شبكة المعلومات العربية التربوية

The literature review scrutinizes the educational system and the teaching of English in Saudi Arabia. The review adopts the ‘thematic model’ whereby the discussion will be apportioned according to ‘themes’ or ‘theoretical concepts’ that are deemed important to understanding the topic. The review discusses the issue in light of previous studies or articles to reach a conclusion. It finalizes that the centrality of Islam led to the disassociation between English and its pertinent culture for the fear of losing one’s identity and could threaten the religious and cultural heritage of the country. The reviews also point to a paradox in the Saudi educational policy, for which solutions are provided. (Published abstract)