Sheng Li masters the Sinhala language | Sunday Observer

Sheng Li masters the Sinhala language

29 August, 2021

The long-standing friendship between China and Sri Lanka dates back to the 4th century AD. We all know that in 410 a Chinese Buddhist monk named Faxian visited Sri Lanka and resided in the country for two years. Undoubtedly the Chinese silk merchants who used to travel to Sri Lanka with the intention of selling silk dresses had built up a good friendship with the Sri Lankans thousands of years ago.

At present the commercial and cultural friendship between the two countries has become inseparable. The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall built between 1970 and 1973 can be regarded as a token of our friendship. In addition, the friendship has enabled the Sri Lankans and the Chinese to exchange their cultural values and ideas at an international level, transcending all the boundaries and strengthening the diplomatic ties. As a result, in both countries, many students learn the Sinhala Language and the Chinese language. Sheng Li 's inspirational story will fuel the enthusiasm of Sri Lankan Chinese learners.

Sheng Li

Sheng Li, born in Beijing, had her education at the University of Beijing. Being a Sinhala Language enthusiast she learned Sinhala at the university. In 1997 she received an opportunity to come to Sri Lanka to learn Sinhala. Later she worked as a Sinhala Language lecturer at the University of Beijing.

Her stay in the country had enabled her to explore Sri Lankan culture and the Sinhala Language as a foreigner. Sri Lankan cultural values, cultural diversity and religions had become the key subjects that she had explored during her stay in the country. Currently she works as a journalist for the Sinhala service of the Chinese Media Group which was founded on 21 March 2018 as a National holding firm for China Central Television, China National Radio and China Radio International.

Her contribution to the Sri Lankan mainstream media organizations is remarkable. To my question about her stance on Sri Lankan culture and people, she said, "Indeed Sri Lanka is the pearl of the Indian ocean. It is a country with a long history and a cultural diversity. The friendship between China and Sri Lanka is very long and strong.” Speaking of the natural beauty, she said, “There are many surreal places and picturesque sceneries in Sri Lanka which will remain unrivalled forever."

Smiling faces

To be honest, Sri Lanka is the land of Smiling Faces. Even in sorrow the Sri Lankans have a great mindset to endure the pain with a smile. As mentioned by Sheng Li, what have been engraved in her heart were the people's smiling faces and hospitality.

"Wherever I happened to travel in Sri Lanka, I encountered so many smiling faces. Every person smiles at each other. On the contrary, the Chinese do not smile with others that much. Those smiling faces of the Sri Lankans still stay in my heart. I have a great respect for all the Sri Lankans,"she said in a happy tone.

Journalist

Sheng Li, well versed in the Sinhala Language had cemented herself as a journalist and writer. When she learned Sinhala as a foreign student she had faced many difficulties.

"There is a big difference between my mother tongue Chinese and Sinhala. Even the sentence patterns, letters and the grammar structures are different but I could learn the language through my unrelenting effort and dedication. Another difference that I have noticed is the shape of both letters.

“As you know, the Chinese characters are square-shaped while the Sinhala letters are round - shaped. Therefore it was a challenge for me to be familiar with the Sinhala letters. Another one is that there is a big difference between the spoken Sinhala and the written Sinhala. Certain words and phrases unused in spoken Sinhala can appear in the written Sinhala which is more formal than the spoken Sinhala.

“Such a big difference can't be seen in my mother tongue Chinese. Speaking of pronunciation of the Sinhala Language, every Sinhala letter requires certain parts of the mouth. For example, Murdaja and Danthaja. I have to say that there are many ways that we can learn the Sinhala Language. Of those methods 'Buddagajjaya' and ‘Sakaskada' are the most effective methods,” she said.

Message to language learners

Her message is very important for language learners. When asked how to learn a foreign language she said, "Learning a foreign language is difficult and requires one's dedication and unrelenting efforts. In Sri Lanka there are many language schools. For example, Confucius institutes have been established in the Kelaniya and Colombo Universities. There are many websites which teach languages for free. Those who have an enthusiasm in learning a foreign language can learn any language by following such courses."

‘Sith Pahana ( Shining Lamp)

"Time, though silent, flies at an unthinkable pace." This is the first line which appears in the preface of the book ‘Sith Pahana’ written by Sheng Li. This is a collection of short stories that speak about trust and devotion within the human race. For example, the story about a sage can be cited. Once a sage asked his students about the end of the night. At what time does night end? Many gave answers but he was not satisfied with them.

"The night comes to an end when you feel that all the people are your brothers and sisters. Till then, your hearts are in the dark," he said.

When asked about her inspiration to write this book she said, "I wanted to give light to the minds and hearts in the dark. ‘Sith Pahana' can awaken the human mind to the highest consciousness. As a reader I felt that Sheng Li is able to express her inner heart and feelings naturally with a unique diction and that writing in Sinhala has brought her closer to Sri Lankanness. Perhaps you might agree with me on the point that the Sinhala Language belongs to anyone who can read, write and speak in the language. If regarded from this perspective, the Sinhala Language belongs to Sheng Li.

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