Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date

2020

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

English

Committee Chair

Emily Thrush

Committee Member

Rebecca Adams

Committee Member

Sage Graham

Committee Member

Teresa Dalle

Abstract

This study applied Mixed Methods research (MM) to understand the possibility of developing the intercultural competence of Saudi students through language classes in Saudi Arabia, since there is an indication of a gap between language classes in Saudi Arabia and the globalized world. This study was conducted to investigate the intercultural competence development of Saudi students enrolled in American universities and compare it to the way they developed their interculturality during their language classes in Saudi Arabia. Thus, this dissertation sought to determine the necessary strategies to enrich intercultural competence through English language classes in Saudi Arabia. Using MM, this study consists of two parts; first, a data from 107 Saudi students were collected and analyzed, and then data were collected and analyzed from six interviewees to provide further explanation. Findings from this study indicated that the experience of studying in American universities helped in developing Saudi students intercultural competence, whereas language classes in Saudi Arabia did not contribute to the same thing. It informed that English language classes in Saudi Arabia were missing some elements despite their necessity to help students grow into interculturally competent and globally responsible citizens. The study proved that the challenges that faced Saudi students during their studies in the United States helped them to develop their intercultural skills. This study began to bridge a gap between language classrooms in Saudi Arabia and the new globalized world as it recommended that intercultural competence should be a fundamental part of the curriculum to promote English language classes in Saudi Arabia. The compiled research also suggested that the way American schools promoted students intercultural competence should be studied to achieve the same in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the study proposed devoting future research to focus on how to develop the interculturality of Saudi students in order to prepare them for the 21st-century. Results of the study contributed to a new line of work, such as examining the relationship between teachers level of interculturality and the ability to develop their students intercultural competence as language teachers who are considered to be the experts with whom students approach for knowledge.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest

Notes

embargoed

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