Saudi College Students’ Home Reading Practice Environment

Abstract

The current study describes the status of the Saudi home reading practice environment. A survey was used to identify the major factors affecting Saudi home reading practice such as, the time spent reading at home, the availability of reading materials and the social educational environment (parents’ education, siblings, family, friends). There was a positive correlation between reading practice, speaking about reading, buying books using personal budget, reading personal list, age, reading in another language, reading outside of school curriculums, the home reading practice, and Saudis daily practice of reading. It was common for Saudis to share reading materials and speak about what they had read. Most Saudi readers did not have a reading list but based their reading books choices on recommendations from family members, classmates, or friends. Saudis who received books as gifts were more likely to practice reading. Teachers, especially ESL teachers, must encourage Saudis to practice reading out of school or work to enhance their literacy skills.