Redefining the Reading Culture: Overcoming EFL Teachers’ Prejudices against Students’ Reading Hab

Abstract:

The rationale of this study is to examine the negative perceptions common among some societies regarding the print-based reading cultures of other societies. The sample whose perceptions are under investigation are English teachers working in higher education in the Sultanate of Oman, while the specific society or group of people whom are believed to have a lacking reading culture are Omani university students. Teachers’ perceptions of the reading culture of Omani youths are studied and compared with students’ reports on their actual reading habits. The paper calls for an understanding of the true meaning of having a reading culture and presents a more realistic and equitable picture of the existing reading habits among Omani university students.