Abstract:
The English Language is considered as the second language in Sri Lanka and it
plays the role of the linking language as well . Therefore, Sri Lankan citizens
give a priority to learn English well .Though Sri Lankan English learners are
good at writing English, sometimes when they speak English, they use the
Sinhalese structure involuntarily .Not only in speaking, but in writing as well,
some people use the Sinhalese structure When Sinhalese .people speak in
English, their speech differs fromthat of native speakersbecause of the mother
.tongue interference Not only through borrowing English words, but also in the
manner that sh sentencesEngliare made by the Sinhalese who arewell educated
inEnglish , the interference is notably high. Hence the research focuses on
exploring first language interference in the usage of English as the second
language in Sri Lanka. The research was conducted by interviewing Sri Lankans
who learn English as a second Language .Secondary data were gathered from
books and internet .The sentence structure in English is completely different
from the sentence structure in Sinhalese and through this study, problems which
arise through differences in language structures and their influence on learning
English Language are discussed. Thus, this research draws attention towards the
ways in which mother tongue interfere in the usage of English Language as the
second language in Sri Lanka.
