The functions of language in shaping tourism information

Abstract

Providing tourists with sufficient information is one of the most crucial tasks to tourism operators. One way of achieving the goal is by means of language. This paper thus aims to discuss the functions of language in shaping various types of information to cater tourists’ diverse needs. In this study, a survey and interview were conducted to gauge the types of information which tourists perceive important and, in addition, text analysis was carried out on tourism brochures, websites and tourist information boards to grasp the functions of language in realising such messages. A total of 155 questionnaires with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.876 was used for the data analysis and the findings show that the most important information needed is on security and safety followed by attractive and appealing destinations, available facilities and public transportation. In addition, the important information on tourism commodities that tourists need is about Malaysian people in general which includes cultures and history. Similarly, the findings of text analysis highlight that the language use in tourism promotional materials is geared towards foregrounding those types of information. However, not all types of information needed by tourists are given equal attention.