Advice for learning Thai language (as a visitor)
May 8, 2006, 5:13 am
#1
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: London
Posts: 18,403
Advice for learning Thai language (as a visitor)
I was wondering if anybody could suggest any books/CDs that are effective for learning some Thai.
I have 6 months before my trip and will be willing to spend 2-3 hours a week on this. However, I don’t expect to continue learning to fluency. I’m just looking to gain a basic vocabulary and communicate with a degree of courtesy.
I’ve no experience with any tonal language, so even this modest accomplishment seems incredibly daunting.
Kop khun kha
(Mrs) LapLap
I have 6 months before my trip and will be willing to spend 2-3 hours a week on this. However, I don’t expect to continue learning to fluency. I’m just looking to gain a basic vocabulary and communicate with a degree of courtesy.
I’ve no experience with any tonal language, so even this modest accomplishment seems incredibly daunting.
Kop khun kha
(Mrs) LapLap
May 8, 2006, 5:22 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: OTP
Programs: PC
Posts: 507
I had a Pimsleur Thai audio course once that was pretty decent...and don't fret too much about the tones, unless you really want to have a high-level conversation, getting around is pretty simple by just using words in the correct context. In terms of courtesy, a smile and a 'wai' along with the thanks will get you a long way...it magically lights up the attitude of anyone you're dealing with.
May 8, 2006, 6:14 pm
#3
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Chiang mai, Thailand
Posts: 239
Originally Posted by LapLap
I was wondering if anybody could suggest any books/CDs that are effective for learning some Thai.
I have 6 months before my trip and will be willing to spend 2-3 hours a week on this. However, I don’t expect to continue learning to fluency. I’m just looking to gain a basic vocabulary and communicate with a degree of courtesy.
I’ve no experience with any tonal language, so even this modest accomplishment seems incredibly daunting.
Kop khun kha
(Mrs) LapLap
I have 6 months before my trip and will be willing to spend 2-3 hours a week on this. However, I don’t expect to continue learning to fluency. I’m just looking to gain a basic vocabulary and communicate with a degree of courtesy.
I’ve no experience with any tonal language, so even this modest accomplishment seems incredibly daunting.
Kop khun kha
(Mrs) LapLap
Randy and Ning
May 8, 2006, 9:29 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Kam Leng; Two Dragons GH
Posts: 1,615
Another web site. http://www.thai-language.com/
May 17, 2006, 7:58 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: London
Posts: 18,403
Just received my 'compact'/'world citizen' 10 lesson Pimsleur course.
(Pimsleur is virtually unknown in the UK and only has one official UK stockist over here).
So far so good it seems.
I'll report later in the year as to what my progress was really like.
Thanks for the website links, a bit hard to make use of them as a complete beginner. I hope I can pick up vocabulary with them later once I have some sort of base.
(Pimsleur is virtually unknown in the UK and only has one official UK stockist over here).
So far so good it seems.
I'll report later in the year as to what my progress was really like.
Thanks for the website links, a bit hard to make use of them as a complete beginner. I hope I can pick up vocabulary with them later once I have some sort of base.
Jun 6, 2006, 10:39 am
#7
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
Like allthai, I recommend www.learningthai.com
So many levels from complete beginner to advanced.
My best advice to someone wanting to learn to speak Thai is to learn their Alphabet and vowel combinations. Just the basics of reading is enough... it will help with your pronounciation.
So many levels from complete beginner to advanced.
My best advice to someone wanting to learn to speak Thai is to learn their Alphabet and vowel combinations. Just the basics of reading is enough... it will help with your pronounciation.
Jun 7, 2006, 9:07 am
#8
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 88
Originally Posted by seanthepilot
Like allthai, I recommend www.learningthai.com
So many levels from complete beginner to advanced.
My best advice to someone wanting to learn to speak Thai is to learn their Alphabet and vowel combinations. Just the basics of reading is enough... it will help with your pronounciation.
So many levels from complete beginner to advanced.
My best advice to someone wanting to learn to speak Thai is to learn their Alphabet and vowel combinations. Just the basics of reading is enough... it will help with your pronounciation.