Influence of Socio-economic Imbalance in ELL with Special Reference to Kalkudah Education Zone, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

Abstract

English language is the first lingua franca, and English Language Learning (ELL) is an essential one for everyone around the world. If anyone wants to continue her/his further education, she/he needs English language proficiency. The impact of globalization and economic development has made English the ‘language of opportunity’ and a vital means of improving prospects for well-paid employment too. High proficiency in English is seen to be essential for socio-economic development of Sri Lanka, and English Language is a compulsory subject in Sri Lankan school education system. This paper reveals the influence of socio-economic imbalance in English Language learning with special reference to Kalkudah Education Zone, Batticaloa, in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan system of school education categorises schools, and only 1AB schools are taken for this survey. The samplings were selected randomly from grade 8, 9, and 10 since these are the grades leading to G.C.E. (O/L) examination. Data were collected to examine the correlation between the economic status of the parents and the ELL. The data were analyzed scientifically and empirically. The results indicate that fathers’ occupation has a slight influence on the students’ marks in the English language, but mothers’ occupation is not indicated to have an influence on the same. However, the results indicate that the methodology adopted by influences more on the students’ English language learning. The paper recommends the Educational Authorities to enhance knowledge and skills of the teachers of English constantly for the improvement of ELL of students in Sri Lankan schools.