Non-Native English Speakers Use of Prepositions in Saudi Arabia: A Cognitive Linguistics Study

Abstract

Prepositions have a significant role in languages as users of language depend on them to produce sentence meanings and structures. This study investigates the nonlinguistic factors like cognitive, social context and experiential that are beyond linguistics and affect the use of English prepositions by Saudi non-native speakers of English. As the student's psychology to comprehend language and the centrality of the cognition are bases of cognitive linguistics, this research aimed to analyze factors that validate the use of English prepositions by examining a variety of background and personal information,to find out whether Arabic negative pragmatic transfer resulted in the choice of the simple English prepositions used by Saudi non-native speakers of English, explore if the choice of a preposition was affected by social or geographical factors as it is hypothesized that they have an effect on the production of prepositions, and to examine if gender affected the use of prepositions. Using a sample of 50 nonnative English speakers aged 19-25 years, the research instrument consisted of two tests. The first test investigated the use of prepositions through multiple choices and the second consisted of descriptive questions. Independent sample t-tests, linear regression tests, and ANOVA tests were used to compare the results. Results revealed that age and reading time were two social factors that affected the use of prepositions. There were no significant gender differences in the prepositional use, while geographical factors that may intervene had a negative effect. Contribution/ Originality:The study contributes in the existing literature as it attempts to find out whether Arabic negative pragmatic transfer results in the choice of the simple English prepositions used by Saudi non-native speakers of English, and to explore whether the choice of prepositions is affected by social or geographical factors.

EFL Learning and Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia: A Critical Perspective

“…However, 'Tatweer' enhances EFL learning with ICT integration (Assulaimani, 2019) that has induced positive attitudes toward EFL comprehension (Abanomey, 2013), writing (Al-Jarf, 2002, vocabulary learning (Fageeh, 2014), grammar (Al-Jarf, 2004, and overall performance (Al-Mekhlafi, 2006), no other govt. policies than SV2030 before 2016 could have aroused positive feelings and emotions in the 'highest' degree towards EFL learning and teaching as reflected in the students' priority in increasing the vocabulary for further learning in the future (Almegren, 2022). It is because the announcement has also changed Saudi nationals' vision of employment, career, and commercial activities in the future with upcoming nonconventional economic life.…”

“…It is because Islamic principles are inherent in vision 2030 (Bunaiyan, 2019). Almegren (2022) has found that the motivations following the announcement of SV2030 are intrinsic. Unlike the other economic policies taken before, SV2030 is different in that it reforms the negative view of EFL learning as the agent of cultural infiltration.…”

“…Scholars are divided on the issue of the relation between EFL learning in Saudi Arabia and the fulfilment of SV2030, that is, whether SV2030 motivates the current EFL learning in Saudi Arabia or EFL learning helps in fulfilling the vision itself being an important global skill strategy. Almegren (2022) argues that SV2030 has become a principal motivator among Saudi citizens to learn English following its announcement. With the sample of 150 Saudi citizens, the study has established that SV2030 is a significant political intervention in EFL learning as it generates an instrumental motivation to the participants.…”

The Newfound Status of English in 21st-Century Saudi Arabia

“…English proficiency provides Saudi Arabia with a competitive edge. In this regard, Almegren (2022) emphasizes that language plays a remarkable role in securing a position in the world economy during government-led economic revolutions. Hence, proficiency in the English language is a vital measure in Saudi Arabia's efforts toward economic diversification and transforming and advancing the country's unmatched economic growth.…”