The Difficulties That Faced Libyan Students in Learning English Vocabulary and Understanding Academic Texts

This study examines Libyan students' difficulties in acquiring the English language and comprehending academic writing. The research delineates particular vocabulary-related challenges and their effects on reading comprehension and academic achievement. A quantitative methodology was employed, utilizing a questionnaire administered to 32 students from the English department at Aljufra University. The results demonstrate that students face considerable difficulties in enhancing their vocabulary, employing words correctly, and comprehending phrasal verbs. The challenges are frequently intensified by cultural and linguistic disparities between Arabic and English, impeding students' ability to identify equivalent concepts in both languages. It also reveals that many students rely on traditional learning methods, such as dictionaries, flashcards, and repetition. While these strategies are somewhat effective, they are insufficient for mastering the complexities of academic English. The research highlights the necessity for educational institutions to provide additional support, including targeted vocabulary instruction, workshops, and one-on-one tutoring, to enhance students' academic writing and comprehension skills. Over 60% of the participants expressed the need for more excellent institutional support in academic writing, emphasizing the importance of structured resources to improve their learning outcomes. The results further emphasize the challenges associated with phrasal verbs and complex vocabulary, which remain common obstacles for non-native speakers. Addressing these areas through culturally responsive teaching techniques and providing real-world examples could make learning more relatable for students. The research underlines the importance of a comprehensive approach to vocabulary learning that incorporates both traditional and modern methods. Educators' focused effort to provide vocabulary support, academic assistance, and culturally relevant instruction is essential for improving Libyan students' vocabulary, enhancing their comprehension of scholarly texts, and ultimately enabling their educational success.