Linguistic Needs of Non-Native Students of Arabic Language at Saudi Universities

Abstract

Arabic language is taught to several students. Some of them are learning Arabic as a foreign language. Therefore, it is important to design programs that fit their needs. This study aimed at analyzing the learning needs of students of Arabic as a foreign language in Saudi Universities. The participants of this study include 150 students from four countries (i.e., Malaysia, Thailand, China, and Indonesia). The students were selected from three different disciplines (i.e., Arabic Language, Islamic Finance, and Usuluddin). The study used a questionnaire adapted from previous studies on this topic. The questionnaire contains 49 items: 26 items ask about the difficulties in learning Arabic language, and 23 items ask about the students’ needs in learning Arabic language. The results of this study revealed different difficulties in learning Arabic language. The students also reported their need to improve their proficiency in Arabic language. The students mentioned difficulties and needs related to productive skills such as writing and speaking. They also reported difficulties and needs to receptive skills but with more focus on the academic context. Based on the results of this study, some recommendations for future research have been provided.