Factors Supporting the Learning of English as a Foreign Language Among Saudi Arabian Tertiary Level Students

Abstract

In this article the author focuses on the factors supporting Saudi Arabian tertiary level students in learning the English language. The article discusses government initiatives, parental support, classroom atmosphere, and teachers' encouragement at elementary and tertiary levels of English language learning. A questionnaire with close-ended questions on a four-point Likert scale was administered to collect data. The findings showed that, English should be taught from grade one at the elementary level, and qualified English teachers are required there. In terms of supporting factors, family awareness and support is essential. The findings also shows that parents should care about the language proficiency of their children rather than grades in examinations.