Cultural Awareness in the EFL Workplace: Balancing Globalization and Localization in the Thai Context

Paper presented at: "Balancing Globalization and Localization in ELT"
CULI National Seminar, Bangkok, Thailand.
19-20 November 2012.

Abstract

English is being used by an ever increasing number of people resulting in there being more non-native users of the language than native. English is even the official language for the implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement in 2015. Inevitably there are occasions where cultural contexts play an important role in the meaningful passage of information resulting in differences in understanding and the possible breakdown in effective communication.

This paper reviews available literature concerning aspects of Thai and western cultures where conflicts may arise and where a better understanding of respective cultures and circumstances would result in a more harmonious working environment at educational establishments in Thailand. The main focus is on the relationships between Thai management and western teachers employed to teach English in Thai tertiary institutions. Strategies and examples are put forward with a view to alleviating the possibility of conflict through better understanding of individual perspectives.

The paper has grown too big and will now be part of my PhD application.