The Importance of the English Language in Kuwait
1. Introduction
Kuwait is a small country located in the Middle East. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and Iraq to the north. Kuwait has a population of about 4 million people, of which 1.3 million are Kuwaiti citizens and 2.7 million are expatriates. The official language of Kuwait is Arabic, but English is also widely spoken.
2. The Importance of the English Language in Kuwait
The importance of the English language in Kuwait cannot be underestimated. English is the language of business and commerce, and is essential for students who wish to study abroad or work in the private sector. In addition, many government documents are in English, and English is the language of instruction at most schools and universities.
3. Kuwaiti Attitudes Towards English
Most people in Kuwait believe that English is very important. In a survey conducted by the British Council in 2015, 96% of respondents said that they believed that learning English was important for their future prospects.
4. The Role of Islam in Kuwaiti Attitudes Towards English
Islam plays a role in Kuwaiti attitudes towards English. Some Muslims believe that learning English is a way to assert their Islamic identity in a Western-dominated world. Others believe that learning English will help them to propagate Islam to non-Muslims.
5. The Impact of Westernization on Kuwaiti Attitudes Towards English
The impact of Westernization on Kuwaiti attitudes towards English is mixed. On the one hand, Westernization has led to a greater interest in learning English; on the other hand, it has also led to a feeling among some Muslims that they need to protect their Islamic identity from the encroachment of Western culture.
6. Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that the English language is very important in Kuwait. Kuwaitis have generally positive attitudes towards English, although there is a minority who believe that Westernization is having a negative impact on Kuwaiti culture. Islam plays a role in Kuwaiti attitudes towards English, with some believing that learning English is a way to assert their Islamic identity.