Learning Thai

[dummy_plug]

I've read several mismashed posts over the last few months about how knowing a little Thai can go a long way. Anyways, it's an interest of mine to use some of my spare time to start learning Thai. Some members have posted information before about books, cds, and various computer programs they've used - but these posts are scattered and not easily found. So, in the interest of helping myself and others who have interest in learning Thai, I'm creating one thread where I hope we can consolidate all this information.

I've done some browsing on the web and noted that there's several language programs available on CD and some books/audio tapes. I'd like to hear from some members who have started learning Thai and what they used, what worked/didn't work, and see if they can post any other good resources for beginning learners.

Any help would be appreciated!

[Guest]

OK well I have been studying at the local CAE (Council of Adult Education) in Melbourne for the past 18 months. I am currently about to finish Thai 2A. The course starts at 1A, 1B, 2A, ...., 8B so still a long way to go.

Before this I tried learning out of some books but was very difficult. I recommend doing a formal course at least initially if you can.

If you do decide to use a book choose one that teaches you to write in Thai first and learn the Thai alphabet as without this you will probably not learn the correct pronunciation as Thai is a tonal langauge.

The best book I have found is

Thai for Beginners

This is a series and also includes Thai for Intermeditate Learners and Thai for Advanced Readers

I bought the last book with CD on my recent trip and it cost me 799 THB about $21 USD or $27 AUD. This seems cheaper than in the west. I got them from Asia books inside the Landmark on Sukhumvit in BKK.


Some good sites both for learning and for reference.

thai-language.com

learningthai.com

Thai 2 English

I have Rosetta Stone at home. It is quite good but more so I think after you already know a bit.

[dummy_plug]

Thanks for the info Ozzie. I'll probably start out with the books you've suggested.

One note on Rosetta stone - I think there's a difference between immersion and confusion, but apparently the software developers don't share my opinion! This program, admittedly I've only dinked around on it for about 15 minutes, is confusing as all hell!

[Snick]

(dummy_plug @ May 15 2006,14:02) One note on Rosetta stone - I think there's a difference between immersion and confusion,

Gee. That quote seems familiar, seems like I remember someone else saying that.....who was it ?

You also need this book
http://www.amazon.com/gp....=283155

[allstar88]

who won the war!?  let them speak english!!!!!!                        

[Looker]

(allstar88 @ May 15 2006,21:45) who won the war!?  let them speak english!!!!!!                        

Right!
It's already difficult enough to master a decent english! At least, for whom is not mother tongue..why should I bother in learning Thai

[Torurot]

Perhaps because it would be easier to commiunicate with Thai's if you could speak a wee bit of Thai? May be not.

[Guest]

(Looker @ May 16 2006,13:19)

(allstar88 @ May 15 2006,21:45) who won the war!?  let them speak english!!!!!!                        

Right!
It's already difficult enough to master a decent english! At least, for whom is not mother tongue..why should I bother in learning Thai

I think you guys have missed the point.

Nobody is forcing you to learn to speak Thai of course but I personally find that I enjoy my time in Thailand more if I can effectively communicate with the locals. Of course I also quite often get the local prices too

[dummy_plug]

I agree with that.

[Guest]

(allstar88 @ May 15 2006,21:45) who won the war!?  let them speak english!!!!!!                        

I heard that Thailand never had wars with foreign countries???

[Snick]

(goingtosugarland @ May 17 2006,09:25) I heard that Thailand never had wars with foreign countries???

Pretty much. Thailand has never had a fullout war with a Western country, but did have some conflicts with the French.

Thailand is the only country in SE Asia never to be a colonial possesion of a western country. It was sandwhiched between the English in India and Burma; and the French who controlled Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. The French did force the Thai's to surrender some territory, including Siam Reap (Angkor Wat).

During WWII The Thai's "co-operated" with the Japanese, rather than be occupied by them. But there was a strong resistance movement. Towards the end of the war the Thais supported the Allies.

Historically the Thais have fought a lot of wars with Burma, and a couple with the Khmer (ancient Cambodia).

[Randyman]

(Snick @ May 16 2006,22:45) During WWII The Thai's "co-operated" with the Japanese, rather than be occupied by them. But there was a strong resistance movement. Towards the end of the war the Thais supported the Allies.

I was checking out the Royal Barges once, and I happened on a couple of elder Thai military gents who noticed me taking my time with some old relics damaged in WWII. Luckily they could speak broken English, and when I asked who Thailand sided with during the "Big one" one said.."whoever in town at time"

randyman

[dummy_plug]

Sounds like the Thai way...

[Snick]

(Randyman @ May 17 2006,10:04) I asked who Thailand sided with during the "Big one" one said.."whoever in town at time"

Truer words have never been said.

Can't argue with success though, kept out the British, the French, the Japanese and the Americans.

[Guest]

Ah, Randyman as usual is on the mark
Good to hear from you

incher