Identifying the domain and level of bilingualism amongst Saudi EFL learners
Keywords:
bilingualism, compound bilinguals, coordinate bilinguals, language dominance, language systems, proficiency, subordinate bilingualsAbstract
Human language processing in the context of bilingualism poses many questions. The centre of inquiry, however, still remains the nature of interaction between the bilinguals’ two language systems. The Saudi higher education learners and society are bilinguals with English taking the place of L2 in practically all walks of life. However, dominance of the mother tongue and prevalent pedagogy and coursebooks can be detractors in their acquisition of native-like proficiency. This study evaluates the role of the two language systems (Arabic and English) in the lives of 93 sophomore students of language, College of Arts and Literature, University of Hail, Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia at Hail University, Saudi Arabia. Using a questionnaire, the study gathered data that loaded onto specific domains, and the level of bilingualism for the respondents. Results indicate that professional use, academic advancement, using English at the college meetings, and to communicate with their teachers at college are the domains where students frequently use English. Findings also showed that students perceived their level of bilingualism as being high. In other words, they scored high in the items which indicated that they could talk without thinking and were comfortable during their talk.
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