Speak English Our Way : A Revalidation of Sri Lankan English

Abstract

English as a Life Skill’ is an English language teaching programme initiated by the government of Sri Lanka in order to remedy learner anxieties related to English language teaching/learning. The use of a nativized, Lankan variety of the language was an emphasis in this programme. It was targeted towards using the English language ’our way’. This is because the English language had been a tool of dominance and power which had alienated learners by creating a class barrier. Yet, prior to the initiation of this programme, scholars involved in the field of English language studies had identified a variety of English which was Sri Lankan in its phonology, morphology and syntax. This variety of English was called ’Sri Lankan English’ and it was widely recommended in the field of language teaching/learning. Students as well as teachers were aware of such a variety and they preferred teaching/learning a variety of English which is devoid of power and marginalization. Thus, ’Speak English Our Way’ is a re-assertion and a revalidation of a variety of Language that already existed in the country