National identity in a globalizing world
by Omar Rajarathnam
Are you a helpless victim of
western influence in your own country? Do you fear being an outcast if
you do not conform to the so called professional world? Adapting to this
stereotype will bring us success, but the biggest question is ‘how can
we strike a balance’?
 The demand for South East Asian labour by the economic giants of the
world has soared drastically in the last decade; this is strongly
evidenced by the increasing number of booming BPO (Business Process
Outsourcing) companies operating in the country. As a nation, we have
become well known for the valuable skills we possess and our ability to
use them appropriately to contribute to these organizations which are
incidentally the integral cogs of the ‘Globalization’ machine.
Whilst taking the skills and attitudes we have acquired over the
years of education and upbringing in our conventional continent to these
wealthy corporations, it is but our responsibility to ensure that we
remember our roots regardless of generous remuneration and the
distinguished social fraternity we may gain due to the promotions we
secure.
But, where have we failed?
Many opine being conversant in English is a golden ticket to a
reputable job, and this exerts pressure on the younger generation of the
day who attempt to increase their fluency in expectation of prospective
career paths.
Whilst this scenario remains healthy, there is an illogical
perception that, those mettle to prove eloquence in English is not
complete unless one pretends unable to converse in local languages such
as Sinhalese and Tamil. Admittedly, there is a lot of pride taken in
conducts of this nature. It is this nostalgia that is causing
unnecessary pressure on the youngsters which needs to be measured to
prevent it from being passed onto the future generation.
The main purpose of the English language is none other than
communication so there can be no gain in deviating from its purpose?
Factually, if there is anything unacceptable, it will certainly be
our inability to speak our own language or even worse, our attitude to
pretend we cannot speak it at all. If the French and the Dutch are proud
of their mother tongue, we Sri Lankans should be too. After all, if we
are keen to embrace western influence, why not welcome it in a positive
manner that will enable us to strengthen our values rather than pawn our
identity in the name of westernisation?
Education versus Work experience, a battle of intensity as in one day
cricket between Australia and Sri Lanka. A winner in the latter brings
one team glory but a draw between the former will bring us all glory.
It is imperative that the youth understand equilibrium is struck
between both these factors before venture into the professional world
begins; seeking knowledge is an attribute which can afford compromise
though it needs to have persistence throughout one’s career path.
Business demographics are changing at a faster pace than ever and it
is necessary we keep up with it in order to emerge successful in our own
industries. The popularity of project planning models such as six sigma,
success record of many eccentric management models are all impacting
businesses to ensure they employ staff who have an unquenchable thirst
for knowledge and flexibility to change both of which today’s youth are
inundated with. Hence, realizing professional success for financial
reward can be justified, but can we genuinely justify the expense of Sri
Lankan morals to achieve the same?
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