Challenges Arabic Speaking Students Face Learning ESL Layla Malander INTO/CSU

In this presentation I will discuss the following: The different challenges Arabic speaking students from various countries encounter in their studies of the different skills in the English language: grammar, writing, listening, speaking and reading. A survey results Your questions and remarks

Grammatical Differences Between Arabic and English Use of a, an, & the Use of verb ‘Be’ Pronouns Present Perfect Tense Modals Prepositions

Writing Issues: Sentence Structure Use of capital letters Spelling S/V order, agreement/ pronoun affixes Adjective/Noun combination and agreement (F/M/Sing/Pl) Use of Vocabulary: Translation issues Spelling Punctuation

Speaking/Listening Issues Pronunciation (the sounds don’t match the spelling) tough/night/comfortable/cat which in turn doesn’t help with learning process of spelling Strong American accent Having to listen, comprehend and write (production) all 3 different skills at once Expressing oneself: A cultural difference and difficulty thinking for oneself (expressing oneself was the most difficult part of the writing process) according to the survey

Reading issues Cultural differences: Ss aren’t encouraged to read in Arabic/ Why do I need to read a story in English? Having the ability to connect the vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure

Lack of cultural background information doesn’t facilitate the students’ understanding: Writing Listening & Everyday life issues

How can I help 1. 2. 3. Separate students who speak the same language Encourage them to participate, don’t speak too fast, and avoid using a lot of slang and phrasal verbs. 3. Be aware of the cultural, religious and personal differences.

How can I help Initiate a conversation with them and befriend them 4. Initiate a conversation with them and befriend them 5. Help them understand how the teaching style works here 6. Their integration depends on: where the students come from, how exposed they were to the American culture before they came, and how open they are to the American culture

Thanks for coming. Hope the presentation was of help to you. If you have any questions or comments Please contact me at: Layla.malander@colostate.edu