Native and Non-Native English-Speaking Teachers in Saudi Arabia

The issue of native and non-native English-speaking teachers is relevant to many questions in Applied Linguistics and the field of English language teaching (ELT). Since native English-speaking teachers (NESTs) and non-native English-speaking teachers (NNESTs) play a vital role in language learning around the world, it is worth exploring the roles and contributions those teachers bring to the English language classroom. The aim of this research study was to examine native and non-native English-speaking teachers in the context of English as a foreign language (EFL) in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, this study attempted to investigate the subject-matter by considering two perspectives, native and non-native English-speaking teachers’ self-perceptions, and students’ perceptions and preferences of those teachers.