Cross-Cultural Communication Competence of Malaysians and Singaporeans in English-Speaking Tourism Contexts

Abstract

Effective cross cultural communication competence is crucial in professional English-speaking contexts, particularly in the multicultural regions such as Southeast Asia. This study explores the cross-cultural communication competence of Malaysians and Singaporeans in professional settings where English serves as the primary medium of interaction and communication. Using a qualitative research design, the study employs non-participant observation in workplace environments including tourist attraction landmarks to examine verbal and non-verbal communication patterns, politeness strategies, and contextual influences. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were also conducted with the workers from the tourism industry to gain insights into their perceptions of communication challenges and adaptation strategies on their interactions. Data were analyzed thematically guided by Hall’s (1976) high context vs low context communication framework and the findings revealed key similarities and differences in how Malaysians and Singaporeans navigate professional English-speaking environments, at the same time overcoming communication barriers. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of cross-cultural communication competence in the context of Malaysia and Singapore, offering valuable insights in enhancing intercultural effectiveness.