An Understanding Reticence and Ambivalence towards Speaking English through the ‘Problem’ of Limited Capital Yielded by English in a Sri Lankan State University: A Case Study

The use of English for communicative purposes among Sri Lankan state university students has been a topic concern many decades as they are typically noted being either reticent or ambivalent in using the target language (TL) oral communication irrespective their proficiency TL fact that enrolled Medium Degree Programmes (EMDPs). This paper therefore offers sociological response to issue through an exploration notion ‘capital’ yielded by English. Required information was obtained from larger narrative case study conducted with five first-year undergraduates studying two profession-oriented EMDPs offered one academic department Lanka. Portraying positioning context under study, this depicts how is discouraged hegemonic sociocultural environment whereby opportunities respondents would ultimately enable them yield constrained. ‘problem’ associated direct impacts on learners’ investment TL. confirms implications within social realities and recommends institutional-level support foster supportive creates legitimate learners