The modern trend of children’s songs in Sri Lankan tamil literature: a view based on northern province

Abstract

Sri Lankan Tamil literature has developed in various fields and marked its footprint. In that sense the literary texts of children are also important, In Children’s literature the children’s songs gain more recognition. The first Children’s song was published in 1918 in Sri Lanka. Even before children songs were in practice orally. Many collections of children’s songs have been published in Northern part of Sri Lanka. This study is being done on the basis of the modern trend of children’s songs. The first part of the study consists of the literary introduction with the literary text of children. The origins of Children’s song and its development have been explained. How folk songs have gained importance in Northern Province is explained with evidence. Moreover they have been described in terms of children’s songs emphasizing relationship and knowledge. The songs of Northern region comprise rhythemic patterns, nuances, simple diction and aesthetic elements. It is realized that songs of children should be adopted according to the child’s psychology. As a result, it can be stated that the children songs do not get the social approval as the literary texts. Children’s songs should have the oral tradition and entertainment. The content of children’s song of the Northern region should be written with more consideration. Those who involve in writing children’s song, at present follow the rhythemic patterns of the past shows the lack of innovation. But it is evident that there are publications of audio and video CDs with new trends of musicality. It is said that the children’s song of Northern region of Sri Lanka has been developed over a century. This study justifies that it should be more enhanced in its long journey.