The Study on the Needs of English Language Communication for Conservative Tourism of Homestay Tourism Groups: A Case Study of Ban Sasom Village, Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

This research aims to 1) investigate the use of English as a means of communication with tourists in Ubon Ratchathani and 2) study the needs for English communication within a homestay group in Ubon Ratchathani. The research methodology is triangulated quantitative and qualitative. The key informants were from a homestay group in Ubon Ratchathani. The subjects were selected using purposive sampling. The instruments used in the research were in-depth interviews, participant observation, non-participant observation, a focus group discussion, and a questionnaire (needs of English for communication). The data were analysed descriptively and by using a computer programme. The results revealed the homestay group’s use of English for communications with tourists is not understood and leads to
misunderstanding. The English communication problems include unclear speech and speaking too quickly, which was difficult to follow and understand. The foreign tourists found the accent of the homestay community was difficult to understand as it was not native-like. Sometimes, the homestay community’s use of English vocabulary or sentences structure contributed to the difficulties and lack of understanding. They also used vocabulary that they created themselves from local wisdom and local dialect. The foreign tourists recommended that an English vocabulary manual should be created as a solution for the communication difficulties. The manual should contain example sentences and pictures to describe activities that occur within the community. The proposed activity manual should also be made available to tourists so that they can study the cultural activities before participating in any activities with the people in the homestay community. Specialist should frequently teach English skills to the youth and people within the homestay community, which would take some time before fluency is attained. The speaking skills required by the homestay community include the ability to respond, answer, and give important information to foreign tourists. The vocabulary required for self-development consists of words that enable the community to give suggestions, advice, and information about food.