Abstract:
The study investigated the preference for using English for entertainment among 3000 level
undergraduates in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Ruhuna.
Improvement of the English knowledge is a must for high quality graduate and using English
for entertainment activities is one of the best ways to improve the English language. The aim
was to understand how using English for entertainment activities can improve language skills.
The study focused on the preference for watching films, reading novels, listening to songs, and
listening to motivational speeches in English among the undergraduates. Data were collected
through a Google form, and 210 students were randomly selected as the sample using simple
random sampling, statistical and graphical methods were used for data analysis. Findings
revealed that the willingness to use English for entertainment activities among the
undergraduates was relatively low compared to using the Sinhala language. Students showed a
preference for watching Bollywood movies, reading Sinhala novels, and listening to Sinhala
songs. English movies, novels, and songs had lower preference rates. Motivational speeches in
both Sinhala and English had a relatively equal preference. These findings suggest that students
in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Ruhuna have less
inclination to use English for entertainment purposes. Through the study, it is concluded that
usage of English for entertainment among undergraduates among 3000 level undergraduates is
relatively low. Based on the conclusions drawn from the study, it is recommended that students
be encouraged to use English more often for entertainment activities. Awareness should be
raised about the importance of English proficiency for various aspects of academic and
professional life. Creating English clubs and providing opportunities for students to practice
English through singing songs, reading novels, and discussing literature could help improve
language skills and confidence in using English. In conclusion, the study highlights the need
to promote the use of English for entertainment among undergraduates in order to enhance their
language fluency and overall proficiency.
