This study explores the pronunciation difficulties experienced by Saudi EFL learners at Jouf University (JU) in the north of Saudi Arabia. To achieve this purpose, two main instruments were implemented: an experiment of pronunciation sensitivity response and two interview formats. The sample of this study was selected randomly and consisted of (n=20) students studying English major in their sixth level at JU, and (n=10) English language instructors from the same institution. A mixed-method approach was employed to find out the phonetic and phonological difficulties that participants encountered during the implementation of the experiment of pronunciation sensitivity response, and to interpret participant's responses to the interview formats. The findings revealed that EFL learners experienced six phonetic and phonological problematic patterns related to mispronunciation of: initial consonant cluster, final consonant cluster, multi-syllabic words, unfamiliar sounds, vowels, and voiced or voiceless phonemes. It was also found that EFL learners and instructors had different views regarding these phonetic and phonological issues. The limited time for practice, the lack of authentic materials and tasks, and the need for immersion classes, and effective instruction and learning were all found to be responsible about the phonetic and phonological problems EFL learners encountered and at the same time they were found to be the motives for overcoming these issues. It is believed that the implications and recommendations included in this study would improve the performance of Saudi EFL speaking abilities once they are incorporated effectively in their English learning settings.

This study aimed at identifying and documenting some linguistic phenomena in the temporary dialect of Skakans at Al-Jouf region in the northern part of Saudi Arabia. Two major linguistic phenomena: the Istintta and the Kaskasa have been investigated. The study has also interpreted and originated these phenomena taking into consideration their possible relationship with the Classical Standard Arabic (SA) and Semitic languages. A random sample of Skakan people (tribal) was interviewed through a semi-structured interview format based on a deep review of related literature. Data gathered were analyzed using a mixed methodology employing the descriptive approach to analyze and interpret these linguistic phenomena and the historical approach to trace their origins and find out their relationship with the SA and Semitic languages. Content analysis and comparative approaches were also used. Findings indicated that the relationship between the investigated phenomena and the SA was strong in certain cases and weak in others. It was concluded that this instable relationship was beyond avoiding documenting the dialects of people living around the Arabian Peninsula borders by old Arab Linguists.