English Language Education in North and East Syria “Rojava” Today: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

The focus of this study is to investigate the challenges that English as Foreign Language (EFL) learners in Rojava face in learning English language and the opportunities to overcome the challenges. To this end, a qualitative inquiry was used to collect the data via a face-to-face interview with four experienced English language teachers and one language policy maker from the Ministry of Education. The study found that there are a series of factors that make learning English challenging including lack of English teachers, lack of motivation and family non-involvement in schooling, to name a few. Moreover, a number of formal and informal opportunities are being promoted to overcome these challenges. The opportunities were around preparing English language teaching staff, motivation and family support. Limitations and future research suggestions are discussed in the end of this article.