Language Exposure and Language Proficiency: A Qualitative Study of Technical Colleges in Saudi Arabia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18662/rrem/17.2/973Keywords:
language exposure, English proficiency, EMI, immersive learning, Saudi Arabia, technical academiesAbstract
The effect of language exposure on English competency among Saudi technical college students is investigated qualitatively in the present paper. Saudi students mostly find English in formal, classroom-based environments, restricting their chances for real-world language contact even with continuous educational changes and the general acceptance of English-medium instruction (EMI). The study examines the impact of kind and quality of language experience on learners' capacity to acquire meaningful communication skills using Krashen's Input Hypothesis and the Affective Filter Hypothesis. The purpose of the twelve students' semi-structured interviews was to elicit specifics about their learning experiences, challenges, and adaptation strategies from various technical institutions. Results show that although EMI raises English exposure frequency, depending too much on structured instruction sometimes leads to passive learning, in which case students struggle especially with writing and speaking. Socio-psychological elements like poor intrinsic motivation and more language anxiety exacerbate these difficulties and hence compromise the possible advantages of more exposure. The study suggests that digital learning technologies, interactive teaching methodologies, and immersive experiences could significantly enhance language ability by promoting active interaction with English outside of traditional classroom settings. The findings of this study have important policy and curriculum implications for Saudi technical college students' preparation for the demands of global communication by hybrid learning models that effectively blend structured instruction with opportunities for real language use.
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