Exploring how Saudi families studying in the U.S. support their children's Arabic.

Abstract

This qualitative study examined how Saudi families studying in the US with children aged five to seven support their children’s Arabic language development. The participants were Saudi parents aged 27-37 studying in American universities in New York State with their children aged five to seven. As part of this study, face-to-face interviews with five Saudi parents were conducted, recorded and transcribed. The findings are consistent with much of the literature reviewed. Three themes were revealed from the data indicating the parents' belief about teaching their children the Arabic language, the actions parents take in support of their children’s Arabic language, and parents' expectations about their children's future education after returning to Saudi Arabia.