The Impact of English as a Foreign Language on the Identity and Agency of Saudi Women

Presenter: Rami Mustafa This study investigates whether or not English as a Foreign Language (EFL) has an impact on the identity and sense of agency of Saudi women studying English in Saudi Arabia; and how Saudi women perceive the role of English language in negotiating their identity and roles in the Saudi community. The study also aims to provide a better understanding of the status of English in Saudi Arabia in general, and as it pertains specifically to Saudi women; and what discourses instigate Saudi women to invest in learning English in Saudi Arabia. The study is informed by a mélange of theoretical underpinnings, most notably, ‘Braided Feminism’ that encompasses three feminist traditions (poststructuralist feminism, intersectionality, and Islamic Feminism). Mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) were used to collect the data; and 12 Saudi women were interviewed to get their perceptions on the topic. The findings indicate that English in Saudi Arabia is highly prized and considered as a key to employment and individual economic prosperity. Despite the consensus on its importance to Saudis and the Saudi society, the magnitude of its importance and the possibility of it being exaggerated was heavily debated.