English Hotel Terminology Equivalence in Other Language

Abstract

Numerous studies have been conducted on the interpretation and translation of English terms into other languages. The purpose of this study was to identify the adequate Indonesian equivalent terminology for hotel amenities, services, and facilities applied in English and the strategies utilized by both domestic and international hotel guests in understanding the equivalent terms in their native language. Qualitative research methodology was used. The subjects included 10 domestic guests from a 5-star hotel, 10 domestic guests from a 4-star hotel, 5 international guests from a 3-star hotel, and 2 hotel staff from a 5-star hotel, 3 staff from a 4-star hotel, and 1 staff from a 3-star hotel. The findings demonstrated that some of the English terms commonly used in hotels had Indonesian equivalents, and some did not. The international guests strategies were: 1) searching in an online dictionary or a Google search; 2) asking people they met nearby immediately; and 3) guessing the meaning. Domestic guests’ strategies included: (a) asking other guests or hotel staff for clarification; and (b) guessing the meaning. Future research should overcome the limitations of this study, considering translations and linguistic norms training strategies.