The Role of Foreign Languages as a Supporter of Literacy Skills in Event Management (Thematic Study on Event Organizers) in South Sulawesi

Сажетак

This study aims to examine the role of foreign languages, especially English, in supporting literacy skills needed by event organizers in managing international and hybrid events in South Sulawesi. In the era of globalization, cross-cultural communication skills are crucial, so that verbal, digital, and cultural literacy skills play an important role in increasing the effectiveness of event management. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study method, through in-depth interviews, direct observation, and document analysis conducted on several event organizers in Makassar, Maros, and Gowa. The main focus is to identify challenges in the use of foreign languages and explore strategies for strengthening multilingual literacy skills. This study highlights various types of events, such as the Phinisi Festival, Toraja Festival, International Conference on Marine Science, and Makassar F8 which require international communication skills. The results of the study are expected to provide a significant contribution to the development of inclusive and professional multilingual communication strategies, as well as become the basis for formulating a relevant curriculum for the Convention and Event Management Study Program at the Makassar Tourism Polytechnic. Thus, this study not only enriches the understanding of the importance of foreign language literacy in event management, but also offers strategic recommendations for increasing the capacity of event organizers in facing global challenges, while strengthening the position of South Sulawesi as a center of international activities in Eastern Indonesia.