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Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 16. Number 3, September 2025 Pp. 315-328
Faculty of Education, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Malaysia
Department of Public Courses, Shaanxi Polytechnic University, Shaanxi, China
Faculty of Education, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Malaysia
Faculty of Education, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Malaysia
This study investigated the English language needs and self-perceived proficiency of tourism personnel in Xi’an to improve the design of ESP courses for vocational education. It makes a significant contribution to bridging the gap between the current Tourism English course and the real-world work demands of China’s tourism industry. A mixed-methods approach was employed. Quantitative data were gathered from 104 tour guides and office staff using a structured questionnaire, and qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with five experienced practitioners. Both instruments were self-developed and validated through standard procedures to ensure content reliability and validity. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the survey results, and thematic analysis was applied to interpret the interview transcripts. The results reported that listening and speaking are the most commonly used and valued skills, while reading and writing were considered secondary. Participants expressed confidence in performing template-based tasks; nevertheless, they reported difficulties with spontaneous communication situations, professional reading, and creative writing. It is recommended that future Tourism English courses should emphasize oral communication training, such as scenario-based practice, real-world simulations, and role-play activities. Instructors are encouraged to provide timely feedback and facilitate students to communicate more spontaneously. These findings provide practical guidance for designing more targeted and workplace-oriented English instruction for tourism professionals in similar contexts
Pang, B., Majid, F.B.A., & Narayanan, G. A. (2025). Needs Analysis of English-Language Use of Tourism Personnel in Xi’an, China. Arab World English Journal, 16(3):315-328.
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Boyu Pang is a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Education, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. She holds a MA. from the University of Edinburgh and currently teaches in a vocational university in China. Her research interests include English as a Foreign Language (EFL), English for Specific Purposes (ESP), and English language instruction in higher education.
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7175-6782
Prof. Dr. Faizah Binti Abd Majid is a Professor in Adult and Higher Education at the Faculty of Education, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. She has vast experiences in research and publication in the areas of TESL, teaching and learning.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9642-6342
Dr. Geethanjali A/P Narayanan is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Education, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. Her research interests are ESP teaching and teaching English as a foreign language. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4118-5622