Intrinsic Motivation in Saudi Learners of English as a Foreign Language

Abstract

The paper presents an experimental study designed to measure levels of intrinsic motivation in learners of Eng- lish as a Foreign Language in Saudi Arabia. As part of the study, a 27-item structured survey was administered to a ran- domly selected sample of 55 Saudi learners from public schools and universities. Data collected through the survey were subjected to some basic statistical analyses, such as mean and standard deviation. Based on the results from the analy- sis, a number of generalizations and conclusions are made in relation to the role of motivation in the attainment of English as a foreign language in the Saudi educational setting. In addition, some recommendations are offered, which may enable Saudi teachers and learners of English as a foreign language to achieve better learning outcomes in an area widely associ- ated by Saudis with lack of success.