Job Discussion Forums

[rustyrockets]

Do potential employers in Saudi see it as something desirable? Does it make any difference?

I have no doubts that being familiar with the Arabic language and the typical difficulties of Arabic speakers when learning English is a good advantage. However, are potential employers clever enough to appreciate this skill?

[nomad soul]

You'll rarely see Arabic indicated as a requirement or desirable skill on TEFL job ads; employers mainly want teachers who use only English in the classroom. Training and experience are key. Besides, the number of EFL teachers from the Arab world (e.g., Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, Jordan, etc.) and Arabic speakers from the West is likely greater than those who don't speak the language.

I agree that having knowledge of language issues that your students struggle with is a plus, but that generally doesn't require the ability to speak the language. Frankly, being proficient in a host country's language is unrealistic considering how many career teachers work in different locations throughout the world, encountering a new language each time.

[plumpy nut]

When I was in Saudi Arabia I downloaded a Pimsleur Northern Arab dialect language tape online. I was going to go to Rosetta Stone after finishing Pimsleur. two weeks later in the Recycle Bin on my computer it went. I was actually disrespected using the language specifically on the tapes by a typical Arab English teacher. I'll stick with Korean which I started while working in Korea. The most important Arabic you need to know is to greet them with Salam Malikum, it sounds like you agreeably understand their sensibilities.

[gregory999]

[rustyrockets]

[nomad soul]

[hash]

[Karitos]

I have not yet taught in KSA, so take anything I say with a grain of salt. Based on my experience elsewhere in the Middle East, here are some thoughts on the potential benefits of knowing Arabic (probably more than just knowing some words, but knowing it to a fairly communicative level).

1) Given that some employers are worried about longevity of their employees arising from differences between home cultures and the cultures of the Middle East, being able to say that you have learned Arabic and are able to operate in it well may suggest to the employer that you are likely to thrive and last longer than one year in the culture. With the up front investment they make in you, this may be worthwhile. Obviously, this depends on the employer and situation, but it's a potential benefit.

2) It may be useful for empathizing with and encouraging students. I.e., if you have labored through learning Arabic to a good level, you understand what they are going through in trying to learn English.

3) If you've learned Arabic well enough to develop relationships with Arabic speakers in their language, it is likely you have to come to know their culture to some extent. This may be useful in your teaching, as you can drawn on your knowledge of their world to help with cultural issues that arise in the classroom.

4) If you really know Arabic well, particularly the local dialect, you may be able to recognize specific elements of L1 transfer in the classroom and help students be aware of that. How helpful this is may be a matter of debate, but it is possible that it may help in some situations.

5) If you learned the language later in life (i.e., not raised bilingual), this may suggest to the employer that you understand experientially what is involved in language learning. They might think you will be a better teacher for it, rightly or wrongly.

Obviously, I've hedged all of those with a lot of mays, mights, etc. This so depends on specific person, context, level of ability, employer, and so on. But there could be some benefits to having learned the students' L1 as a learner yourself.

[nomad soul]

[gregory999]