A Study on How Social Values and Attitudes of Sri Lankans Affect the Communication of Sinhala Learned JICA Volunteers Working in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) dispatches Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) for various fields in Sri Lanka. A pre-dispatch training is given for the JOCV s, which consists of a Sinhala language course. Before starting their profession in Sri Lanka, they experience a one month homestay with a Sri Lankan Family and follow another Sinhala language course. Yet, some usage errors are still visible in their daily Sinhala conversations. Furthermore, they encounter many problems and misunderstandings with Sri Lankans due to the difference of working style and attitudes. The objective of this research was to identify the reasons behind these barriers in communication. It would also be a portrayal of the differences in language usage according to the social values, working styles and attitudes of both nations. This research was based mostly on primary data collected through face to face interviews with 10 JICA volunteers currently working in Sri Lanka, as the main sample. The structured interview was based on Sinhala language text books which were being used in the Sinhala language courses at JICA. According to the analysis of data, most of the volunteers had pointed out that the language they had learned through text books was significantly different from the language used in daily conversations. Some volunteers had experienced uneasiness due to the lack of understanding of Sri Lankan working style and behaviour. The author has listed up some common situations where the misunderstandings occurred. The author expects to introduce the findings to the JICA Sri Lanka office to propose them a reconsideration of their Sinhala language courses. They may introduce a “Culture note” section for the Sinhala text books of JICA. Besides, the author recommends an orientation program for the Sri Lankan office workers as well, on how to deal with the new Japanese members. Both languages have their endemic features in the usage which are determined on complexed cultural parameters. Without a knowledge of so called complexities, the volunteers are unable to capture the naturally engraved language usages in Sinhala. This research recommends the importance of a thorough cultural awareness program for the said volunteers and for the Sri Lankan counterparts who will be assigned to work with JICA volunteers for a certain period of time.