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English language needs analysis for the hospitality industry in Cambodia : a case study of Cambodian hotel receptionists and room service waiters in Phnom Penh
Author
Lin, Evangeline Ming’en
Supervisor
Silver, Rita
Abstract
In recent decades, Cambodia has seen an increase in the use of English as the language of choice for communication by business organisations, institutes of higher learning, foreign aid and government agencies. This demand for English seems to have resulted in an increase in many private English language schools and general English courses that rarely cater to the specific needs of the learners. One such group of learners is of hotel workers who may need to meet a certain level of English language demands for their work in hotels. Since the hotel industry in Cambodia is rapidly expanding, the number of such learners and demand for suitable English language courses is likely to increase in the coming years.
This study is thus a needs analysis of this particular group of learners. A case study of three hotel workers in two different roles was first conducted, and the findings from the case study were used to direct a subsequent questionnaire to determine the generalisability of the case study findings. Findings showed that specific patterns of language were required for hotel work and that terminology varied between different roles within the hotel. Further analysis also suggested that the learners’ perceived needs did not always correspond with their objective needs, and many of them expressed a desire to learn English for purposes beyond just their hotel work. Implications from the findings may then help to develop meaningful and relevant English language courses which cater to the various needs and interests of such a group of learners.
This study is thus a needs analysis of this particular group of learners. A case study of three hotel workers in two different roles was first conducted, and the findings from the case study were used to direct a subsequent questionnaire to determine the generalisability of the case study findings. Findings showed that specific patterns of language were required for hotel work and that terminology varied between different roles within the hotel. Further analysis also suggested that the learners’ perceived needs did not always correspond with their objective needs, and many of them expressed a desire to learn English for purposes beyond just their hotel work. Implications from the findings may then help to develop meaningful and relevant English language courses which cater to the various needs and interests of such a group of learners.
Date Issued
2018
Call Number
P123 Lin
Date Submitted
2018