Using Arabic in Teaching English to Arabic-Speaking Learners (From Teachers’ and Students’ Point of View)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate and analyse teachers’ and students’ views towards using Arabic in teaching English in secondary schools in Oneizah Province, Saudi Arabia. The data were collected by means of two questionnaires: one for teachers and the other for students. The subjects were 43 teachers of English, 12 were female. 120 male students from four different secondary schools in Oneizah. The results of the study showed that Arabic language (The students’ mother tongue) could be used during English language lessons although teachers’ responses gave less support for using Arabic. Also, the results revealed that Arabic has positive roles to play in teaching English besides facilitating learning process. The recommendations emphasize and encourage teachers and supervisors to pay attention to their learners need in using their mother tongue. Moreover, Arabic language can be a means of facilitation not a hindrance so it can be used in many activities inside the classroom without affecting students’ exposure to English language. Also, there should be a place for learners’ mother tongue in the syllabus, e.g. in translation exercises and bilingual dictionaries.