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

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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.

9. How can I help Initiate a conversation with them and befriend them4.
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

10. Thanks for coming. Hope the presentation was of help to you.
If you have any questions or comments
Please contact me at: