Learners’ and teachers’ beliefs towards using the Arabic language in English language classes in Saudi universities: The case of Shaqra University

Abstract

This study examined the attitudes and opinions of Saudi teachers and students about using the Arabic language in English language classes in Saudi universities. It focused on the effects of their attitudes and opinions about acquiring the English language. This topic has attracted the attention of many Arab researchers, especially Saudis, in the field of linguistics and second language acquisition (SLA). The study focused on Shaqra University in the central region of Saudi Arabia, particularly the two branches of the university in Quwaiya and Dawadmi. The participants were 38 English language students and 19 teachers of English. Two tools were used in this research: a questionnaire consisting of 15 questions for the students and a questionnaire with three open-ended questions for the teachers. The results indicated that most teachers and students preferred using the Arabic language in classes necessary for comprehension. There was almost total agreement that using Arabic in the classroom supported the acquisition of the English language. About 66% of the student participants reported that using Arabic in English language classes was helpful in teaching the English language and the case applied to the teachers’ responses. Most of them stated that using Arabic was useful in communicating information to students smoothly, although there were points of difference. Some participants indicated that the excessive use of Arabic may hinder the process of learning the English language. Future research and recommendations are discussed.