Introduction
Some speakers of English as a second
language (English L2) are able to
communicate effectively by uttering just a
few words, while others find it difficult to
achieve the same level of communication.
The former group may use certain devices
known as communication strategies (CSs),
such as hand gestures, imitation of sounds
or movements, paraphrasing, and invention
of new words. Poor selection of strategies
by students to accomplish language tasks
can lead to unsuccessful communication
(Cohen and Macaro 2007; Rubin 2005;
Oxford et al. 2004; Gu 2003). While CSs
are appropriately used by able students,
lower-ability students have greater
difficulties, and a lack of basic grammar
and vocabulary in English L2 speakers
increases the limits on oral communication
for this latter group (Dörnyei 1995).
There are but few studies investigating
students with different language abilities
and their employment of different types of
CS, particularly in the Thai context. Some
studies have focused on the relation between
CSs employed and other variables, such as
interaction with native speakers or frequency
of using CSs (see Ton 1989; Khaopet
1996; and Wannaruk 2003). This study
examines the types of CS used by students