Home > Foreign Languages, Cross-Cultural Studies > Vol 12 2024 Abstract 8
Perceptions of World Englishes by University Students of Bangladesh: A Quantitative Study
Abdul Awal

Abstract
This study examines the perceptions of Bangladeshi university students of world Englishes (WE). Although standard English is taught as a compulsory foreign language at all levels of education, there is an emerging trend of spreading culture-oriented local varieties of English in social and digital platforms, especially by younger generations. In addressing the challenge of sustaining and disseminating the local variety, which indicates a detachment from the norms of the Inner Circle, it is imperative to foster a positive response towards WE within the academic landscape. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted with 100 Bengali native speakers selected through random sampling using a 5-point Likert scale for data collection. The findings indicate a generally high positive perception (M = 3.64, SD = 0.367), comprising high familiarity, confidence, comfort, promotion and potential adaptation of the emerging local culture-oriented curriculum within academia. However, the association of gender significantly affects perceptions of WE, possibly originating from socio-cultural and economic discrimination against females, resulting in less familiarity with WE among women, which overall leads to less favourable perceptions compared to men.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jflcc.v12a8