Internal Factors Obstructing Thai Students’ English Speaking Skill: The Influence of Thai Cultural Concepts
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Abstract
In globalisation, effective English skills are crucial, especially speaking skill, for communication with people from all around the world. In a particular setting such as Southeast Asia, English is used as the official language for communication among ASEAN members. This has presented a serious challenge for Thailand, as a member country of ASEAN, since English skills, especially speaking skill, of Thai people are reportedly behind many member countries. In reality, despite having studied English for many years, many Thai students are not able to speak English effectively. Due to this issue, this academic article, then, presented and discussed the possible internal factors which obstruct many Thai students’ English speaking skill. Based on the Thai context, the author integrated the internal factors and linked them to Thai cultural concepts. The discussion suggests five internal factors which negatively affect and obstruct Thai students’ English speaking performance, namely, fear of losing face, feeling of ‘Krengjai’, foreign language anxiety, lack of self-confidence, and lack of motivation. In addition, it is hoped that this article provides educational practitioners with a better understanding regarding the role of internal factors and the influence of Thai cultural concepts in Thai students’ English speaking skill and initiate new ideas for further discussion.
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