Enhancing Social Integration: The Role of Saudi Dialect for International Students at Saudi Universities - Perspectives of International Students and the Local Community.

Abstract

This study investigates how proficiency in Modern Standard Arabic MSA and local dialects affects the social integration of international students in Saudi Arabia. Through interviews with students and native speakers, it was found that while MSA is vital for academic success and formal communication, local dialects are crucial for social interaction and cultural integration. Students fluent in local dialects experience better social connections and a stronger sense of belonging, whereas MSA is associated with formal education and cultural heritage. The study highlights the need for integrating both language varieties into educational programs to enhance students' overall integration and recommends practical language use opportunities to support international students.