DOI: 10.36347/sjahss.2016.v04i10.008

Pages: 1263-1278

Abstract: This study examines dialects 1-3 based on the pronunciation of the back vowels in the typology of Sri Lankan English (SLE) assembled by Siromi Fernando across the phonemes. The methodology included online questionnaires/interviews and voice recordings of 50 undergraduates, mean age 22 years, from diverse disciplines in universities/institutes in Sri Lanka and abroad. 05 of the participants were case studies. The findings identified a large undergraduate population declare that the variety of English they speak is either Standard British English or American English thus belonging to dialect 3. But analysis of the podcasts evidenced that in the selected pronunciation areas examined SLE characteristics are indicated. In the usage of identified morphological processes too they retained SLE characteristics. Analyzing the Likert scale measurements, it was clearly visible that both of the aforementioned factors distinctly differ according to the discipline the undergraduates follow. The attitude towards SLE in undergraduates especially from Sciences, was comparatively negative. Their belief of the inadequacy of SLE for communication with native speakers was the cause for their negativity. Further they lack awareness of SLE as a standard variety of English. On the contrary, the students who are from Social Sciences/Humanities were aware and proud to use SSLE. Conclusively, dialect 3 is becoming more powerful and influential among the Sri Lankan undergraduate populations. Moreover, it is recommended to create awareness on SLE as a standard variety in undergraduate English programs, especially for the undergraduates from a Science background.