Unique Challenges Saudi EFL Learners Face

Khalid Al-Seghayer

doi:10.22158/selt.v7n4p490

Abstract

Learning English as a foreign language (EFL) is both a promising endeavor and a challenging undertaking. All language learners encounter unique challenges in the process of learning English, and Saudi EFL learners are no exception. This article identifies the unique and multifarious challenges Saudi EFL learners face, and explores the multidimensional causal factors in the progression of the challenges they face most commonly. The analysis first tackles the considerable challenge of accurate spelling, followed by a discussion of the challenges Saudi EFL learners encounter when learning to read and write in English. This discussion addresses challenges in sociolinguistic competence and English pronunciation arising from multivariate factors, and concludes by offering measures to help Saudi EFL learners overcome these characteristic challenges and promote their trajectory toward successful acquisition of EFL.

Highlights

Learning a language is a complex, time-intensive undertaking with multitudinous factors at play requiring dedication, persistence, and hard work
The analysis first tackles the considerable challenge of accurate spelling, followed by a discussion of the challenges Saudi English as a foreign language (EFL) learners encounter when learning to read and write in English
This discussion addresses challenges in sociolinguistic competence and English pronunciation arising from multivariate factors, and concludes by offering measures to help Saudi EFL learners overcome these characteristic challenges and promote their trajectory toward successful acquisition of EFL

Summary

Introduction

Learning a language is a complex, time-intensive undertaking with multitudinous factors at play requiring dedication, persistence, and hard work. What persistent difficulties do Saudi EFL learners experience in mastering English spelling, writing, reading, sociolinguistic competence, and pronunciation? This vowel blindness creates significant spelling-related difficulties for Saudi EFL learners in terms of English word recognition, reading, and writing.

Results

Conclusion