Problems and needs analysis of English communication for tourism service providers at Khao Sok National Park, Surat Thani
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Abstract
This study examined the problems and needs of local tourism service providers who regularly use English for work at Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani. A questionnaire, including closed-ended and open-ended questions, was used to gather data from 41 purposively selected participants working in five types of tourism service providers in the area. The findings revealed that the most challenging aspects of English communication were idioms, intonation, and limited vocabulary. Listening was identified as the most problematic skill. Participants expressed a need to improve their ability to listen to and answer questions from foreign tourists, as well as understand tourists’ requests. They also emphasized the importance of practicing speaking skills, including accents, pronunciation, stress, intonation, and correct grammar usage. In terms of language functions, their needs were primarily related to communicative tasks such as greetings, self-introductions, introducing others, recommending tourist attractions and activities, providing safety information and cultural etiquette advice, and recommending accommodations. These findings were used to tailor English lesson materials to their specific needs.
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