Sultanul Arefin
Graduate Student, IUBAT -
International University of Business Agriculture and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Areas of Expertise: TESOL, Syllabus Design, Materials Development, English Language Teaching.

During a recent visit to Sri Lanka, one of the notable challenges observed at the airport was the struggle of many staff members with English communication. English, being the global language, is often the medium of communication at international airports, as it allows for smoother interactions between travelers from different parts of the world. However, in Sri Lanka, airport authorities appear to face difficulties in consistently providing clear communication in English, which can be problematic for international travelers who depend on the language to navigate the airport.

The core issue lies in the lack of fluency and confidence in spoken English among many of the airport personnel. Although some staff members try their best to assist passengers in English, the meaning often gets lost, leading to confusion and frustration for travelers. Whether it is providing directions, clarifying security procedures, or assisting with baggage concerns, unclear communication can significantly impact the efficiency and experience of airport operations. This situation not only frustrates passengers but also hampers the overall image of Sri Lanka as a tourist-friendly destination.

To address this issue, a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) initiative is being proposed to enhance the English language skills of airport staff. TESOL programs are designed to teach English to non-native speakers with a focus on practical language use, which makes them ideal for a professional setting like an international airport. The objective of implementing TESOL training for airport personnel is to build their proficiency in speaking English, particularly in a fast-paced, multicultural environment. This program would emphasize not only the mechanics of the language but also situational fluency, helping staff to communicate more effectively in various scenarios encountered at the airport.

Improving English proficiency through TESOL would benefit the staff in several ways. First, it would give them the confidence to engage with international travelers and address their queries clearly and efficiently. Second, it would reduce misunderstandings and errors in communication that could lead to security concerns, flight delays, or dissatisfaction among passengers. Ultimately, the ability to converse fluently in English would improve the professionalism and operational efficiency of the airport as a whole.

The broader goal of this initiative is not just to address the immediate communication gaps but to foster a long-term solution for English language improvement at the airport. By training staff through TESOL, the airport could create a more welcoming and efficient environment for travelers from around the world. Moreover, English-speaking proficiency would not only be beneficial for the airport staff's current roles but could also open up more professional opportunities for them in the future, within or outside the aviation industry.

In conclusion, investing in TESOL training for airport staff in Sri Lanka could yield significant positive results. It would help bridge the communication gap between local staff and international travelers, improve the efficiency of airport operations, and elevate the overall travel experience. By prioritizing this initiative, Sri Lankan airports can position themselves as more accessible and traveler-friendly hubs, enhancing the country's reputation on the global stage.