The Difficulties Faced by Sri Lankan Expats in America due to Dialectical Variety in American English

Abstract

Pursuing the study of any language can be a difficult process and can take months or sometimes years to master proficiently. For decades, British English was the globally accepted standard for written documents and verbal communications. However, the rise in American English brought with it new challenges and obstacles and instead of unifying the world through a commonality of language it has in fact created problems that were hitherto unanticipated. Educators did not foresee the difficulties and confusion that would/could arise from what initially seemed minor differences in American English and other dialects. As English, given American English as is, increases its global footprint Sri Lankan students and expats are faced with the conundrum of having to decide which system to adopt. Without clear guidelines, Sri Lankan students and expats are becoming confused and anxious, which can create difficulties for even the most knowledgeable students. This in turn can serve as a deterrent and instead of embracing and mastering the English language can cause these students and expats to shy away from American English or encounter with the chaos and uncertainty in leaning American English. The researchers intend to identify the predominant areas of concern encountered by expats when learning American by examining the differences inherent within American English to develop a strategy to negate and overcome those concerns. By examining current trends and predicting future growth of English and American English, the researchers anticipate they will be able to identify the most relevant form of English for future usage and in doing so can provide educators with invaluable information as to which English should be taught and how a uniformed English language should be taught which will lead to an overall improvement in the learning environment and the ability of the students to master the language.