Comments on: Learn Thai For Beginners

By: Thailand Essentials

Thailand Essentials — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 04:26:36 +0000

Thanks for stopping by and commenting – I do appreciate it. My site is just starting out and I still have quite a bit of work to do. Should be some more content and a theme revision coming up.

@Martyn Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I hope it won’t be the last time. I enjoy your writing style and enjoy BTMJ.

@Talen I think that is one of the first things I learn in any language Essential piece of information.

@Jon The Thai language is very difficult, and you are obviously a lot farther along than me. I must admit it doesn’t come easy to me like other languages. The tonality is probably the toughest part.

To be honest I don’t think anyone will be able to learn Thai from transliteration…at least not easily. Hearing it is essential for me. My hope for the post is that some people might be able to pick up a few useful phrases and expand their learning from there. I must add Talen’s ‘Where is the Bathroom” to the list!

I’ll look at adding some links to useful websites that teach Thai in the future. If anyone knows any – please pass them along.

Pete

By: Jon

Jon — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 18:24:38 +0000

This is a great start but, as Thai script is so different to Roman (Western), finding the correct pronounciation isn’t so simple.

Not wishing to be pedantic but for eg:

Whilst goodnight is technically written as “raa-trii sa-wat” the true pronounciation is more like “ladee-sawad” – the two ‘T’ letters ( & ) are pronounced more like ‘D’, the first ‘R’ is pronounced ‘L’ while the second is ignored.

That said, Thais do appreciate a foreign visitor making an effort and you can rest assured they will help visitors learn. As Martyn says in the previous comment, it really does make a trip to Thailand all the more enjoyable and authentic.

By: Talen

Talen — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:10:29 +0000

Great post and I agree with Martyn that learning some Thai before you get there really makes for a better experience. I remember the first Thai I learned and the most important to me at the time. “Yoo tee nai hongnam” I can figure out a lot on my own but when you need a bathroom there might not always be time.

By: Martyn

Martyn — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 06:15:59 +0000

Pete too many people arrive on their first trip to Thailand with no language skills and years later on their twice yearly visits those skills are still crude and basic. The world really is an oyster but you have to prise it open to enjoy its delightful offerings. You are right, learning a few words and phrases is much appreciated by the locals and makes the Thailand experience so much better. Best wishes.