EFL needs analysis for speaking proficiency in Yogyakarta's massage therapy sector

Study purpose. This study examines the English-speaking needs of massage therapists in beauty spas in the Yogyakarta Special Region, Indonesia, where the growing presence of international clients necessitates enhanced language proficiency. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to identify therapists’ linguistic needs, lacks, and necessities. Quantitative data show that 88% of respondents consider English proficiency crucial for improving service quality, while 81% report a lack of confidence when communicating with clients in English. Moreover, 89% of participants emphasize the need for learning materials relevant to their work, and 86% express a preference for practical speaking techniques that can be directly applied in therapy sessions. Qualitative interviews further illuminate the challenges therapists face, such as difficulties in expressing themselves clearly and the desire for interactive, technology-supported learning methods. The findings highlight a strong demand for practical, context-specific English language training to improve therapists’ ability to interact effectively with international clients. Key challenges include limited vocabulary, grammar, and confidence, which hinder therapists’ ability to explain services, address client concerns, and foster trust. Interactive, conversation-based methods, supported by multimedia tools such as videos and audio, are identified as preferred learning approaches. These methods align with global findings on effective communication in healthcare professions, such as physiotherapy, where contextualized and patient-centered communication significantly enhances therapeutic outcomes. Moreover, the study underscores the importance of clear communication in delivering therapy instructions and home care recommendations, improving client adherence and satisfaction. By providing tailored language-learning resources that focus on real-world scenarios, this research bridges the gap in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) studies within the beauty and wellness sector.