IS ENGLISH THE SURE-SHOT MANTRA TO SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS?” AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE PERCEPTIONS OF NON-NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS WITH RESPECT TO THEIR PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH.

Abstract

Abstract

With the world going flat, economies going global, English in non-native countries like India has assumed a position far more superior than scores of officially recognized native languages and dialects of the country. Though officially having the status of an assistant language in India, English is becoming a lot more than simply a medium of communication. Today English is considered the short- cut to success by the youth, a skill that defies all odds to help them achieve success quickly and effectively. It is perceived as the quick ultimate means that can guarantee success. The paper aimed to identify the perceived relationship between the level of proficiency in English and the perceived level of importance attached with attaining English language proficiency. In order to achieve this objective a well-structured questionnaire was designed to seek experiences of 250 college going students from the city of Chandigarh. The data was collected through a structured questionnaire with pre-explained objectives of research. Various tests and statistics were used to establish the factors that significantly affected the level of proficiency in English and also the perceived importance of English Language Proficiency. Facts revealed in this study highlight that English Language Proficiency has indeed entered every aspect of our life and people link it not just to career and success but to all their social and psychological needs