Bridging the gap how limitations in Thailand’s English language teaching impact tourism professionals’ communication, career, and income

This research contributes to understanding how the limitations of Thailand’s English Language Teaching (ELT) affect professionals in the tourism industry. Previous studies suggest that the current English curriculum relies too heavily on the Anglophone English model — an outdated approach, given t...

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Main Author: Sangnark, Pattarada
Other Authors: Humanistis-yhteiskuntatieteellinen tiedekunta, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kieli- ja viestintätieteiden laitos, Department of Language and Communication Studies, Jyväskylän yliopisto, University of Jyväskylä
Format: Master's thesis
Language:eng
Published: 2025
Subjects:
Online Access: https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/102630
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author Sangnark, Pattarada
author2 Humanistis-yhteiskuntatieteellinen tiedekunta Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Kieli- ja viestintätieteiden laitos Department of Language and Communication Studies Jyväskylän yliopisto University of Jyväskylä
author_facet Sangnark, Pattarada Humanistis-yhteiskuntatieteellinen tiedekunta Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Kieli- ja viestintätieteiden laitos Department of Language and Communication Studies Jyväskylän yliopisto University of Jyväskylä Sangnark, Pattarada Humanistis-yhteiskuntatieteellinen tiedekunta Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Kieli- ja viestintätieteiden laitos Department of Language and Communication Studies Jyväskylän yliopisto University of Jyväskylä
author_sort Sangnark, Pattarada
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description This research contributes to understanding how the limitations of Thailand’s English Language Teaching (ELT) affect professionals in the tourism industry. Previous studies suggest that the current English curriculum relies too heavily on the Anglophone English model — an outdated approach, given that English is now primarily used for communication among non-native speakers. Furthermore, grammatical knowledge is prioritized over practical communication skills, which are essential for effectively serving international tourists. Therefore, examining how these limitations affect Thai professionals in the tourism industry is important for identifying areas of improvement in English language education. The participants in this study work in various sectors within the tourism industry, including hospitality, aviation, and travel agencies. Despite their different roles, they shared similar experiences, and two major challenges that they encountered in their careers were identified: difficulties in communicating with foreign tourists and barriers to personal career growth and income. Tourism workers struggle to understand diverse English accents and lack industry-specific vocabulary. Additionally, pronunciation influenced by Thai, incorporating Thai cultural elements in speech, and overly formal language contribute to communication ineffectiveness. Apart from communication with the tourists, ELT limitations further affect career advancement and financial opportunities. While professional writing and presentation skills are crucial for managerial roles, Thai students primarily learn academic writing, which is less applicable in the workplace. Additionally, the lack of interactive learning in classrooms restricts the development of strong speaking skills, putting those who can afford international schools or specialized programs with intensive English training at a significant advantage in career progression. Effective communication also directly impacts hotel staff earnings, as guest satisfaction increases the likelihood of higher service charges, tips, and performance-based bonuses. The results of this research provide valuable insights into how Thailand’s ELT can be improved to better prepare tourism professionals to serve foreign tourists. Furthermore, these findings are also beneficial for professionals in other industries where English proficiency is essential for career advancement and communication.
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Previous studies suggest that the current English curriculum relies too heavily on the Anglophone English model \u2014 an outdated approach, given that English is now primarily used for communication among non-native speakers. Furthermore, grammatical knowledge is prioritized over practical communication skills, which are essential for effectively serving international tourists. Therefore, examining how these limitations affect Thai professionals in the tourism industry is important for identifying areas of improvement in English language education. The participants in this study work in various sectors within the tourism industry, including hospitality, aviation, and travel agencies. Despite their different roles, they shared similar experiences, and two major challenges that they encountered in their careers were identified: difficulties in communicating with foreign tourists and barriers to personal career growth and income. Tourism workers struggle to understand diverse English accents and lack industry-specific vocabulary. Additionally, pronunciation influenced by Thai, incorporating Thai cultural elements in speech, and overly formal language contribute to communication ineffectiveness. Apart from communication with the tourists, ELT limitations further affect career advancement and financial opportunities. While professional writing and presentation skills are crucial for managerial roles, Thai students primarily learn academic writing, which is less applicable in the workplace. Additionally, the lack of interactive learning in classrooms restricts the development of strong speaking skills, putting those who can afford international schools or specialized programs with intensive English training at a significant advantage in career progression. 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spellingShingle Sangnark, Pattarada Bridging the gap : how limitations in Thailand’s English language teaching impact tourism professionals’ communication, career, and income English in tourism industry anglocentric teaching approach Intercultural Communication (maisteriohjelma) Master's Degree Programme in Intercultural Communication kieltenopetus lingua francat englannin kieli matkailu matkailuala
title Bridging the gap : how limitations in Thailand’s English language teaching impact tourism professionals’ communication, career, and income
title_full Bridging the gap : how limitations in Thailand’s English language teaching impact tourism professionals’ communication, career, and income
title_fullStr Bridging the gap : how limitations in Thailand’s English language teaching impact tourism professionals’ communication, career, and income Bridging the gap : how limitations in Thailand’s English language teaching impact tourism professionals’ communication, career, and income
title_full_unstemmed Bridging the gap : how limitations in Thailand’s English language teaching impact tourism professionals’ communication, career, and income Bridging the gap : how limitations in Thailand’s English language teaching impact tourism professionals’ communication, career, and income
title_short Bridging the gap
title_sort bridging the gap how limitations in thailand s english language teaching impact tourism professionals communication career and income
title_sub how limitations in Thailand’s English language teaching impact tourism professionals’ communication, career, and income
title_txtP Bridging the gap : how limitations in Thailand’s English language teaching impact tourism professionals’ communication, career, and income
topic English in tourism industry anglocentric teaching approach Intercultural Communication (maisteriohjelma) Master's Degree Programme in Intercultural Communication kieltenopetus lingua francat englannin kieli matkailu matkailuala
topic_facet English in tourism industry Intercultural Communication (maisteriohjelma) Master's Degree Programme in Intercultural Communication anglocentric teaching approach englannin kieli kieltenopetus lingua francat matkailu matkailuala
url https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/102630 http://www.urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:jyu-202505214473
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