The Role of Learning Strategies in Teaching Arabic Language to Undergraduate Students at Yazd University

The current research deals with the role of language learning strategies (LLSP) in teaching Arabic language to undergraduate students at Yazd University, and it is one of the topics that applied scientific research in teaching the Arabic language has not significantly touched yet, as most of the scientific efforts are concentrated on researching the problems of teaching without learning. This research aims to know the strategies for learning Arabic language and applying them in order to benefit Yazd University language learners. The positive results of the previous research conducted about English language and the unique approaches and integrated strategies of language learners in using language learning strategies for more effective language learning prompted us to investigate the role of this instructional strategy in learning Arabic. The present study sample consisted of 40 Arabic language undergraduate students at Yazd University. The data was collected based on a survey-analytical method through questionnaire and interview. The results showed that the study sample students tended to have a holistic view of the learning task by looking at their personal lives and academic experiences. They also chose interaction strategies with their teacher, speaking and flash cards as their preferred applied learning strategies. These choices indicated that Arabic language students at Yazd University were trying to strengthen their language skills by choosing a concrete and more functional strategy to make the language more relevant to everyday life. Thus, advanced students preferred the strategies of interaction with the teacher, speaking, flash cards and individual work, respectively, while the beginner students preferred the strategies of learning grammar and group work. Thus, the empirical evidence obtained from this study may yield positive results with regard to theoretical methods for teaching Arabic language effectively, training teachers of the Arabic language, developing curriculum in this field, and reducing its shortcomings.