Saudi EFL Learners’ Attitudes with Regard to Using Online and Virtual Solutions for Learning English Accents during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study investigated Saudi EFL learners’ attitudes with regard to using virtual and online solutions for learning English accents. In addition, it investigated the participants’ ability to identify British and American accents after attending virtual lectures about English accents. The participants were 42 female and 39 male learners studying at an English Department and from different academic year levels. The quantitative research method was used by using pre- and post-questionnaires, and post-tests. All the data collection tools were presented in electronic form. The findings of the pre-questionnaire showed both male and female learners prefer the American accent. With regard to the post-questionnaire, both males and females had positive attitudes with regard to using online solutions for learning English accents. The findings related to the post-test showed that both male and female EFL learners were able to distinguish between English accents (both British and American). However, gender was not found to be a statistically significant variable when it came to the participants’ attitudes towards using online solutions for learning English accents. The results of this study led to some recommendations and suggestions aimed at EFL researchers.