A STUDY OF ENGLISH COMMUNICATION PROBLEM BETWEEN NON-THAI AND THAI CO-WORKERS IN LUTHERAN CHURCH IN MUKDAHAN AND UBON RATCHATHANI AREAS

Abstract [English]

This study investigated English communication problem between non-Thai and Thai co-workers in Lutheran church. The study focused on the problems of English listening and speaking skills. The questionnaires were used to collect the data. The data analysis was presented in descriptive statistic. The research findings: 40 Thais and 13 non-Thai co-workers were more female than male in respondents of the study. Most of the Thai co-workers have previously graduated with a bachelor’s degree. There were 38.46% of the non-Thais have previously graduated with bachelor’s degree. There were 76.92% of the non-Thais come from Norway and they do not use English as a first language. Most of non-Thai respondents used Thai language communicated with Thai co-workers. The English communication problems exist between Thai and non-Thai co-workers at their work. The most difficult English skill for Thai co-workers was speaking whereas for non-Thais, it was the listening skill in communication. All of Thai co-workers often have problems in both listening and speaking skills. The major problems in communication were accent/pronunciation, using correct grammar and using appropriate words. Whereas foreigners communicated with Thai co-workers, there were major problems with understanding Thai co-workers’ accent/pronunciation of English.