The Role of Motivation and Gender in English Language Learning for Saudi Students

Abstract

There are a variety of factors that affect the English language learning process such as motivation and gender. The present study highlights the importance of motivation and gender in the English language learning process. This study follows a mixed-method approach; qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed. Qualitative data were collected through a self-determined motivation questionnaire and a self-assessment chart from fifteen male and fifteen female Saudi students. The participants were all studying English in the United States to continue their university-level education. Data were analyzed co-relationally, using statistics and descriptions, quantitatively. The results have revealed interesting findings, as the female participants tend to demonstrate more motivation towards learning the English language, further highlighting that participants of different genders had different perspectives about learning the English language. The conclusions, implications, and recommendations of this study provide a foundation for future investigations into the English language learners’ motivation in Saudi Arabia and other similar settings, with the goal of identifying variances in students’ orientations.