Phonological Awareness Levels at Saudi Electronic University: An Investigation of Saudi EFL University Students’ Perspectives
Mohammad Husam Alhumsi*
The required knowledge of phonological awareness initiates fundamental background of young and adult learners’ reading skills. Literature asserted that few studies tackling EFL adult students’ development in phonological awareness literacy particularly within Arab universities settings exist. Therefore, the aim of this research is to investigate the perspectives of Saudi EFL undergraduate students on phonological awareness levels. The research instrument used in this study was a cross-sectional questionnaire. Paired sample t- test, independent sample paired t-test, descriptive statistics, and one-way ANOVA were employed to analyze the data. The findings showed a relatively positive insight of most Saudi EFL undergraduate students’ knowledge of phonological awareness levels. Another crucial finding was the significant disparity observed in Saudi EFL undergraduate students’ awareness levels between phonological and phonemic awareness skills. Also, in terms of research variables, gender recorded an effect in favor of female participants, whereas academic level and GPA had no impact on participants’ responses. Future research could employ qualitative methodology that probably provide more in-depth investigation of Saudi EFL undergraduate students.
Keywords: Phonemic Awareness, Phonological Awareness, Levels, EFL Undergraduate Students, Perspectives, Saudi Electronic University
