ICSLS 2005
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/10254
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Item The Present Socio-Economic-Political Culture and the Myth of English as an Access to Social Equality in Post-Colonial Sri Lanka(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Wickramasuriya, S.R.This study investigates the myth of the English language as an access to equality in the post-colonial era in the present socio-economic-political culture in Sri Lanka. This is a literature-oriented research study based on the current state of English language and the role of English language education, in facilitating the process of poverty reduction and the promotion of equality in Sri Lanka. The researcher attempts to clarify the opinions, biases, presuppositions and interpretations of the existing socio-economic and political culture in relation to English as a language of opportunities and equality. The analysis of data reveals the dominant power of English as a global language, and the inequality in relation to access and allocation of public resources in diverse communities. Furthermore, it exposes recent proposals and accountabilities of the government on the elimination of poverty and the myth about English language as a panacea. The majority of the Sri Lankan hold the view that English, as a universal language, is vital not only for lucrative local or foreign employment opportunities, but also for equal social standing. It is revealed in the data that while the affluent parents clamour for international or foreign schooling to secure better prospects for their children, the government faces increasing pressures to fulfil the demands of the majority of lowincome parents whose children belong to the state school system. It seems the access to equal opportunities, to learn English, has created a social gap between the elite and the majority of low-income communities. Thus, the government contemplates establishing English as the medium of instruction and a compulsory subject. A conclusion could be drawn that the common use of English, the initiation of the language policy in education and the expectations of the masses could all be at odds. Thus this myth of English as a language of opportunities needs to be urgently addressed if the expected socio-economic-political and national goals of elimination of poverty and promotion of equality are to be achieved in Sri Lanka.Item The Effect of Western Colonization on ‘School Cultures’ and its Impact on Learning and Teaching English(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Perera, M.It has been argued that any classroom methodology to be appropriate it needs to be ‘culture sensitive’ (Holliday, 1994). Further, it is also claimed that ‘culture sensitivity’ needs to be realized through ethnographic action research. This paper examines the influence of western colonization on Education in Sri Lanka and as a result how different ‘school cultures’ developed. Next, based on the findings of observational case studies of two schools the paper examines how the different school cultures provided opportunities for learning English. Finally, the implications of the different ‘school cultures’ on learning English is discussed and the challenges for the future learning teaching process are identified.Item Is A Strong Economy Important For A Small Neighbouring Open Economy?(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Huang, K.H.As China has significantly grasped the most important market in the world, India is the second biggest market in the world. How about the effect of such a powerful economy to the neighbouring small economies? Is it a threat or an opportunity for its neighbouring small economies? Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Korea have shared the growth of Japan in 1970s-80s and China in 1990s-2000s, mainly underpinned by the previous colonial linkage and historical common cultural background. How about the effect of India upon the development of Sri Lanka? We will examine the extent that the relationship between India and Sri Lanka in terms of economic integration? Is there factors making such a difference from Chinese economies? Diversified cultural difference and unique colonial background could have certain effects.