Female Perspectives on the Cultural Appropriateness of Curriculum and Materials at A Post-Secondary Tertiary School In Ras Al-Khamah, UAE by Bonnie L. Rahimian

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The completion of this dissertation is from the hearts of many individuals' efforts, ideas, and input. Wonderful people came into my life to help me with this grueling journey. I thank my family, Showrh Rahimian and Christopher Rahimian, my beloved children. I especially thank my mentor, Dr. Gayle Hughes, who prodded, supported, encouraged, and saw me through to the end. I thank my dissertation committee, as their combined efforts empowered me to succeed. My deceased husband, Nasser John Rahimian, was with me every day in spirit. His passing took a great toll on my life, but he inspired me to always remember his love. Many gifted friends and colleagues encouraged me. I thank them all.

DEDICATION

This dissertation is dedicated to my children, Showrh Searle and Christopher Rahimian. I am blessed to have had you as my children. I love you dearly.

ABSTRACT

This dissertation explores the issue of English language instruction in a conservative Islamic society and the cultural and religious appropriateness and relevance of materials and teaching methods in the Arab Gulf country of the UAE. This mixed method study included interviews and a survey which distributed to female students who attend a tertiary school in Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE. The focus of the paper is to gather, examine, and analyze information and student opinions regarding the cultural dimensions of teaching EFL and the potential need for the adaptation of curriculum that meets Arab and Islamic standards. This study examined and analyzed students' attitudes.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSii

DEDICATIONiii

ABSTRACTiv

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Introduction to the Study1

Background, Context, and Theoretical Framework3

Background3

Four Points3

Cultural Issues6

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE7

Description of Institute10

Statement of the Problem11

Purpose of the Study12

Vigilant Reflections12

Research Questions13

Questionnaire Survey14

Research hypothesis14

Rationale of the study15

Significance of the study15

Nature of the Study15

Definition of Terms17

Assumptions, Limitations and Delimitations18

Organization of the Remainder of the Study19

Five Clarification Interviews to Follow Survey19

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW20

Introduction to the Literature Review20

Theoretical Framework20

Socio-linguistic Point of View20

Socio-linguistic Viewpoint in Consideration of Schema Theory21

Review of Research Regarding Cultural Appropriateness of Curriculum and Materials22

Concepts of Culture22

Language and Culture24

Intercultural Communication27

Communicative Competence and Meta-Competence29

Verbal and Non-verbal Communication and Culture31

Attitude Towards English in Saudi Arabia33

The Inseparability of Language and Culture34

Cross-Cultural Communication and Conflict35

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY39

Introduction39

Purpose of the Proposed Study39

Research Questions and Hypotheses41

Research Design41

Instruments43

Interview43

The Survey Questionnaire and Rationale43

Sampling Method45

Sample size46

Setting46

Data Collection47

Cultural Identity47

Researcher Bias48

Data Analysis50

Informed Consent53

Confidentiality53

REFERENCES55

APPENDIX A (Four Cases)65

(APPENDIX B) REMARKS ABOUT CASES69

APPENDIX C71

APPENDIX D-THE SURVEY76

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Introduction to the Study

According to Paul Hudson, in his 2006 Master's dissertation from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Robert Phillipson spoke in an interview with Sohail Karmani. According to Robert Phillipson, it seems improbable that English can in any way challenge the position of Arabic in this sort of culture. According to Sohail Karmani, it is threatening the role of Arabic, and there are conservative elements in this part of the world who are concerned that the prominence of English is attacking or eroding the culture and traditions here in the region (Karman, ...