A Dialogue in Two Contexts: The Journey of Saudi Students in the United State of America and the Search for An I-Thou Relationship

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aims to understand the essence of the participants’ experiences as dialogues, and the researchers used phenomenology as a methodology to deepen the understanding of cultural differences, especially for adults, that affect class dialogue. Research has been done to explore different kinds of participation manifestations. The cultural factor was also examined by the researchers to understand the influence of howcultural backgrounds of international students influence their class participation. The participants expressed their meanings emotionally, intellectually, and socially. The findings of this study conclude that the participants experienced the lack of dialogue in the Saudi educational context, stating that participating in a dialogue as a sign of human agency and freedom, and the concept of respecting others’ right to express themselves means respecting their human dignity. Also, the participants’ experiences demonstrated that dialogue is deeply important not only for educational aims but as a human right.