An Analysis of Learners’ Needs of Arabic as a Foreign Language at Jordanian Universities

Abstract

Conducting analysis in language needs has long been seen as essential. Given the importance of Arabic as the primary language of communication in most Jordanian universities, this study aims at exploring the difficulties encountered by non-native speakers of Arabic in learning the language. It also seeks to investigating the learners’ needs regarding Arabic as a foreign language (AFL) in Jordanian Universities. The participants in this study include 169 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 of learning the Arabic language, and 23 items ask about the students’ needs in learning it. The results of this study revealed different difficulties in learning Arabic. The students also reported their needs for improving their proficiency in Arabic. The students mentioned some difficulties and needs related to productive skills such as writing and speaking. They also reported difficulties and needs related 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.