Journal of English Studies in Arabia Felix

Impact of Note-Taking Strategies on Listening Comprehension: Evidence from Omani University Students

Nagamurali Eragamreddy — 2026-01-02

Effective listening is essential for academic success, yet many students struggle to process and retain information during lectures. Note-taking (NTK) is recognized as an important strategy for supporting comprehension and memory. However, the specific impact of different NTK methods on listening performance is under-researched. This study investigates the relationship between students’ NTK strategies and listening comprehension in academic settings. It highlights NTK as a key skill for cognitive processing and information retention. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 40 randomly selected Omani university students through a questionnaire measuring strategy use, perceived listening comprehension, and NTK effectiveness. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, ANOVA, and regression analyses were applied. Results revealed that outline and mind-mapping strategies were the most frequently used and showed a significant positive correlation with comprehension and recall scores. ANOVA indicated significant differences in comprehension based on strategy type, while regression analysis identified the outline method as the strongest predictor of listening comprehension. Qualitative responses supported these findings, emphasizing improved understanding, organization, and memory as key benefits. Overall, the study demonstrates that structured NTK techniques enhance lecture content processing and lead to better academic listening performance.

English as a Complementary Module in Moroccan Universities: Challenges, Practices, and Prospects

EL Houssine El Fallaki — 2026-01-03

This study investigated pedagogical challenges of teaching English as a complementary course in the Moroccan university context. It is based on teachers’ and students’ perceptions, classroom practices, and institutional constraints. The sample consisted of 120 undergraduate students in law and business programs at the poly-disciplinary faculty of Taza, as well as 10 English instructors in the same context. they responded to a structured questionnaire. Findings reveal that instruction is dominated by grammar-translation and reading comprehension methods, with little use of communicative or discipline-specific activities. Structural limitations (large class sizes, restricted contact hours, and inadequate resources) further hinder effective teaching. Students demonstrate moderate, mainly instrumental motivation, while teachers report insufficient training to adapt English content to the disciplinary needs of their students. These results highlight a misalignment between the course and students' academic contexts, reducing engagement and relevance. The study concludes that reconceptualizing the module as a discipline-sensitive program, integrating authentic materials, communicative approaches, and sustained teacher development, alongside institutional support, is essential to transform English from a peripheral subject into a strategic tool for academic and professional success in Moroccan higher education.

Impact and Challenges of AI in the Translation Job Market: A Reflective Case Study

Abdulrahman Ahmed Mohammed Noaman — 2026-03-14

Reflecting on prior research on the output of translation programs in Yemen and labor market needs, this study examines the impact of AI on translation services in the context of Yemen. Using a mixed-methods descriptive approach, the study combines quantitative and qualitative insights from interviews with 11 professional translators. Findings show that although AI offers efficiency and reduces the cost of service, its overall impact on the translation market remains limited. The study also reveals that AI tools like Google Translate and ChatGPT are being used to streamline workflows and reduce workload. Most respondents reported reduced workload and improved efficiency, yet adoption is uneven and largely task-specific. Cultural sensitivity, dialect accuracy, and ethical concerns emerged as major limitations, reinforcing the need for human oversight. The participants anticipate long-term effects, with some fearing job loss and rate compression while others see opportunities in specialized services. Essential skills identified include post-editing AI output, cultural localization, and AI tool proficiency. The study concludes that sustainable integration of AI requires human-in-the-loop workflows and training to align with global trends while preserving cultural and linguistic integrity. Recommendations include upskilling, ethical governance, and resource development to strengthen market resilience in an AI-driven era.

Analysis of Domestication and Foreignization Strategies in the Translations of Riyadus-Salihin

Hussein AL-Aidaros — 2026-04-07

This study investigates the domestication and foreignization strategies in the translation of the book Riyadus-Salihin. The study explores how these two translation strategies were employed to balance linguistic clarity and cultural-religious authenticity. Using Lawrence Venuti’s framework as an analytical model, the study examined twenty hadiths selected from different chapters in the book through random sampling as representatives of ritual, ethical, and theological discourse. The analysis is conducted through a qualitative descriptive method combined with a quantitative frequency discussion method. This method helps in understanding the translation shifts at the syntactic, lexical, cultural, and paratextual levels. The findings reveal that 55% of the targeted expressions are foreignized, 40% are domesticated, and 5% hybrid, which demonstrates a preference for retaining theological terminology while adapting stylistic structures for readability. The study highlights that foreignization outweighs the rendering of culture-specific and doctrinal terms and religious authenticity, while domestication is applied to abstract moral and stylistic features. It contributes to translation studies by demonstrating how religious translation requires a balance between linguistic intelligibility and cultural faithfulness

Teaching Naked: How Moving Technology Out of Your College Classroom Will Improve Student Learning (Book Review)

Ghazal Mansoor Al-Sakkaf — 2026-04-07

The book Teaching Naked: How Moving Technology Out of Your College Classroom Will Improve Student Learning, written by José Antonio Bowen, argues that meaningful learning occurs primarily through human interaction rather than digital technology. His argument that technology should be used strategically rather than added to existing teaching methods remains highly relevant even today, and technology should enhance pedagogy rather than replace traditional human-centered teaching. In an era where online platforms and AI-driven tools are reshaping education, Bowen’s message is clear: technology should serve pedagogy, not replace it. For those committed to fostering authentic communication and learner engagement, the book offers both inspiration and practical guidance.