Job Discussion Forums

jobsworthjohn · Joined: 28 Sep 2014 Posts: 22

Something came up in one of the threads a few days ago that got me wondering about the British and American versions of spellings (centre vs center etc). Is there a default spelling/pronunciation convention that is followed across the board in Saudi, or do the various institutions decide their own?

I've tried searching for this but cant find anything specifically on it.

Im not in Saudi btw, although i too am a lurker in these parts Embarassed

Ive been thinking of applying but keep getting put off by the wonderfully objective comments that dominate most discussions.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Most in KSA go for the US - in spelling, lexis and everything else. Disneyland is their favourite holiday destination. Blackpool is not even close, although it does have its Saudi fans. Most of them have been introduced to Blackpool because BAe has a Training Facility nearby at Preston !

water rat · Joined: 30 Aug 2014 Posts: 1098 Location: North Antarctica

When we consider the vagaries of Arabic to English transliteration, and English to Arabic, the many different possible ways to write and pronounce Khomeini or Qaddafi, for instance, or that elementary Saudi students of English (May Almighty Allah bless them) are challenged by audio exercises that asks them to distinguish between pins and Benz what difference does it make whether KSA is following American or British spelling?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

johnslat · Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2015 2:19 pm Post subject:

Dear scot47

Would that be pronounced "ay-men" or "ah-men?" Very Happy

Regards,
John

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

Aramco = US English

esl_prof · Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2015 2:52 pm Post subject:

Based on my experience elsewhere in the world, I'm guessing that it's not uncommon to take a cafeteria approach and use a little bit of both. Does anyone have words like "learned" and "learnt" both pop up in the same essay?

jobsworthjohn · Joined: 28 Sep 2014 Posts: 22

That would be 'favorite' destination then wouldn't it Scot??

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

currentaffairs · Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Posts: 828

A lot of the ESL programs in Saudi, especially the PYP ones, and the Colleges of Excellence, use the Headway textbook... They would therefore be using British spelling.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

I always taught both, told them both were correct, and to use either... as I did. They didn't have any problems with the concept what with the differences between the various spoken dialects of Arabic. (not to mention classical versus local dialects)

It actually started some interesting and fun discussions during the first week or two of classes when getting to know each other.

VS

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Diglossia is a familiar concept in the M.E. Or indeed Multiglossia. Different forms of Arabic co-exist quite happily. Why should the" Franks" be any different ?

johnslat · Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2015 4:48 pm Post subject:

Dear sickleyman,

"Aramco = US English"

So, it'd be pronounced Ay-ramco rather than Ah-ramco, right? Very Happy

Regards,
John

MuscatGary · Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2015 4:44 am Post subject:

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

The Saudi preference for American English offsets the arrogance that you constantly hear and have to deal with in Southeast Asia from people from the UK, NZ and Australia. With English teaching in tatters in Thailand that little niche is decreasing as well.