Abstract
This study investigated English communication problem between non-Thai and Thai co-workers in Lutheran church. The study focused on the problems of English listening and speaking skills. The questionnaires were used to collect the data. The data analysis was presented in descriptive statistic. The research findings: 40 Thais and 13 non-Thai co-workers were more female than male in respondents of the study. Most of the Thai co-workers have previously graduated with a bachelor’s degree. There were 38.46% of the non-Thais have previously graduated with bachelor’s degree. There were 76.92% of the non-Thais come from Norway and they do not use English as a first language. Most of non-Thai respondents used Thai language communicated with Thai co-workers. The English communication problems exist between Thai and non-Thai co-workers at their work. The most difficult English skill for Thai co-workers was speaking whereas for non-Thais, it was the listening skill in communication. All of Thai co-workers often have problems in both listening and speaking skills. The major problems in communication were accent/pronunciation, using correct grammar and using appropriate words. Whereas foreigners communicated with Thai co-workers, there were major problems with understanding Thai co-workers’ accent/pronunciation of English.
Highlights
In 2015, Thailand will be part of ASEAN Community
When reviewing the data concerning problems in English communication, the results indicated that the most difficult English communication skill for the majority of the Thai co-workers were the speaking skill, whereas non-Thai co-workers indicated that the listening skill was the most difficult skill
This study investigated English communication problems between non-Thai and Thai coworkers at Lutheran church
Summary
In 2015, Thailand will be part of ASEAN Community. English language is central for communication such as political, economic, social, educational, cultural, and for tourism. Many factors demonstrate the importance of English such as English is an international language used in education, business, and social and political contexts, as Thitthongkam (2011) stated in his research. The learners need to improve their ability of English, especially speaking and listening skills, to compete with other nations. People need these skills in order to communicate with foreigners both outside and inside their country. English communication has an important role for multinational corporations and industries who are investing in Asia and for Thai people who want to work with them as well. When people begin interaction with other people in society, communication is inevitable; the ability to communicate in English is needed as an essential skill. It is not easy for people who do not use English as a first language or second language to communicate with foreigners
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