Challenges experienced by Saudi female students transitioning through Canadian pre-academic ESL
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Date
2014-04
Authors
Altamimi, Arwa Mohammed
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Mount Saint Vincent University
Abstract
This study explored the issues for female Saudi students studying English in Halifax,
Nova Scotia, Canada that might have a negative impact on the development of proficiency in
spoken English. A mixed methods approach was used. A 38 item questionnaire was completed
by 61 participants. It asked about experiences within the classroom, opportunities to talk to
others, level of comfort speaking, and the relative importance of speaking, reading, and writing.
Structured interviews were conducted with four students, two teachers, and two support staff
(receptionists) to enrich the knowledge gained from the questionnaire. Results indicated that
Saudi female students had issues with self-confidence, shyness, and a fear of making mistakes.
While it can be argued that all ESL students have similar issues, the sense was that the issues
were more profound for Saudi females than for other females or for Saudi males. As well, Saudi
female had additional cultural differences that had a major impact on performance. Firstly, Saudi
women – even those with university education -- are unaccustomed to co-educational classes and
male teachers. Secondly, Saudi women are expected to defer to males. As such, the presence of
males in the classroom causes Saudi women to remain silent. Thirdly, Saudi women are not
expected to interact outside the home, or with males. As such, Saudi women socialize only with
Saudi women and do not have the opportunity to practice speaking. Finally, Saudi women are
expected to have all business transactions conducted by a male relative (husband, father, brother)
and as such, have little opportunity to practice speaking even for official reasons.
Recommendations for Saudi women, the Saudi and Canadian governments, and ESL instructors
are provided.
Description
Keywords
Postsecondary students - Saudi Arabian Women , English as a Second Language , International students