Abstract:
Cognitive reactions towards language are evaluative attitudes that reside in the
human mind with reference to a particular language. Those cognitive reactions
are demonstrative and effective in understanding the attitudes of learners.
Moreover, the mental reactions of humans to languages cannot be directly
observed, yet recognizable through verbal or physical treatments of speakers
of a particular language. Therefore, this study focuses on the cognitive
reaction of the 4000-level undergraduates whose study medium is Sinhala at
the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University of Ruhuna
towards English as a medium of study. This study's research methodology
adopts qualitative and quantitative methods such as interviews and
questionnaires. Thirty participants engaged in the data collection process.
Accordingly, the study investigates why the students select Sinhala as the
medium of study while those students have the opportunity to start the learning
process in English in a context where English is taught as a mandatory second
language in universities and the Sri Lankan education system. In accordance
with research findings, the majority of the learners state that English is
essential, yet poor knowledge obstacles them to choosing English as the
medium. Furthermore, the informants demonstrate their desire to continue
learning English and emphasize finding a possible way to exterminate
hardships. According to the students’ cognitive reactions and their nature on
to the selection of study medium, it is clear that students have a positive
attitude towards English a language yet those students have a negative attitude
towards their own usage of English language skills. Thus, the researcher tries
to suggest taking necessary initiatives and changes in the activities used in
English as a second language classrooms by enabling them to follow degrees
in English.
