Researching the uses of the english language in the law job market in the sultanate of oman: implications for policy-practice improvement

• Published in: Educational research for policy and practice 2014-02, Vol.13 (1), p.25-44
• Main Author: Al-Issa, Ali S. M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Academic Language; Adult Learning; Andragogy; Applied Linguistics; Bilingual Education Programs; Bilingualism; Case Studies; College Faculty; College Graduates; College teachers; Curriculum selection; Developing countries; Education; Education policy; Educational Attainment; Educational Policy; Educational Policy and Politics; Educational Practices; Elementary Education; Elementary Schools; Employment Opportunities; English; English (Second Language); English as a second language; English Instruction; Foreign Countries; Higher Education; Human Resources; International and Comparative Education; Labor Market; Language of Instruction; Language Proficiency; Language Usage; Law Schools; Laws, regulations and rules; Legal Education (Professions); Oman; Questionnaires; Role Playing; Second Language Instruction; Second Language Learning; Studies; Sustainable Development; Task Analysis; Teacher Role; Teaching Methods; Universities
• ISSN: 1570-2081; 1573-1723
• DOI: 10.1007/s10671-013-9146-4

The Sultanate of Oman is a developing country that has accepted the English language as a significant tool for modernization. This was best interpreted in the opening of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) in 1986, which has delivered its different academic programmes totally or partially through the English language. One of the colleges of SQU has been the College of Law. It was opened in 1997 to help contribute to effective implementation of nationalisation and national development in the Sultanate of Oman, which English language proficiency is a part and parcel of. However, graduates exiting the College so far have been unable to fulfil this strategic aim due to policy-practice drawbacks. Evident weaknesses in their English language and legal knowledge have provoked repeated complaints from the employers in both sectors. Accordingly, a decision was made to introduce a bilingual programme through which approximately 30 % of the subjects at the College of Law would be taught in English. This study, therefore, researches the uses of English language in the Law job market in the Sultanate of Oman and its implications for policy-practice improvement. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to 182 graduates of the College of Law, SQU. Findings have shown that while the new programme has the potential to serve national development and Omanisation, the College faculties have a pivotal role to play in influencing a positive implementation of the plan.