Saad Alhedeeb
Saad Alhedeeb is a PhD student in Middle Eastern and North African Studies at the University of Arizona, specialising in Linguistics of Middle Eastern Languages, with a minor in Linguistics. He is also a Lecturer at King Saud University.
His research interests include teaching Arabic as a second language, applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, and intercultural communication, with a particular interest in Arabic dialect pedagogy and the relationship between language use, communication, and social integration.
Alhedeeb’s research interests developed through his experience teaching Arabic to non-native speakers. This experience drew his attention to the gap between the Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) that learners typically encounter in formal educational settings and the dialects used by native speakers in everyday interactions. It led him to explore the role of dialect proficiency in facilitating communication and social integration among international students.
This question formed the basis of his master’s thesis in Applied Linguistics at the University of Nottingham, where he investigated the role of spoken Arabic dialects in enhancing the social integration of international students in Saudi universities. During his master’s studies, he came across a number of studies and Arabic dialect teaching materials developed by faculty members at the University of Arizona. This exposure contributed to his decision to pursue doctoral studies at the University of Arizona and continue developing his research in Arabic language education.
Education
PhD in Middle Eastern and North African Studies
University of Arizona, USA
Linguistics of Middle Eastern Languages track
Minor in Linguistics
2025–Present
MA in Applied Linguistics
University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
2023–2024
View Master’s Thesis: https://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/items/9feee66d-b1fe-45b9-b85d-70847604865e
BA in Arabic Language and Literature
King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
2014–2018
Professional Profile
Lecturer
King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
Contact & Professional Profiles
Email: salhedeeb@arizona.edu