English as The Language of International Communication: The Perception of Souvenir Sellers in Batu City

Abstract

This skripsi is the result of research on the ability to communicate in English to souvenir sellers in the City of International Tourism. As for the background of this research, the researchers found indications of problems with souvenir sellers in the absence of English language skills in Batu City and Tourism City To analyze the problem above, the researcher uses the theory of (Welch, Welch & Pikkeri: 2005) which formulates that English is a Lingua Franca or International Language. (Crystal 2003:124) formulated that International Tourists bring many effects of English speaking ability in international tourism cities. (Snow, Donald 27 April 2001) discusses English as an international communication to interact with foreign people. Batu City has a tourist destination, of course, many souvenir sellers to meet the needs are collected from the Dinas Pariwisata Kota Batu. This research belongs to the type of qualitative research with analytical study methods on souvenir traders in Batu City. Data collection techniques in the form of participant studies, interviews, and questionnaires. The results of the study showed that 15 participants were classified as "Low" because they did not use English as a Job Recruitment and Job Promotion for souvenir sellers in Batu City. The second, the data show the participants choose "Never" because it has nothing to do with using English. Most of the things related or working relations with fellow Indonesians where almost all Indonesians do not have the possibility of cooperation with foreign countries, this causes not using English as a means of communication. The third, the data show the souvenir seller in communicating in English that the souvenir seller "Never" deals with selling goods to foreign customers because of the lack of adequate English language skills but can be supported with the best service. The fourth, the data show that 4 participants have the ability to speak English well. So that the data obtained from the souvenir sellers in the background with education and social interaction. It can affect self-reported of English. The last, Based on the questionnaire and interview data, on percentages stated that Souvenir Sellers agreed that English as an international language should be used by souvenir sellers in serving customers from foreign tourists in Batu City. Based on this findings indicate that the perception of souvenir sellers towards English as an international language needs to be understood and used to communicate or interact when buying and selling goods (souvenirs) or products to foreigners who visit the international tourist city in Batu. Keywords: English Language Proficiency, Communication Skills, Souvenir Sellers, Tourism Environment