Dr. Taghreed Al-Saraj: The Anxious Language Learner | SALT Talks #103

TL;DR

Dr. Tagrid Al-Saraj, a leading Saudi researcher and language educator, discusses language anxiety and the importance of making language learning enjoyable and relevant.

Transcript

hi everyone and welcome back to salt talks my name is rachel pether and i'm a senior advisor to sky bridge capital based in abu dhabi as well as being the mc for salt a thought leadership forum and networking platform that encompasses business technology and politics now salt talks as many of you know is a series of digital interviews with some of ... Read More

Key Insights

• 😨 Language anxiety is a significant barrier to language learning, particularly in cultures that emphasize saving face and fear of making mistakes.
• 💄 Making language learning enjoyable and relevant is essential to motivate learners and alleviate anxiety.
• 🗯️ Assessing individuals' cognitive personality and skills can help match them with the right job opportunities, ensuring better employability.
• 🆕 The integration of practical experience and relevant curriculum can enhance the transition of fresh graduates into the job market.
• 🤔 Embracing multi-potentiality and diverse perspectives can lead to innovative thinking and problem-solving in the workforce.
• 🎓 The US education system should focus on providing enjoyable education experiences and relevant curriculum to attract and engage Arabic students.
• 🧑‍🎓 Supporting Arabic students in gaining practical experience and connecting with career centers can enhance their employability.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired Dr. Tagrid Al-Saraj to study language anxiety and write her book?

Dr. Al-Saraj's interest in language learning and her observation of students' struggles with language anxiety led her to research and write about the topic. She wanted to understand the reasons behind the fear and anxiety associated with language learning and find ways to make it more enjoyable.

Q: How did Dr. Al-Saraj's personal experience of learning a third language contribute to her understanding of language anxiety?

Learning turkish as a third language allowed Dr. Al-Saraj to connect her own experience with the challenges faced by her students. It helped her realize that language anxiety is a common issue and that understanding and addressing it is essential for successful language learning.

Q: What role does culture play in language anxiety?

Culture significantly influences language anxiety, as societal expectations and the fear of saving face can create additional pressure on language learners. In cultures where making mistakes is viewed negatively, learners may experience heightened anxiety and fear when using a foreign language.

Q: How can the US education and immigration systems attract and support more Arabic students?

To make education more enjoyable for Arabic students, gamification elements and relevant curriculum should be incorporated. Additionally, offering support through career centers and promoting practical experience during their studies can help Arabic students navigate the transition into the job market.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Dr. Tagrid Al-Saraj discusses her passion for education and her love for simplifying complex concepts to make them easier to understand.

• She shares the inspiration behind her book, "The Anxious Language Learner: A Saudi Woman's Story," and how her research on language anxiety among students led to her understanding of the barriers to language learning.

• Dr. Al-Saraj highlights the cultural factors that contribute to language anxiety, such as the fear of making mistakes and the pressure to save face.