An Exploratory Study of Culturally Familiar or Unfamiliar Texts Contributing to Reading Comprehension in EFL Context

The current study examines the impact of culturally relevant background knowledge on second-year Saudi EFL learners' reading comprehension. purpose this is to contribute a better understanding diverse texts and enhance teaching-learning process by utilizing local learners. This qualitative employed think-aloud retrospective interview methodology help readers express their in-depth thoughts, interpret, reflect familiar unfamiliar cultural passages. Thematic analysis was used classify protocol two passages, which were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded for specified categories. data analyzed examine if there link between respondents' A total five English-major undergraduate respondents from Majmaah University took part in protocols. findings revealed that had favorable topic. topics differed significantly irrelevant topics.