English Language in Sri Lanka

• This module offers a comprehensive overview of English language in Sri Lanka
• It is a core unit tailored for first-year, first-semester students
• Course assessment comprises 30% continuous assessments and 70% final examination
• Module gives an in-depth exploration into the role, history, and sociocultural importance of English in Sri Lanka

Course Objectives

• Gain historical context, sociolinguistic understanding and understand language variation and usage
• Understand the cultural impact and develop critical thinking skills regarding English Language Teaching (ELT) policies in Sri Lanka
• Understand the broader implications (social, economic, and political)
• See practical application of English within various Sri Lankan scenarios

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Recall the introduction of English in Sri Lanka
• Illustrate the motivation for learning English during the British colonial period
• Explain the emergence of variety of English in South Asian Context
• Define the status and role of English during the colonial period
• Relate the functions of English in colonial period
• Examine the place of Sri Lankan English among world Englishes
• Illustrate the corpus-based in Sri Lankan English
• Identify the impact of socio-cultural factors on learning English
• Outline the history of English and present status in Sri Lanka
• Distinguish the history of ELT in Sri Lanka compared to the present day
• Differentiate English education at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels
• Compare the status of English in colonial and post-colonial periods
• Analyze the history of English Language Teaching in Sri Lanka
• Develop the concept of English education in Sri Lanka
• Estimate English language teaching and learning in the past and present context

Chapter 1: Introduction to English in Sri Lanka

• Offers a complete background to understanding English language education in Sri Lanka
• Examines factors motivating and inhibiting English language learning
• Sri Lanka has a population around 20 million, with Sinhala (82%) and Tamil (9.4%) as major ethnic groups
• The literacy rate is 91.1%
• Sinhala and Tamil are main languages, with 15% speaking English, mostly in urban areas
• Sri Lankan English (SLE) stands apart from other native English versions through pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and syntax

Historical Context

• Portuguese arrived in 1505, influencing national languages
• Dutch arrived in 1656, forming the Burgher community and spreading Christianity
• British conquest in 1796 marked a significant change
• The Burgher community embraced English, influencing education/language policies
• This helped English become prominent, particularly in administration and education

British Invasion (1796) Impact

• English became dominant through education and administration
• English was brought in by British to spread Christianity and manage plantation workers
• The Colebrooke Cameron Commission reforms (1833) formalized English as the administrative language
• English-medium schools established in Colombo, Galle, and Kandy, targeting a select group

Linguistic and Social Effects

• Vernacular languages were marginalized, reinforcing a social divide
• English-educated natives accessed colonial civil service positions
• Those educated in vernacular languages were limited to roles like teachers and notaries
• This divide created an English-speaking urban elite and a monolingual rural population

English as a Symbol

• Gained social mobility and prestige in Sri Lanka, offering economic opportunities
• Perceived as a language of "rational and scientific knowledge" and a tool to overcome the caste system
• English-educated elite developed an "elitist" variety of English
• While rural speakers' English was stigmatized as "basolectal" and inferior

Socio-Political Consequences

• Widespread English use led to discontent among the rural population
• Concerns grew over linguistic imperialism, socio-economic deprivation, and political marginalization
• The 1956 Sinhala Only Act aimed to restore Sinhala's status but inadvertently deepened ethnic divisions
• Exclusion of Tamil and perceived economic disadvantages fueled resentment and long-term conflicts

Attempts to Bridge the Gap

• The "Free Education Policy" of 1945 aimed to bridge urban and rural disparities, but its impact was limited
• Nationalist sentiments arose, seeking to preserve national language purity against English
• The urban elite maintained linguistic dominance, while rural speakers were marginalized
• English as a "kaduwa" (sword) symbolized power and oppression

Socio-economic Disparities

• Deep-rooted linguistic divide had significant socio-economic implications
• Urban English-speaking youths gained better education/employment, while rural youths struggled
• The resulting disparities contributed to social and political unrest

Impact on Local Languages and Culture

• English introduction in 1796 significantly impacted Sinhalese and Tamil
• English became dominant in administration, education, and business
• British educational reforms discouraged vernacular education and promoted English
• This created an English-educated elite with social and economic advantages

Language dynamics

• English influenced vocabulary and syntax in Sinhalese and Tamil, especially in urban areas
• Code-switching and borrowing emerged, blending local linguistic traditions with English elements

Cultural Impact

• English associated with modernity, education, and economic success
• English led to assimilation of Western cultural values among urban elites
• Resistance in rural areas resulted in socio-political movements
• English imposition was seen as cultural imperialism

Current Status

• The 13th Amendment named English as a "link language" alongside Sinhala and Tamil
• English use extends beyond this, present in official matters, especially Supreme Court
• Strong presence in media, advertising, and education
• Dominant language in private business and commerce

Terminology

• "Kaduwa" meaning sword, symbolizes the double-edged nature of English
• "Speak English Our Way" helps to adapt English into Sri Lanka's unique context