JEDDAH, 23 December 2002 — Saudi female students often speak in languages other than their own in an attempt to ape Western fashions, according to local educators.
They like to speak in English whether the occasion warrants it or not, Okaz newspaper reports.
Huda, a teacher, said: “Throughout my work, I have noticed that students who speak English have Arab fathers and foreign mothers, and the mother’s language tends to dominate.”
Mohammed Ghanem, a high school student, said: “My parents have been teaching me how to speak English since I was young. I was raised with it being my normal language.”
Haroon Ramzy, another teacher, believes that in Saudi society those who speak a number of languages are often perceived to have a higher status than those who do not.
“Students must learn English,” he adds. “It is very important in their educational and social life. But we must feel proud about our Arabic language because it is the language of the Holy Qur’an.”
Haroon said that, according to his research, Saudi society is divided into three main groups when it comes to the use of English.
The first, which is the smallest, uses English almost always, and is especially common among teenagers who do not have a Saudi role model in the family.
Those who belong to the second group, which is small, learn English just so they can improve their career opportunities.
The members of the third group, which is the largest, mixes English and Arabic in their conversation as a matter of course.
