Obstacles to Success: Problems in Thai Language Communication in Speaking and Listening of Chinese Students Studying Thai as a Foreign Language

Abstract

The objective of this research was to study the problems of using Thai language for communication in speaking and listening of Chinese students studying Thai as a foreign language. The qualitative research was used as a research methodology with in-depth individual interviews. The target group consisted of 5 teachers who were experts in teaching Thai as a foreign language with not less than 5 years of teaching experience and 12 Chinese students majoring in Thai language for foreigners, totaling 17 people. The research instrument was a semi-structured interview form, and the data were presented in descriptive analysis. The research results found that the problems of using Thai language for communication in speaking and listening of Chinese students studying Thai as a foreign language were caused by the differences in the sound systems between Thai and Chinese language. In terms of problems of Thai communication in listening, the problems in distinguishing initial and final consonants, short and long vowels, and tones in Thai language were found. In terms of problems of Thai communication in speaking,   problems in pronouncing initial and final consonants, short and long vowels, and word order in Thai sentences result in errors in communication. In terms of obstacles in instructional management of Thai language to Chinese students, it was found that Chinese students rely on language translation programs, which result in a lack of self-communication skills; a lack of practicing was the cause of the unfamiliarity of Thai language; and a lack of understanding of culture, resulting in incorrect and inappropriate language use in the context of communication.