Language barrier: a study of intercultural communication challenges facing by the hospitality employees in Tagum City

Abstract

This phenomenological study determines the lived experiences of the hospitality employees working in hotels in Tagum City, particularly the challenges faced by the employees when it comes to the language barrier. In addition, this study aims to gain additional knowledge in the field of research. Through an in-depth interview, it documents the different perspectives of the eight hospitality employees working in hotels in Tagum City, while in a focus group discussion, it documents four hospitality employees. Three major themes emerged from the experiences of the participants. These are understanding their native language and accent, handling various attitudes, and familiarizing themselves with their culture. The participants dealt with their challenges through non-verbal gestures or hand signals, asking for help, being calm and polite, doing better, and using a translator. The insights of the participants are that they should be patient, learn to improve themselves, and apply communication strategies. According to the findings of this research study, hospitality employees deal with and overcome intercultural communicative challenges in an effective and appropriate manner and attitude.