The paper titled "A Brief Historical Perspective of English in Saudi Arabia" by Dr. Merzin Alshahrani provides a historical overview of the teaching and learning of the English language in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The primary focus of the paper is to trace the evolution of English as a foreign language within Saudi Arabia, examining its introduction, development, and the societal and governmental responses to its growing influence.
The study aims to review the status of English in Saudi Arabia from its initial introduction in the late 1920s through its development into the present day. It investigates the societal attitudes towards English, the influence of historical events, and the role of government policies in shaping English language education in a culturally conservative and religiously significant society. The paper particularly emphasizes the changes in the perception and status of English following the events of 9/11, which marked a significant shift in the Kingdom's approach to English language education.
The methodology of the paper involves a historical analysis of literature and previous studies related to the status and teaching of English in Saudi Arabia. The author categorizes the timeline of English education into distinct periods, beginning from the 1920s until the present day, using a variety of sources to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject.
Key findings of the study reveal that English was initially introduced in Saudi Arabia during the late 1920s, although it faced significant resistance due to fears that it might undermine Arabic, the mother tongue, and Islam, the dominant religion. The teaching of English saw slow progress until the discovery of oil in the 1930s, which significantly increased the need for English language proficiency, particularly in the context of business and economic development. The relationship between Saudi Arabia and English-speaking countries, especially the United States, further bolstered the status of English in the country. The paper highlights the significant shift after 2000, when the Saudi government began to promote English more vigorously, integrating it into the public education system and expanding its role in higher education and various professional fields.
The paper concludes that English has gained a prominent status in Saudi Arabia due to its economic, political, and social utility. The language's importance is linked not only to the country's economic needs, particularly in the oil industry, but also to its role in international communication, education, and religion. The author suggests that the growing acceptance and integration of English into Saudi society reflect broader trends of globalization and modernization, which have been embraced by both the government and the population despite earlier resistance. The study underscores the ongoing transformation in English language education in Saudi Arabia and its implications for the future.