A Study of Problems in Thai Speech of Chinese Students, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University

Abstract

This research aims to Study the problems in Thai Speech of Chinese Students;
Bachelor of Arts Program (B.A.) in Communicative Thai as a Second Language program of Huachiew
Chalermprakiet University, and Study solutions to the problems in Thai Speech of Chinese
Students; Bachelor of Arts Program (B.A.) in Communicative Thai as a Second Language program
of Huachiew Chalermprakiet University. This research was a mixed method study. The
sample selected with purposive sampling consisted of 58 Chinese students who registered
for TC 3023 Thai Speech in order to collect information about the problem in Thai Speech
as well as the suggested solutions. Seven teachers in Thai language and culture also provide
information about the solution and how to improve the skills of Thai speech. The statistics
used were the mean, standard deviation, frequency value and percentage.
The results of the assessment of the ability of Thai Speech of Chinese students
in 4 aspects were average between 3.04-3.83, at the moderate-high level. Ranking of the
problem from the highest to the lowest level include content pr oblems, personality
problems, language problems, and presentation problems. Teachers and students have a
consistent consensus that the cause of the problem is a lack of knowledge, lack of language
ability, un-reviewed, lack of preparation, anxiety and lack of experience. The proposed
solution is to create a good Thai language base and how to use nonverbal language,
practice, review and improve before presentation. It is recommended that the curriculum
and universities should support students to participate in both internal and external
competitions to enhance the experience and increase the efficiency of learning for foreign
students.