Intelligibility of Thai English Restaurant Menus as Perceived by Thai and Non-Thai Speakers

Abstract

This study was conducted with the aims to measure intelligibility of English menus used in Thai restaurants as perceived by Thai and non-Thai speakers and to explore the most salient unintelligible features found on the menus as identified by native Thai speakers. Ninety-six participants agreed to complete an online survey. They were asked to rate their intelligibility level and identify the sources of confusing features found on Thai English menus. Independent t-test and simple descriptive statistics such as mean score, percentage and standard deviation were utilized for data analysis. The results suggest that there is the distinction between intelligibility of restaurant menus rated by Thai and non-Thai speakers. Translation is likely to be the most frequent rated as a source of unintelligible features. The data presented here leads to the conclusion that Thais seems to be harsher in rating intelligibility level. Further implications have also been discussed in this study.