A survey of Thai business people's needs and challenges in using English for intercultural communication in ASEAN

Abstract

This survey study examined 1) Thai business people's perceived English proficiency levels that are relevant to their international business tasks, 2) their needs of English use for ASEAN intercultural business communication, and 3) challenges in using English in ASEAN. To complete the research objectives, the study employed Hutchinson and Waters' (1987) needs analysis and was based on literature reviews on challenges in intercultural communication. Drawing upon 100 questionnaires and 12 semi-structured interviews, the data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics and content analysis, respectively. The findings indicated that Thai business people have a limited ability to use English. They need to develop English skills, chiefly speaking and listening, through independent learning, and become more aware of the cultural influences on the varieties of ASEAN Englishes. Furthermore, language differences among ASEAN English users, context, communicative style, and indirectness are the challenging factors requiring ASEAN cultural knowledge to understand their ASEAN counterparts and to achieve their goals in ASEAN business communication.;