Present and Future of English in Saudi Arabia: Research Concerns
Faculty and students at the Faculty of Languages and Translation recently had the opportunity to engage in lively conversations about innovative approaches to their work. The faculty organized a symposium titled "Present and Future of English in Saudi Arabia: Research Concerns," which served as a platform for exploration and discussion.
Over the course of two days, a total of 24 presentations were delivered, covering a diverse range of captivating topics in English language teaching and examining the evolving role of English in contemporary Saudi Arabia. The list of presentations can be found by clicking here.
The symposium garnered significant interest and active participation from a multitude of attendees, including academic professionals from various Saudi institutions, visiting university researchers from abroad, and a considerable number of faculty members and students from KKU. The presence of His Excellency, President Abdulrahman Bin Hamad Al Dawood, during the opening ceremony added prestige to the event.
Despite being held at the main male campus of the university, a video and audio link was maintained throughout the symposium, connecting the main female campus. This ensured that faculty members and students from both campuses could actively participate and benefit from the enriching presentations and the enthusiastic atmosphere.
A notable aspect of the symposium was the engagement of attendees during the question-answer and discussion sessions following each presentation. These interactions fostered dynamic dialogue and stimulating debates, resulting in exciting moments and valuable insights for all involved.
The papers presented during the symposium will be published in the Proceedings of the Symposium and made available for download from conferences.kku.edu.sa in the near future. This publication will serve as a valuable resource, allowing for further exploration and utilization of the research findings.
As the symposium came to a close, the Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, delivered closing remarks. The atmosphere was one of excitement and satisfaction, as participants continued to exchange observations and ideas on how best to apply the research findings to improve the English learning process in their daily professional activities.
The symposium at the Faculty of Languages and Translation provided an ideal platform for faculty and students to engage in stimulating discussions, gain valuable insights, and explore new avenues to enhance their work in the field of English language teaching. It exemplified the faculty's commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
