Communication Strategies Used by Tour Guides at Kuta Mandalika Beach

Abstract

This research investigated the communication strategies used by tour guides at Kuta Mandalika Beach, Central Lombok, during interactions with foreign tourists. The study aimed to identify the types of communication strategies employed by the tour guides and to describe how those strategies were applied in communication activities. This research applied a descriptive qualitative method. The participants of the study were tour guides who actively interacted with international tourists in the Kuta Mandalika tourism area. The data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The researcher used the theory of communication strategies proposed by Celce-Murcia et al. (1995), which classifies communication strategies into avoidance strategies, achievement or compensatory strategies, stalling or time-gaining strategies, self-monitoring strategies, and interactional strategies. The findings of the study showed that tour guides used several types of communication strategies in order to maintain effective interaction with foreign tourists. The most frequently used strategies were achievement or compensatory strategies and interactional strategies. The guides often used paraphrasing, repetition, gestures, clarification requests, and code-switching to overcome difficulties in communication. In addition, stalling strategies such as fillers and pauses were also used when the guides needed additional time to think of appropriate vocabulary or expressions. These strategies helped the tour guides deliver information clearly and maintain smooth communication despite limitations in English proficiency. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that communication strategies play an important role in helping tour guides communicate effectively with foreign tourists. The use of appropriate communication strategies can reduce misunderstandings, improve interaction, and support tourism services in international tourism destinations.