A Comparative Study of Phrases and Sentences in Chinese Textbooks for Massage and Spa Industry

Abstract

  Recently, Thailand’s health and wellness tourism industry has grown steadily, with traditional Thai massage and spa services gaining high popularity among Chinese tourists. The ability to communicate in the Chinese language has become an essential skill for service sector workers. Numerous Chinese textbooks have been developed for specific purposes to support this need. However, this study found that many textbooks that relied on traditional teaching methods have primarily focused on vocabulary and grammar, lacking attention to pragmatic features such as politeness strategies, tone, and appropriate language use in real service contexts. This research analyzed the language used in three widely adopted Chinese textbooks for vocational learners in Thailand. Using frameworks from applied linguistics and intercultural communication, the study examined the appropriateness of phrases and sentence patterns in terms of politeness, professionalism, and cultural relevance to Thai service settings. The findings reveal a significant gap between the textbook language and the flexible, polite, and culturally sensitive expressions commonly used in actual massage and spa establishments. Examples include soft-toned commands and empathetic statements reflecting attentiveness to customer comfort. The study suggested that Chinese language textbooks should be redesigned to incorporate authentic language use, emphasize learner-centred approaches, and reflect the real-world communicative demands of cross-cultural service encounters. Development would better equip learners with practical language skills necessary for effective communication in professional settings.