Difficulties and Challenges Encountered by Saudi EFL learners: A Diagnostic Study

Saudi learners, like non-native learners in other non-English-speaking nations, face numerous difficulties and hurdles in their acquisition of the English language. This study aims to elucidate the difficulties and challenges Saudi EFL learners encounter in acquiring English. It also delineates the diverse learning strategies Saudi EFL learners utilize to address such issues and challenges. The study employs open-ended and unstructured interviews to gather qualitative data from selected Saudi EFL learners. The participants convey their experiences and perspectives regarding the obstacles and challenges encountered in language acquisition. The study's findings indicated that Saudi EFL learners face numerous challenges in terms of listening, reading, speaking, writing, grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, cultural and environmental factors, and interference from their native language. This study aims to provide significant insights for course designers, teacher trainers, policymakers, and aspiring EFL teachers in Saudi Arabia, while also enhancing the awareness of the broader TEFL/TESOL community regarding the issues discussed within its contents.