English departments in Arab universities have been in an uncertain state from their beginning for lack of specific policy on the emphasis to be given to English or comparative literature, English or general linguistics, or a combination. Leanings toward English literature have always been evident, but course offerings and faculty recruitment show a general lack of direction. Although the English language is used broadly in the Arab world, English departments have failed to produce linguistically competent graduates. On the assumption that Arab universities should prepare graduates who can work effectively for the social and economic needs of their countries, it is proposed that English departments should teach the English language and provide an understanding of the culture rather than try to acculturate Arab students into the English system as they have traditionally done. The necessary English language skills include spoken and written communicative fluency, reading and translation skills, and research capability. In addition, English departments should contribute to better international and intercultural understanding, collaborate with other departments to provide a broad-based education, serve the English language needs of other departments, and direct graduate programs in applied linguistics and English as a foreign language. A 33-item bibliography is appended. (MSE)