A Study on How the Income Level of the Family Affects an Undergraduate's Ability Communicate in English

Abstract

This paper examines whether the income level of the family is of one of the core reasons that has affected an undergraduate's ability to communicate in English. As most of the courses in the university are conducted in English and future prospects in the job market are determined by English and above all English being the lingua franca of the world today, the competency in the language has become imperative for undergraduates. Hence this study observes the role played by the economic status of the family in supportinglinhibiting oncs ability to communicate in English. This is a survey conducted focusing specifically on the first year undergraduates and on their ability to communicate in English. This survey was based on guided interviews conducted with fifty students. randomly chosen from the first year ELTU courses - English for communication 13U12 and Englishfor Business Communication 13012, and with their respective lecturers. The students were also given a questionnaire. The findings prove that the income level is one of the significant factors that encourages/inhibits communicating in English among a number of other prominent issues, such as the social background and attitude of the individual.