This paper aims to discuss my findings based on ethnolinguistic observations made at Puerto Vallarta, a Mexican restaurant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The focus of my study was to analyze the communication styles and skills of Hispanic employees, presumed to be from Mexico, as they interact with customers during the dining experience at Puerto Vallarta. The content of this paper includes the contextual setting, physical description of the restaurant, findings from two different observations, and an analysis of the findings. My analysis suggests that a lack of communicative skills for some Hispanic employees is connected to limited English proficiency (LEP) and a lack of self-confidence.
Puerto Vallarta and English Communicative Competence
Contextual setting
I observed customers and employees…show more content… My first 30-minute observation was on Wednesday, March 13th, 2024, at 5:00 PM. On Friday, March 22nd at 6:30 PM, I conducted my second 30-minute observation at Puerto Vallarta. Physical Description Puerto Vallarta is a Mexican restaurant that provides a casual, informal dining environment; it accommodates customers with indoor and outdoor dining. The decor has a very rustic style that reflects the welcoming feeling of life in old Mexico. The exterior of the restaurant is white stucco with bricks lining the arched windows. The front walkway leading to the entrance is lined with cacti, native plants of Mexico. As you reach the main entrance, you will be greeted by a sailor.
see a mural painted in red, white, and green that depicts the country of Mexico and its flag. The walkway to the entrance is lined with cacti, native plants of Mexico. As you reach the main entrance, you see a mural painted in red, white, and green that depicts the country of
