Using Material Authenticity in the Saudi English Textbook Design: A Content Analysis from the Viewpoint of EFL Teachers

Yousif A Alshumaimeri ,Maha S Alzyadi

doi:10.7575/aiac.alls.v.6n.2p.229

Yousif A Alshumaimeri , Maha S Alzyadi

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.alls.v.6n.2p.229

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Abstract

This study attempts to identify the extent of using authentic materials in the new series of secondary English textbooks (Flying High for Saudi Arabia) used currently in Saudi schools. Therefore, a content analysis instrument has been designed to analyze the first secondary English textbook. The instrument has been distributed on 112 EFL female teachers who work in public Secondary schools in Riyadh city. The findings show that the selected textbook focuses to a moderate extent on using material authenticity. The provided materials promote genuine communication among EFL learners, prepare learners for the future uses of the target language and present authentic language in its actual contexts. However, the findings reveal that the used materials are beyond the learners' level and the reading comprehension activities present real life texts at a poor range. These findings suggest to adjust the given materials to fulfill the learners' needs and match their proficiency level. Keywords: Authenticity, Authentic materials, Textbook, Communication, Syllabus design

Highlights

English language in Saudi Arabia is considered a foreign language where Saudi learners lack real opportunities to use English language in their daily life outside the classrooms
The results show some remarkable results that show a high percentage of agreement from the participants concerning the availability of authentic materials in the textbook
This study investigates the extent that 1st secondary English textbook of the new series (Flying High for Saudi Arabialevel -1), and focuses on the material authenticity

Summary

Introduction

English language in Saudi Arabia is considered a foreign language where Saudi learners lack real opportunities to use English language in their daily life outside the classrooms. Authentic materials present the real life language that is used for communication among native speakers, or in the selected contexts that use Standard English such as newspaper reports, magazine articles, television advertisements, restaurant menus, application forms, etc. English language doesn't have an official status in Saudi Arabia except being introduced as a subject in all the three stages of Saudi schools (Elementary, Intermediate and Secondary). Typical people in Saudi Arabia learn English language either because it is a compulsory subject in all stages of Saudi schools or it is one of the requirements to get a certain job. The current series of textbooks that are taught in Saudi public schools are (Smart Class) for elementary stage, (Wonderful World) for intermediate stage and (Flying High for Saudi Arabia) for Secondary stage

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