English for Tourism and Hospitality Purposes (ETP)

Abstract

The quick development of the tourism and hospitality industry can straightly influence the English language which is the most widely used and spoken language in international tourism in the twenty-first century. English for tourism has a major role in the delivery of quality service. Employees who work in the tourism and hospitality industry are entirely and highly aware of its importance and they need to have a good command of English in their workplace. English for tourism and hospitality has been categorized under English for the specific purpose (ESP). It is an important and dynamic area of specialization within the field of English language teaching and learning. The necessity of teaching English for professional purposes and specifically in the area of tourism is irrefutable. Language proficiency is very important and essential in all professional fields specifically in the tourism and hospitality industry due to its specific nature and concepts. Thus, it is required that the educators understand the practical applications of this approach. This paper aims to provide an overview of the purpose of teaching ESP (English for Specific Purposes) and ETP (English for Tourism Purposes) to the learners and users. In addition, characteristic features of ESP and ETP concerning course development, curriculum planning, learning style, material development, English efficiency, types of activities and evaluation are outlined. Determining the ESP concepts and elements provides specific English instruction that could help the learners be well-prepared for meeting their workplace requirements.

Four Basic Skills Proficiency Based on Students' Perception in Hospitality & Tourism Study Program, Bunda Mulia University

“…According to Leslie & Russell (2006) as cited in Zahedpisheh, Bakar, and Saffari (2017), being skillful in foreign language skills is necessary for people working in the tourism and hospitality sector. The reason is that it is the means for having communication with foreign tourists and understanding cultural differences.…”

“…In fact, for those who are seeking employment in the tourism, hospitality and service industry, it is essential to stay highly motivated in order to be accurately fluent in a high level of professional service language. In fact, they are required to become proficient in English for Tourism Purposes (Cravotta, 1990 as cited in Zahedpisheh, Bakar, & Saffari, 2017). Moreover, Cho (2005) as cited in Zahedpisheh, Bakar, & Saffari (2017) believes that English for tourism is viewed as an area of business English and incorporate business English and English for academic purposes by bridging workplace communication and classroom use.…”

“…In fact, they are required to become proficient in English for Tourism Purposes (Cravotta, 1990 as cited in Zahedpisheh, Bakar, & Saffari, 2017). Moreover, Cho (2005) as cited in Zahedpisheh, Bakar, & Saffari (2017) believes that English for tourism is viewed as an area of business English and incorporate business English and English for academic purposes by bridging workplace communication and classroom use. This can help to increase the job opportunities in the international industry.…”

“…Moreover, learning English for tourism purposes is crucial for those who are working in guest-host relation section such as hotels, travel agencies, restaurants, information centres and tourist attractions. In industrial sectors, English has recently become a core subject, and hospitality training programs help the employees achieve English proficiency to fulfil the job responsibilities (Hsu, 2010;Chen, Chiu, & Lin, 2011;Kuppan, 2008 as cited in Zahedpisheh, Bakar, & Saffari, 2017).…”

“…According to Buhler (1990) as cited in Zahedpisheh, Bakar, & Saffari, 2017), English for tourism is comparable to other languages and can be examined by principal properties such as functions, structures, and tenses. In fact, English for tourism is a structured language and follows definite grammar rules.…”