The Role of Multilingualism in Enhancing Tourism Sector in Malaysia

Multilingualism is the use of two or more languages, either by an individual speaker or by a community of speakers. The diversity of languages and cultures is regarded as a good thing that ought to be embraced at all time. Every language preserves its distinctive uniqueness and value. All languages are equally adequate as means of manifestation for their users. However, language and culture diversity often lead to language barriers and miscommunications which eventually has become challenges encountered by tourists in tourism sector. The act of mastering several languages might be a help to reduce the chances of having a miscommunication. Nevertheless, multilingualism seems to be inactively put into practice by the shopkeepers in the East Coast of Malaysia, specifically in Kuala Terengganu – a district located in the state of Terengganu, Malaysia. This study is carried out to ascertain whether or not multilingualism is practiced in Kuala Terengganu as well as to analyse the role of multilingualism in facilitating the tourist. A set of questionnaire has been designed and distributed to the shopkeepers at identified venues in Kuala Terengganu. Some tourists were also interviewed to shed light on the real challenges faced by the tourists and the local in tourism sector when they deal in business or shopping. This study reveals the significant role played by multilingualism in having a successful business, especially in tourism sector. Some recommendations are also forwarded to improve the quality of business in general and to improve the competence in multilingualism in particular.