Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Uluslararası Çağdaş Eğitim Araştırmaları Kongresi (7. : 2023 : Muğla) Education, science, art in the age of digital transformation: individual and society , Muğla, Türkiye, 27 - 30 Eylül 2023, ss.111, (Tam Metin Bildiri)
THE PERCEPTION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS AMONG THE HOTEL STAFF SERVING AT PALANDÖKEN MOUNTAIN
ABSTRACT
When conducting English for Specific Purposes classes in the hospitality and tourism sectors, a detailed needs analysis is required that takes into account the needs of all stakeholders. It’s essential to note that the perception of the importance of English language skills can differ based on the location, sort of hotel, and target market. In certain areas, where international tourists make up the majority of the guest list, English could be more crucial than it is at hotels in local tourist spots. While most of the studies focus on the perceptions of students studying in hotel management or tourism, it is seen that the perceptions of hotel staff are not examined much. Investigating the views of hotel staff is essential because, with enhanced comprehension, more favorable attitudes about English and the tourism industry could be promoted. The aim of this study is to examine how 53 hotel employees in Palandöken Mountain, a popular tourist destination, perceive different aspects of English language profi ciency. Responses to the 16-item questionnaire did not differ statistically by gender, current employment status, hotel stars, or current job segments. However, the fi ndings showed that grammar was seen as less important than listening and speaking skills, which were perceived as more important. As a result, it is recommended that elements primarily centered on these abilities be included in tourism and hospitality courses, without undermining the importance of English reading and writing. The findings of this study could help hotel management and relevant stakeholders in developing targeted language training programs and improving the overall guest experience.
Keywords: Language Skills, Perception, Hotel Staff, ESP, Tourism