DOI: 10.5176/2251-1865_CBP71
Authors: Niroshami Randima
Abstract: This study attempts to probe the problems and issues faced by the undergraduate Arts students who pursue their studies in the English medium. English language which had been the medium of instruction during colonial time was dethroned immediately after Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948. However, in consequence to the economic liberalization policies since 1970s as well as international job market and global trends like ICT and globalization, English regained its position as the medium of instruction particularly in higher education. But the students who received their secondary education in their native languages could not do well when they switched over to English medium at the university levels. This study revealed that lack of English language skills and lack of self-confidence on the part of the students as well as the unavailability of adequate and competent teachers who can teach in English were the major causes for the under-achievement of these students.
Keywords: Bilingualism; Second Language Learning;Language Development