Conference of Dravidian Linguists Association, Dravidian Linguists Association and Annamalai University, India, held on June 18 – 20, Pp 58, 2015

“Problems in Translating Personal Pronouns and Kinship Terms in Tamil into English in Jaffna Society” International Conference on Language, Society and Culture in Asian Contexts (LSCAC), Mahasarakam University, Thailand and Centre for Study of Foreign Languages, School of Humanities, University of Hyderabad, India 2014.

“Attitude towards Sri Lankan English” English Language in Sri Lanka - Historical Perspectives, H.M Patel Institute of English Training and Research (CPE), Gujarat, India 2014.

“Attributes of Personal Name in Jaffna Society: Then and Now, Prof. V. I. Subramaniom's Commemoration Volume, All India Conference of Dravidian Linguists, Thiruvananthapuram, India, 2014

“நடையியல் நோக்கில் நாவுக்கரசர்” (Stylistic point of view on saint Navukkarasar) Annual Research seminar on “Moovar Thamilum Saivaneriyum”, Dept. of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, Colombo, ISBN 978-955-9233-33-6, Pp315-329,2014

“Assessing English as Lingua Franca in Sri Lankan Education” IATEFL, Testing, Evaluation and Assessment SIG Conference, Sienna, Italy 2013.

“Diminishing or Vanishing Cultures in Sri Lanka” International Conference on Asian Art, Culture and Heritage, Centre for Asian Studies –University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka Foundation, Colombo 2013.

“Attitude towards Sri Lankan English – On going Debate” International Research Conference, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, 2013.

“Changing Attitudes Towards English Teaching in Sri Lanka”, 10th Claflin University Conference on Contemporary English and Language Arts Pedagogy in Secondary and Post-Secondary Institutions, Claflin University, South Carolina, USA, 2011.

“Sri Lankans ‘Attitudes towards Language, Linguistic Colloquium, Dept. of Linguistics, Rice University, Texas, USA, 2010.

“naalaayirat tivviya pirapanthaviyaakkiyaanankaLil moli Nadai- maNip piravaaLam”, (Language style in naalaayirat tivviyapirapantham - maNippiravaaLam), Annual Research seminar on Vijayanagara Empire and Cultural Revival, Dept. of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, Colombo 2009.

“Teaching Profession: Attitude of Teachers Towards English”, Prof. Kailasapathy 9th Anniversary Memorial Lecture, National College of Education, Jaffna,2009

“Comparative Study of Modal Auxiliaries in Jaffna Tamil and Sinhala Language” 34th All India Conference of Dravidian Linguists, Kerala, India 2009.

“Is English as a Killing Language in ESL classrooms? 42nd International Conference of IATEFL, Exeter, UK, 2008.

“Language style on Suntara KaaNDam- kamparaamayaNam as point of view” Annual Research Seminar on “Cola Empire and its Religion Tradition”, Dept. of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, Colombo , 258-267, 2008.

“Talk and Discussion on Pockets of good practices”, Seminar for University Teachers, organized by UTA, University of Jaffna,2008.

“English for Specific purposes: It’s importance in Sri Lankan University System” 40th International Conference of IATEFL, Harrogate, UK, 2006.

“Integrating English Language Teaching units into Department of English Language teaching”, Workshop on Teaching of English, University Grants Commission, Colombo 2003.

“Deverbal Nouns in Sinhala”, 30th All India Conference of Dravidian Linguists, Kanchipuram, India, 2003.

“The role of Translation in Culture: Translating in Tamil culture via English for Sinhala” Abstract, 4th International Conference on South Asian Languages, ICOSAL - 4, CAS in Linguistics, Annamalai University and CIIL, Mysore, India, 2002.

“The position of English Language in Tamil Society” – The tradition and the challenge”, Review Lecture, 10th Annual Session, Jaffna Science Association, University of Jaffna, 2002.

“ilangaittamizh- mozhiyiyal nookku (Sri Lankan Tamil-Linguistic point of view)”, Dept. of Compilation. Tamil University, Tanjore, India, 1999.

“yaazhppaaNat tamizhil maraput toTarkaL-paNpum payanpaaTum (Idiomatic Phrases in Jaffna Tamil- Features and usages)”, Dept. of Literature, Tamil University, Tanjore, India, 1998

“naayanmaar teevaaramkaLil iizhttu sivaalayamkaL-oru mozi nookku (iila Sivan Temples in Nayanmaar Thevaram- A Linguistic Point of view.)” Sixth World Saiva Conference, Tamil University, Tanjore, India, 1997

“The Structure of Relative Clause in Tamil and Sinhala”, 25th All India Conference of Dravidian Linguists, Madras, India, 1997.

Prizes and Awards

Selected for a Commonwealth Fellowship tenable in the United Kingdom- 2006

Award of Subbammal memorial trust fund for PhD, Department of Linguistics, Tamil University, Thanjavur, India, 1999

Junior Research fellowship, Tamil University in The Greater Tamil Lexicon, India, 1986

Membership and Services

Life Member

International Association of Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL), UK

Journal of Tamil Mozhiyiyal Sangam, India

International Journal of Dravidian Linguistics (IJDL), India

Pondicherry Institute of Language and Culture (PILC), India

Jaffna Science Association (JSA), Sri Lanka

Scholarly Associations

Representative Member of Sri Lanka, Journal of Tamil Mozhiyiyal Sangam, India

Representative Member of Sri Lanka, Advisory Committee, H.M Patel Institute of English Training and Research (CPE), Gujarat, India.

Executive Committee member, Dravidian Linguistics Association (DLA), Trivendram, Kerala, India.

University services - Academic / Administrative

Chairman, Bifurcation Committee, University of Jaffna, 2020

University Council Member, University of Jaffna, 2014 -2019

Coordinator /Arts, Internal Quality Assurance, University of Jaffna, 2014 -2019

University Research Committee, University of Jaffna 2018 – to-date

Chairman, Building Committee University of Jaffna, 2016 – 2019

Editor, The Sri Lankan Journal of South Asian Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna. 2016-2019

Chairman, Programme Review (overall in-charge), Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, 2017 -2019

Chairman, Programme Review, Faculty of Arts, University of Kelaniya, 2018 -2019

Member, Programme Review, Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya, 2018 -2019

Chairman, Programme Review, South eastern University of Sri Lanka, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, 2018 -2019

Council representative, Centre for Gender Equity and Equality, University of Jaffna, 2017 -2019

Member, Executive committee, Centre for Gender Equity and Equality, University of Jaffna, 2017 -2019

Senior Treasurer -Linguistics and English Society, Dept. of Linguistics and English, University of Jaffna, 2014

Senior Treasurer - Law Students Union, Dept. of Law, University of Jaffna, 2014.

Vice President - Law Alumina Association 2014.

Chairman- Board of Languages and Cultural studies, Faculty of Graduate studies, University of Jaffna 2018 – To date

Member- Senate Subcommittee, Students’ Appeal, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, 2014 - To date

Member - Faculty Research committee, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna 2014 – to-date

Program Chair - Jaffna University International Research Conference (JUICE–2012), University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, 2012

Member - Subcommittee, GPA Structure Amendments, Faculty of Arts, 2009

Chairman/Member- Technical Evaluation Committee, IRQUE IBG and QEF, Batch III, University of Jaffna, since 2008

Chairman/Member- Technical Evaluation Committee, IRQUE IBG and QEF, Batch II &III, University of Jaffna, 2008

Member - Upgrading Raman than Academy of Fine Arts, University of Jaffna, 2008

Acting Coordinator - QEF, Batch III Arts Study Program, IRQUE, University of Jaffna, since 2008

President- University Teachers Association, University of Jaffna, 2007

Coordinator- Social Harmony IBG, IRQUE, University of Jaffna -2006

Secretary - Internal Quality Assurance and Accreditation Council, University of Jaffna Since 2005.

Member - English Advisory Committee Ministry of Education, Colombo, 2005

Member - Selection Committee for Admission of Teachers in UGC, Colombo 2005

Faculty Representative – Quality Assurance, University of Jaffna, since 2005

Secretary - Internal Quality Assurance and Accreditation Council, University of Jaffna Since 2005

Member - Syllabus Revision of External degree, University of Jaffna,2005

Coordinator - QEF, Dept. of Linguistics & English, IRQUE Project, 2004

Acting Coordinator - IBG - Social Harmony, IRQUE, 2004

Faculty Representative - Faculty of Arts - Social Harmony, IRQUE Project, 2004

Member - Standing Committee on Teaching of English, University Grants commission, Colombo –since 2003

Faculty Member - Steering Committee, University corporate plan- 2003

Consultant - Faculty of Communication studies, Dept. of Linguistics, Eastern University of Trincomalee Campus, 2002

Member - Confirmation and Promotion Panels, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, Since 2002

Patron - Linguistics & English Society, University of Jaffna, Since 2002

Senior Treasurer – Inter Hostel Union, University of Jaffna, 2002

Coordinator- Home Economics -2001/2002

Warden - Anandakumarasamy Hall, University of Jaffna, 2001/2002

Warden - RAFA Hostel, University of Jaffna, 2001/2002

Member - Executive committee of World University Service -2001

Member - Senate, University of Jaffna, 2000

Counselor - Carrier Guidance, University of Jaffna, 2000

Asst. Treasurer - Jaffna Science Association, 2000

Vice President - Senior Common Room. 2000

Asst. Secretary - University Teachers’ Association, 2000

Chairman/ Member - Board of survey, University of Jaffna, 2000

Chairperson - Committee to take –up action on the reports of Board of survey, University of Jaffna, 2000

Member - Executive committee of University Teachers’ Association, 1993-1994