Extramural English of Algerian EFL Learners at the University of Jijel

Abstract

The present study aims to explore extramural English language activities among Algerian EFL university students at the University of Jijel, Mohammed Seddik Ben Yahia. Specifically, this study describes the frequency of exposure to out-of-class English language activities and the most common activities students are exposed to as well as explores the motives behind their exposure. The study further explores the relationship between learners’ educational level and the frequency of out-of-class English language activities. To meet these research aims, a questionnaire was administered to 325 EFL students of all levels. The obtained results showed that students highly engage in English language activities outside the university, mostly, searching Google, watching YouTube, speaking at home with family and friends, listening to music, and listening to music while reading lyrics. Also, various reasons for exposure emerged including proficiency, entertainment, self-development, and habit reasons. Furthermore, the study found a significant positive (but weak) correlation between learners’ educational level and their frequency of exposure to extramural English language reading (p < .05), listening (p < .05) and viewing (p < .01) activities, but not to listening-while-reading (p = .08) and speaking (p = .66) activities. In other words, as EFL learners progress from one year to the next, they will engage in more reading, listening, and viewing English language outside the university. These results which are unprecedented in the context of Algeria are discussed.