An Investigation into the linguistic attitude of Saudi mothers towards their child’s English education (Involving Tabuk University Faculty and Administration Members) معرفة توجهات الأمهات السعودیات اللغویة تجاه تعلیم أطفالهم اللغة الإنجلیزیة

Abstract

Language researchers have long believed that parents with a positive attitude towards learning, and a willingness to participate in their child’s academic journey, are one of the key factors involved in English language acquisition. This study is designed to explore the attitude of Saudi mothers towards their child’s education and involves several faculty and administration staff employed at Tabuk university. The study will primarily focus on the attitude of the mother as, traditionally, Saudi mothers are the primary caregiver and primary educators in the home. Upon returning from school, the children will require help from the mother, as the father will be working until later in the evening. The research will consider whether factors such as household revenue, scholastic background, socioeconomic status and the mother’s comprehension of the English language play a part in the child’s education. The research involved fifteen Saudi mothers who were interviewed regarding their involvement in, and attitude towards, their child’s education. In summary, the results revealed that all of the mothers questioned, exhibited a constructive attitude concerning their children’s English language development. Other results demonstrated that there are no significant correlations between the mothers’ understanding of English, household income, educational history and their attitude towards their child’s learning. However, it was noticed that these variables did prevent them from helping as much as they were able.