Saudi Students’ Attitudes towards Chinese as a Foreign Language

Abstract

The present study explored Saudi Arab university students' attitudes toward learning Chinese as a Foreign Language. As part of Vision 2030, the integration of Mandarin aims to enhance Saudi Arabia’s global engagement, particularly with China. Given that the Chinese language and culture are relatively unfamiliar to Saudi Arabs, this study aimed to explore the attitudes of Saudi youth toward them. Using a quantitative approach, the study surveyed 394 Preparatory Year Program students at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University to assess their attitudes toward the Chinese language, its culture, and CFL learning methods. The findings indicated a neutral stance toward learning Chinese in general, with notable extrinsic motivation linked to economic and career opportunities. While students acknowledged the value of Chinese for professional advancement, they exhibited limited interest in cultural aspects such as Chinese festivals and media. Additionally, learners emphasized the importance of teacher support, interactive classroom engagement, and the use of Arabic as a facilitative tool in CFL instruction. Gender-based differences revealed that male students held slightly more positive attitudes toward Chinese, whereas female students demonstrated stronger preferences for structured learning environments. These results provided insights for educators and policymakers in designing effective CFL programs that align with student motivations and learning preferences.