A study on the Attitudes of School leavers towards Sri Lankan English and how it affects Language Planning and Policy in the Sri Lankan Education System

Abstract

Sri Lankan English (SLE) or Ceylonese English is the variety of English Language spoken and understood in Sri Lanka. It belongs to the family of South Asian Englishes. The study of attitudes towards SLE among school leavers is relatively an understudied area in the scope of language planning and policy. Given that, this study was aimed at examining the current attitudes of school leavers towards Sri Lankan English and how these attitudes affect on language planning and policy in Sri Lankan Education system. The research was conducted quantitatively, using a questionnaire consisting of two parts; a background questionnaire and a questionnaire on attitudes towards Sri Lankan English. For the purpose of data collection, 100 school leavers including undergraduates and employees within the age range of 20-25 were taken into consideration. According to the findings, the majority of the participants were aware of SLE. However, most of them believed that using SLE is problematic for professional and social status. Furthermore, many participants believed that the existing government and the media have the power to promote SLE within the country. In addition, it was revealed that SLE should be taught in schools while using the same as the best way to make awareness about SLE. Therefore, it can be concluded that the variety of SLE prevails in the society and the youth are aware of its existence. Nevertheless, it has not yet been implemented as an official language in the Sri Lankan education system. Thus, this study suggests the need for awareness of SLE by implementing a language planning policy in the education system.