Do justice to Queen’s English

Ephhar Moulana of Moratuwa writes...

I am one of those who keenly watch the morning newspapers Headlines programmes on various TV channels.

I consider this a very useful interesting and useful programme and I make it a point to watch the channels concerned before leaving for work. I thank the media Institutions for this opportunity as they give an overview of events, at home and abroad, in a summary, which otherwise would not be possible to obtain for any busy person or one employed unless he or she frequents a library for the purpose. However, I am reluctantly compelled to make a few comments in this regard.

Almost all the TV channels read out headlines and other important news from Newspapers in all three media- Sinhala, Tamil and English.

I regret to state that while this programme in all the channels provide us with a useful opportunity to educate and enlighten us on the current affairs and daily events, sometimes some presenters ANNOY us (almost in all the channels) when they read out the English Newspapers.

No doubt, many of them are not highly qualified in English to fluently and perfectly read and pronounce words correctly. But it would be better if they do some home work before the presentation.

Anyway, this is not much surprising when we take into account some of the presenters in ‘English Only’ programmes in one of the popular channels making 'posh' howlers, a la themselves, when reading newspapers.

It may be tolerable if they murder the Queen, but some of them outrage the modesty of the poor Lady. If you murder the Queen it may be forgotten after the merciless event. But, when you outrage the modesty, the memories of the unfortunate incident would linger on forever . It may be better if they refrain from flaunting, as a habit.

Therefore, I do hope they all would do justice to ‘Queen's English’ as they call it by reading the news properly and pronouncing the words correctly.