n 'static' [also called 'stative'] verbs: 'I am understanding it.' 'She is knowing the answer.' Variations in noun number and determiners: 'He performed many charities.' 'She loves to pull your legs.' Prepositions: 'pay attention on, discuss about, convey him my greetings' Tag questions: 'You're going, isn't it?' 'He's here, no?' 'Yes' and 'no' agreeing to the form of a question, not just its content -- A: 'You didn't come on the bus?' B: 'Yes, I didn't.'" Distinctive grammatical features relate to uses of the verb, article, relative clause, preposition, and adjective and verb complementation, are all shared with Indian English and of course Pakistani English as can be seen from the examples above. Features of the indigenous languages influence use of English and code mixing and code switching are common, including among the highly educated.There is great variety in syntax, from native-speaker fluency, to a weak command of many constructions. The following represents a widespread middle level and is quite similar to non-standard Sri Lanka English:(1) Interrogative constructions without subject/auxiliary inversion: What you would like to buy? (2) Definite article often used as if the conventions have been reversed: It is the nature's way; Office is closed today. (3) One used rather than the indefinite article: He gave me one book. (4) Stative verbs given progressive forms: Lila is having two books; You must be knowing my cousin-brother Mohan. (5) Yes and no as question tags: He is coming, yes?; She was helping you, no? (6) Isn't it? As a generalised question tag: They are coming tomorrow, isn't it? (7) Reflexive pronouns and only used for emphasis: It was God's order itself It was God's own order, They live like that only That is how they live. (8) Present perfect rather than simple past: I have bought the book yesterdayCurrent Situation For many educated Daudi Bohras, English today is virtually the...
