An Analysis of English Communicative Competence: A Case Study of L1 Thai Public Transport Drivers’ Communication with Foreign Tourists

Abstract

This paper was aimed at examining the English communicative competence and the needs for English communication among local L1 Thai public transport drivers. This study was part of research in support of community engagement and sustainable development. Seventy public transport drivers who gave regular service to foreign visitors in a tourist destination city in Thailand were randomly selected to participate in this study. The data were elicited through two main research instruments: a questionnaire surveying the needs for English communication and an oral communicative test attempting to reveal their current English communicative competence. Percentage and mean scores were reported in the needs analysis, and their English communicative competence were analyzed descriptively. The overall findings revealed that the participants’ opinion towards the needs of English communication used at work was at a high level. As regards their English communicative competence, a large area for improvement to help them communicate better was indicated. Furthermore, the participants’ difficulties in English for communication were identified and reported. It was suggested that the participants be offered training in English for occupational purposes tailored to meet their communication requirements in such an international setting.



Author Information
Fuanglada Chomchuen, Rajamangala University of Technology, Suvarnabhumi, Thailand
Sonthaya Rattanasak, Rajamangala University of Technology, Suvarnabhumi, Thailand

Paper Information
Conference: ACLL2018
Stream: Learning in the community

This paper is part of the ACLL2018 Conference Proceedings (View)
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Posted by James Alexander Gordon