The Difficulties Faced by EFL Learners When Using English as the Medium of Instruction in the Classroom

Authors

  • Elamin Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed

    Language & Translation Department, University College of Duba, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i12.12122
Received: 16 September 2025 | Revised: 3 November 2025 | Accepted: 4 November 2025 | Published Online: 17 November 2025

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the difficulties faced by English as foreign language (EFL) learners when using English as the medium of instruction in the classroom and to indicate the significance of understanding English vocabulary to assist in classrooms where English is the primary medium of instruction. Adopting a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional design, the research aims to identify the linguistic, psychological, pedagogical and contextual difficulties that hinder effective use of English for academic purposes and the medium of instruction in the classroom. To collect the quantitative data, a structured questionnaire instrument was administered to 100 EFL teachers in the Gezira State of Sudan. The questionnaire was validated by experts in the field and tested for reliability. It measured three main variables: linguistic challenges in English-Medium Instruction (EMI) classes, psychological/social aspects that impact engagement, and the potential to establish supportive teaching strategies. The study found the following: the linguistic barriers that EFL learners face in English as a Medium of Instruction settings, including vocabulary comprehension affects directly in the level of student engagement, aa well as the cultural differences affecting student engagement on classroom., as well as there are many effective teaching strategies that enhance EFL learners' engagement and understanding in EMI classrooms. The research concludes that challenges in Sudanese EMI classrooms can be addressed with a complex intervention. It suggests that EMI classrooms in Sudan require a holistic, student-centered approach that integrates language support, culturally responsive pedagogy, and institutional teacher training to foster an inclusive and effective learning environment.

Keywords:

English Classroom Medium; EFL Learners Difficulties; Classroom Instructions

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How to Cite

Mohammed Ahmed, E. A. (2025). The Difficulties Faced by EFL Learners When Using English as the Medium of Instruction in the Classroom. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(12), 1196–1208. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i12.12122

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Vol. 7 , Iss. 12 (December 2025): In progress

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Copyright © 2025 Elamin Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.