Students’ Perspectives of English within University Subculture in Sri Lanka: Resentment or Acceptance?

This study investigates Sri Lankan undergraduate students’ perceptions of the English language within the context of a technological study program conducted in the English medium. Despite global prominence of English as a vital communication tool, over the years many undergraduates in Sri Lanka have exhibited poor communicative competence in English often influenced by the so-called ‘university subculture’ that perceives English as a marker of social class, status, and power due to its historical significance. This study explores whether resentment towards the English language still persists within university subculture or if there has been a significant shift towards accepting the language as a valuable asset in the face of globalization and technological advancement. Data for the study were collected by administering an online questionnaire to a randomly selected sample of 255 second semester students who were enrolled in a technological study programme affiliated with a government university in Sri Lanka in 2024. The objectives include analyzing historical and socio-cultural factors that shaped undergraduates’ perceptions toward English and to assess whether resentment towards the language still persists or whether there is a positive shift towards accepting it as a necessary tool. The study aims to provide insights into the complex dynamics of language perception in a post-colonial context, contributing to broader discussions on language, identity and social mobility in contemporary Sri Lanka.