An Exploration of the English-Language Reading Habits of Omani University Students

Abstract

Despite the many advantages that developing reading skills can offer, countries in the Arab world, including Oman, are often characterized as not having well-developed reading cultures. This exploratory research aimed to gain a clearer picture of the reading habits of tertiary-level students in a public university in Oman. Ninety-five participants were administered a 5-item open-ended questionnaire eliciting information about various aspects of their English reading habits. Results indicate that around half of participants read sometimes and most claimed reading to be one of their hobbies. In addition, a majority of participants claimed to be aware of reading strategies that could enhance their reading skills, and also believed that it was important to develop their core language skills and vocabulary ranges, even though the influence of teachers in this was considered minimal. Implications of these findings for reading instruction in Oman and the Arab world are discussed.