An Analysis of Arabic Language Needs for Speakers of Other Languages at Jordanian Universities

Abstract

 Abstract: Conducting analysis in language needs has long been seen essential. Given the importance of Arabic language as the principal language communication in most of the Jordanian universities, this study aims at exploring the difficulties encountered by non-native speakers of Arabic in learning Arabic language. It also seeks to investigating the Arabic language needs among speakers of other languages. The participants of this study include 169 students from four countries (i.e., Malaysia, Thailand, China, and Indonesia). The students were selected from three different disciplines (i.e., Arabic Language, Islamic Finance, and Usuluddin). The study used a questionnaire adapted from previous studies on this topic. The questionnaire contains 49 items: 26 items ask about the difficulties in learning Arabic language, and 23 items ask about the students’ needs in learning Arabic language. The results of this study revealed different difficulties in learning Arabic language. The students also reported their needs to improve their proficiency in Arabic language. The students mentioned difficulties and needs related to productive skills such as writing and speaking. They also reported difficulties and needs to receptive skills but with more focus on the academic context. Based on the results of this study, some recommendations for future research have been provided.