The Saudi 2030 vision and translanguaging in language learning in Saudi Arabia: Looking for concord in the future

Abstract

This study reviews the methods and findings of earlier translanguaging research with special emphasis on their implications in view of the national development plans stated in Saudi vision 2030. Notably, Saudi Arabia is striving to adjust to the multilingual immigrant workforce on its soil, while the Kingdom envisages a larger role for its people on other soils. In this changed paradigm, strengthening the Saudis' English communicative proficiency is an emergent need. To make pertinent pedagogical recommendations on the use of translanguaging in language learning, the study gathered data using a questionnaire administered to 72 participants from separate EFL departments at King Faisal University, and a focus group interview with three participants from one Department. Findings revealed that the Saudi EFL students strongly support the use of translanguaging in the EFL classrooms, but they are worried that it may not bring their proficiency to the desirable standard. They, thus, showed greater faith in the conventional language learning approach, viz., using only English in the EFL classes. The study concluded that learners‟ exposure to translanguaging is apparently not adequate in KSA for them to fully fathom its benefits, and teachers who, so far strictly keep to the English-only approach, too need to be oriented and trained in its use.