Reasons for Joining English Department

Abstract

This study is investigating the nature of the reasons of the students for joining the Department of English. The study took place in the College of Sciences and Arts (boys) (affiliated with King Khalid University Al-namas Town, Saudi Arabia). The subjects of the study were 40 level two students (the whole group). The study answered three questions: (1) the frequent reasons they give, (2) comparing them with an equivalent Yemeni sample and (3) finding out if there is some kind of correlation between what the students say and their actual performance in classroom. To collect the data a questionnaire was administered to the group. The results showed that the most frequent reasons were to be translators, to travel abroad to study, to do businesses where English is required, and to find better jobs. Some differences were identified between this group and their Yemeni counterparts. Little correlation was found between the students' statements and their performance in classroom. Some suggestions were offered to teachers to exploit the students' reasons and guide them refine their purposes and do better in accord with what they intend to be.