Speaking in the Target Language: Issues and Considerations

As English is the most widely used language in the world in various areas such as technology, science, and business, many Arab countries including Saudi Arabia have shifted into more focus on communicative English language instructions. However, there is still a persistent gap between what is intended to be taught and what is expected to be produced by EFL students. The purpose of the present study is, therefore, to highlight the factors that contribute to Saudi EFL students' reluctance to speaking meaningfully and purposefully in the target language. A survey is conducted to find out Saudi EFL students' communicative proficiency at Jazan University. Instructed interviews are also carried out to include the voice of teachers on what hampers their students from producing oral output. The results showed that Saudi EFL students are encountering many challenges that hinder their developmental processes of speaking. Based on the research findings some recommendations were made for both teachers and students.