THE IMPACT OF FINAL CONSONANT MISPRONUNCIATION BY HOTEL STAFF ON FOREIGN TOURISTS’ COMPREHENSION AND SERVICE

Chawalin Pengbun; Phetai Nuyang; Phutharet Srinak; Nipaporn Jamratnet; Jasmin Jahyalee; Chonnamas Aphirattanakul; Parisara Jeenjan; Diyana Yemnong; Piyaporn Mingkwan

Authors

Chawalin Pengbun English for Business Communication Program, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Management Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Surat Thani Campus 31 Moo 6, Makham Tia, Mueang, Suratthani, 84000, Thailand
Phetai Nuyang English for Business Communication Program, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Management Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Suratthani campus 31 Moo 6, Makham Tia, Mueang, Suratthani, 84000, Thailand
Phutharet Srinak English for Business Communication Program, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Management Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Suratthani campus 31 Moo 6, Makham Tia, Mueang, Suratthani, 84000, Thailand
Nipaporn Jamratnet English for Business Communication Program, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Management Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Suratthani campus 31 Moo 6, Makham Tia, Mueang, Suratthani, 84000, Thailand
Jasmin Jahyalee English for Business Communication Program, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Management Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Suratthani campus 31 Moo 6, Makham Tia, Mueang, Suratthani, 84000, Thailand
Chonnamas Aphirattanakul English for Business Communication Program, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Management Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Suratthani campus 31 Moo 6, Makham Tia, Mueang, Suratthani, 84000, Thailand
Parisara Jeenjan English for Business Communication Program, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Management Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Suratthani campus 31 Moo 6, Makham Tia, Mueang, Suratthani, 84000, Thailand
Diyana Yemnong English for Business Communication Program, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Management Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Suratthani campus 31 Moo 6, Makham Tia, Mueang, Suratthani, 84000, Thailand
Piyaporn Mingkwan English for Business Communication Program, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Management Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Suratthani campus 31 Moo 6, Makham Tia, Mueang, Suratthani, 84000, Thailand

Keywords:

pronunciation, final consonants, mispronunciation, tourist comprehension and experience

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of final consonant mispronunciation by hotel staff on foreign tourists’ comprehension and service experiences. The sample consisted of 50 foreign tourists visiting southern Thailand, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire comprising Likert-scale and open-ended items and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, means, and standard deviations. The findings indicated that final consonant mispronunciation had a minimal effect on overall comprehension; however, the /p/ sound exerted the greatest influence. Communication difficulties were also attributed to factors such as local accents, staff confidence, and attitudes toward foreign guests. Participants recommended that hotel staff improve their English proficiency, particularly in specialized vocabulary, pronunciation, and word stress. The study highlights the importance of addressing pronunciation issues in hospitality contexts and supports targeted English language development initiatives. The findings also offer pedagogical implications for designing effective instructional strategies to better prepare learners for professional communication.

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