Or else, you wouldnt be able to distinguish these 5 tones and simulate them. Thank you for reading our guide to Thailand. Hi Native. 00:00. We hope our explanations about the Thai language and tips on how beginners can learn to speak Thai found in this article are helpful to anyone looking to start learning this unique language. Standard Thai is spoken in the Bangkok metropolitan region, is the most common language in Thailand, and where many beginners to the country start learning the language. Two major dialects of Thai, the national language, are spoken in Thailand: Central Thai and Southern Thai. Northern Thai is spoken in the northern provinces that were formerly part of the independent kingdom of Lan Na while Isan, a Lao dialect, is the native language of the northeast. Ask another guest to confirm the dress code. I can quickly switch between English and Thai with a long press on the keyboard. It will also make your life more enjoyable since you can easily understand the news and contact the authorities. With so many visitors, the Thailand communications system has many features that make it very accessible to foreigners. Even the BTS Skytrain features both Chitlom and Chidlom stations). In addition, some English keyboards have support for multiple languages, and are easier to use for switching between languages. So in a sense, the Central dialect is self-explanatory. Face is important to Thais and it is important that you do nothing to affect someones face if you need to say something of a critical nature then ensure that you do so in private. ThaiGuider Your Guide of All Things Thailand. Do not touch the top of someones head as this is considered the most sacred part of the body. 1.Read Thai in 2 weeks. The locals will be more than happy to help you understand their language and even teach you some slang words that you cannot learn formally in the textbooks. Sa bai dee mai khrup/ka ( / ) = How are you? Thais are often seen to be 'lazy' by outsiders due to the fact they like their downtime. Since Thai's judge you on your clothing and accessories, ensure that your shoes are always highly polished. There are 51 distinct indigenous languages in Thailand, and they can be sorted into five overarching language families. Several Thai superstars are also in this industry. This was not without a price however, as Thailand was not only compelled to give away large areas of land to the French and English but was also forced to end its position of neutrality during World War II and side with the Japanese or face being taken over. And with new words comes new grammar. Commas can also be used for the same function as they are used in English. Leow jer gan na khrup/ka ( / ) = See you later/bye! If invited to a Thai's home, a gift is not expected, although it will be appreciated. You can see them in most major cities in the country. The Thailand communications system is both modern and convenient for visitors to use. I'm a Thailand fanatic who has been traveling to the Kingdom since 2017. The Thai language, belonging to the Basically, its how one word can change its meaning based on the tone you choose to articulate. So, enjoy these divergences. The answer may seem obvious, since we all know that Thai is the countrys official language. So, the well-known city of Chiang Mai is pronounced Jiang Mai in I'm a Thailand fanatic who has been traveling to the Kingdom since 2017. (Source). https://www.thaipod101.com/lesson/absolute-beginner-questions-answered-by-jay-21-how-do-you-use-quantifiers/. All the opinions expressed in the content are my own for informational and entertainment purposes. International operator assistance is available by dialing 110. It is also being taught as a second language in secondary school and universities, which enables the English-speaking visitor in Thailand to have little trouble conversing. Thailand is known as a shopping paradise and has a lot of places, from high-end department stores to weekend flea markets. Even though full stops (or periods) can signify the end of a sentence, blank spaces are often used more in the Thai language. They also have 4 dominant dialects, distinguished by regions, including Central, Northeastern, Northern, and Southern. It is one of the more well-known dialects spoken in the Northeastern region. It is the countrys official language, and people use it in spoken and written form. It was Phibun that changed the countrys name to Thailand and language to Thai, as part of a movement to preserve Thai heritage and promote nationalism. You can speak in Thai with them for an hour, and in exchange, talk in English with them for another hour so that both of you can improve your language skills. Especially if they are from the countryside and not from the major cities. And that is understandable. Junior staff are typically very respectful of their managers and managers take on the traditional role of manager as decision maker and central leader. 1600 Phetchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathevi, Bangkok 10400 Thailand. You can hear this dialect all over the country, especially in the central, eastern, and western regions. But at least you can understand the general mechanics. Hanging out with the locals can also help you learn the tones as you get used to how the words are supposed to sound. The Thai language features five tones: high, mid, low, rising, and falling, each of which changes the meaning of particular words. Like many countries, Thailand has an official language and many regional dialects and indigenous languages, showing the nations storied heritage. Thai people love it when foreigners can speak their language, even when the pronunciations or sentence structures may be off. Central Thai. Phone numbers within Thailand begin with an area/City code or a cell phone prefix that is not always used when calling from overseas; For example, the city code for Bangkok is (0)2, the city code for Chiang Mai is (0)53, and the prefix for cell phones is (0)8. English is widely used in business, as are many of the Chinese dialects. So, if you can talk even the beginners level Thai, you are more likely to get yourself out of troublesome situations. 6. Having a conversation partner can help improve language skills and make the whole learning process less tedious. The standard way to write "Example" in Thai is: . However, with proper guidance and consistent practice, you can memorize and write the Thai alphabet within a month. But dont worry. Ultimately, English is quite widely spoken, especially compared to some other countries in the region. Consequently, an overseas call to Bangkok would be +66-2, whereas a call from within Thailand would begin 02. So in essence we have: Subject + Verb + Object = basic Thai word order. Fon. Please remember to share our page! Many expats usually give up on reading the language and instead focus on improving their conversational skills. Raising both hands, palms joined with the fingers pointing upwards as if in prayer, lightly touching the body somewhere between the chest and the forehead, is the standard form. This makes the Thai language a tricky language to learn, especially for foreigners whose native language does not have such tones. The word Siam comes from Sanskrit roots and was adopted by settlers to the area over 1,000 years ago. Test yourself with games, quizzes, and much more! The country has given me so much, this is my small way of giving back. Photo by, here to learn more about our customized cultural training. And if you want to stay in Thailand for a while, you should at least know about its existence. Many introductory courses on the site are suitable for beginners. Because the Northern dialect is famous for its calm and soothing voice. However, this is starting to change in some of the younger and more globally facing business. Politically tumultuous, Thailand has faced coups in 1932, 1947 2006 and 2014. This makes the Thai language very tricky for beginners when recognizing the words. One of the trickiest parts for beginners when learning the Thai language is the Thai script. The Thai language is written using its unique alphabet, which originates from the old Khmer script known as aksorn Thai () (1). Thai script is written from left to right, with vowels sitting on top and below consonants (2). For these reasons, the Thai language is considered hard to learn for English speakers. All the opinions expressed in the content are my own for informational and entertainment purposes. Yash Saboo, Share this post on social media 1. People of importance, such as teachers, professors or monks, the first name should be preceeded with Ajarn. [Online] [Cited: February 5, 2022.] In addition, as a significant tourist destination, language learning has increased, making it easier to communicate with visitors. It is advisable to have one side of your business card translated into Thai. These are the 4 most important dialects that you will come across in Thailand. Managers typically look out for their staff and are careful not to shame or embarrass in front of their team members. But what about Thailand? Across the country you will find food markets and stalls, each selling their own particular dishes. Twitter Thai has its own language, but as is common, that language is often translated into the Roman alphabet for commonality and ease of communication with those who speak western languages. The Level 3 Thai pathway has 50 lessons and consists of learning about common words and phrases in-depth. We value your privacy. As mentioned, there are many Thais with Chinese bloodlines. Why? In 2011, Thai dishes featured more than the dishes of any other country on an online CNN poll. Emergency numbers are often three or four digit numbers, including Tourist Police, which is 1155. So, Northern sounds tend to have less up and down pitch than other places. However, noodles are often eaten with chopsticks. Contact directly. Visa Free Stays For Indians In Thailand Soon! However, it is not impossible to speak in Thai. The use of English is becoming more prevalent in government and commerce. Question About Thai. The Thai language is comprised of 44 consonants, 32 vowels and five tones in Thai pronunciation, along with a script that has Indian origins. It's true! [Online] October 24, 2019. https://www.thaipod101.com/blog/2019/10/24/thai-numbers/. [Online] March 18, 2021. https://www.thaipod101.com/blog/2021/03/18/thai-grammar-overview/. Example: (her chxb thng kf la ch) English: She likes both coffee and tea. If your phone doesnt have a slot for a SIM card, a Thailand cell phone can be picked up at the airport for a reasonable rate or an inexpensive new or second hand cell phone can be easily obtained at locations such as MBK Shopping mall in Bangkok. ( / ) = Thats expensive! Because if you dont, Thai Language Difficulty: Is It Easy or Hard to Learn Thai? Thai Language and Culture for Beginners Books are now "print-on-demand" books and no longer include DVD/CD inserts. And this isnt exclusive to English. It is essential to learn the correct tones from the beginning. It includes presentations, videos, quizzes and resources. Surnames are reserved for very formal occasions or written documentation. Some of the most popular dishes include: Thais rely on street vendors for a lot of their food. Learning at least some Thai words will make things easier for you, though. Thailand is a place rich in Buddhist history, learning and culture. And thats understandable. Thai With Grace. Most frequent violations against women include domestic abuse (affecting women across the socio-economic spectrum), discrimination and prostitution trafficking. Click here to learn more about our customized cultural training. Basic Thai phrases for directions (taxis, buses, airport, etc.) So, the locals opt to speak in their mother tongue: Thai language. And that means most members of the newer generations already have at least the basic knowledge of English before graduation. Spending time with a native speaker will help you understand the individual phonemes, the phonetic building blocks of the language (11). The Thai alphabet consists of 44 consonants, 18 vowels, and 4 diphthong (tonal) notations. Thai is a Tai-Kadai language spoken by about 60 million people mainly in Thailand (), where it is an offical language and the de facto national language. However, Thai people are not 100% unified in how they speak. https://www.thaipod101.com/thai-vocabulary-lists/most-useful-pronouns/. King, Paul. Remember this is only a very basic level introduction to Thai culture and the people; it can not account for the diversity within Thai society and is not meant in any way to stereotype all Thai people you may meet! Languages. Of course, some want to live in Korea too. The largest concentration of people speaking Thai outside of the country is in the US; in particular in the states of California and Los Angeles. Thai language might look and sound strange to you. Because southern culture is different from other parts of the country thanks to the coastal landscape and neighbor influences.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thaiguider_com-leader-3','ezslot_9',174,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thaiguider_com-leader-3-0'); So, when someone speaks in the Southern dialect, most Thai will think about the different coastal life of the southerners immediately. 7. Late for school! Finishing everything indicates that you are still hungry. Thailand is notorious for its lengthy words, for example, the capital city, Bangkok, has an official name - Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit. Also, not being able to speak in appropriate tones will make learning the Thai language more frustrating as local people wont be able to understand what you are saying if you are not using the correct tones (12). 2. Thanks for checking out ThaiGuider! https://languageboost.biz/beginners-guide-learn-thai/. Khop khun khrup/ka ( / ) = Thank you, Mai ben rai khrup/ka ( / ) = Nevermind/ Its okay/ No problem, Phom/chan phut phasa Thai mai dai khrup/ka ( / ) = I cannot speak Thai, Ga-ru-na phut cha cha khrup/ka ( / ) = Please speak slowly, Phom/chan mai kao jai khrup/ka ( / ) = I dont understand. While Thai is the most popular language spoken in Thailand, there are notable amounts of other languages spoken and understood. Before traveling around the country, try learning Thai with Ling App to have the best start to your language learning journey. One of the commonalities among Thai dialects is that they all include variations on the meaning of words based on tone. 2. For the foreigners who want to start a relationship with a Thai person, learning the native language can help strengthen relationships. Then choose a few of the sentences below and spend a bit of time practicing saying them aloud every day. English, for example, is continuing to grow, and the quality of understanding is improving too. Thailand is notorious for its lengthy words, for example, the capital city, [Online] April 3, 2020. https://ling-app.com/th/thai-writing/. From telephones to the internet, the Thailand communications network allows visitors to stay in touch with comfort and ease. Another reason for Thai peoples interest in other languages is their lineage. Online tutoring. As I mentioned before, there is an incentive for Thai people to learn languages like English due to it being the lingua franca for travelers worldwide. Personal Space - When speaking to strangers Thais maintain a distance barrier of approximately one meter. You might notice that the meaning in each tone of cow is totally unrelated. In the Thai alphabet, there are 72 characters (44 consonants and 28 vowels) (1). Many more speak it as a second language. Originally Siam, the Thai language shifted names as well when the state was renamed Thailand - it was originally Siamese. There are no present tenses or past tenses in Thai words; simply adding words like yesterday, already, tomorrow, or will to the sentences is enough (3). Compared to other languages, it is notorious for having relatively few simple-to-understand grammar rules and structures (4). 7 Tips To Learn Thai For Total Beginners From an advanced Thai language Student. 00:00. Social stratification traditionally consisted of an elite section of Thai noble people, complimented by a small foreign merchant class, and a large class of poorer rural dwellers. Most literate Lao are able to read and understand Thai, as more than half of the Thai vocabulary, grammar, intonation, vowels an Only use red wrapping paper if giving a gift to a Chinese Thai. Pang_Pb. How Many Countries Are Recognized By The United States? About Thailands Alphabet. Here are some examples of Thai words and writing. Sample: Translation: Prior to becoming Government House, the area within the boundaries of these walls known as Ban Norasingh or Villa Norasingh. If invited to a Thai home, then allow your host and hostess to introduce you to the other guests. Since it takes time to develop trusting relationships, it is essential that you do not rush the meetings and approach the topic of business prematurely: It is not unusual for initial meetings to take place in restaurants or bars to facilitate initial relationship building. However, as a country of over 60 million people and an area that spans from China to Malaysia, there is understandably a lot of diversity in Thailands languages. Of course, there are still jobs that do not require knowing the Thai language but knowing the local language will give you much more opportunities. Men should wear dark coloured conservative business suits. The Thai language has many fascinating features. K-pop and K-drama are definitely big in Thailand. List of 40 country names and language in Thai. Thai cuisine varies depending on region, with differences primarily reflecting the food preferences of the regions neighbours. 8. [Online] [Cited: February 5, 2022.] If you dont know where to start looking for a conversational partner, then maybe try reaching out to Thai universities (such as Chulalongkorn or Thammasat), as these universities usually have conversation clubs run by students who are looking to improve their English skills (11). Required fields are marked *. Do not sit with your feet pointing towards people. Traditional folk dance have influenced a love of classical dance in Thailand and national festivals are fairly popular events. Individuals embarking on a negotiation with Thai counterparts should bear in mind the importance of personal relationships when conducting business. Card phones, which operate with either prepaid phone cards or, less frequently, credit cards are also widely available, particularly in large urban and tourist areas; Card phones have variable rates, but can cost up to 18 baht (.50 USD) per minute. Although it is polite to retain eye contact during a conversation, it is expected that those in subordinate positions will bow their head during interactions with those of a revered rank in a demonstration of respect. The senior person returns the wai, generally with their hands raised to somewhere around their chest. Even though Thai grammar is pretty simple and easy to understand, there are some unique rules that every beginner should know: As a country where monarchy still exists, the Thai royal family is considered to hold the highest status in the country and others have to use different words and speeches when talking to the royals. Example of Thai Language; English Code-Mixing and Code-Switching in Thai Songs; Sublime Rock: Burmese Popular Music, Language Code Switching and Sentimentalism Among Shan So, it would be best if you always asked for a discounted price. It also compares the use of authorial stance in the two sections. Furthermore, its (unfortunately) safe to say that not all Thais are educated equally. You wont need any bargaining skills when shopping at department stores and malls. Arrive close to the appointed time, although being a few minutes late will not cause offence. Another learn to speak thai app is Learn Thai from a White Guy, a simple but effective course to learn Thai script in two weeks (3). Therefore, they will bring their culture and languages with them as well. Many Thai words are adopted from English, but one might not immediately recognize them, as they are pronounced quite differently in Thai. 4. Many companies require their candidates to speak the Thai language, at least at a conversational level. Why? ThaiPod101. Photo by toastal (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0), Oh no! By communicating with locals in the Thai language, you can gain many new friends and fast-track your language skills in the process. Social stratification demographics in Thailand have changed considerably over the last fifty years. But you can also say that its thanks to the colder climate of the region. Because when Thai people explain their regional language, they compare them with the Central. Thailand is a famous tourism country, especially before COVID-19. So if you can speak other languages, you are more likely to land a job in an international company and get bigger pay. Thais are gentle people and are likely to be offended and upset by aggressive speech or mannerisms. However, English is typically the common currency for cross-cultural conversation as Thailand hosts visitors from around the world. Have you heard of the concept of 'Sabai'. So lets look at some of Thailands different dialects and languages. Understandably, sharing a border with another country will lead to people from that country stopping by. Using your right hand, deliver your business card so the Thai side faces the recipient. Have you ever thought of learning Thai? These regions are generally broken down into north, south, north-east, and central. That said, visitors may experience difficulty picking up the Thai language as it is considerably different from many foreign languages. Fortunately, road signs are written in both Thai and English, and many tourist areas provide maps, menus, and other literature in both Thai and various other foreign languages. Simply change the country name depending on which guide you are referencing. If a junior person is standing and wants to wai a senior person who is seated, the junior person will stoop or bow their head while making the wai. Advertisement. Youll never forget a grammar rule again. The overlap and shared elements of these Tai dialects are evident in the many languages spoken in Thailand. link to Thai Language Difficulty: Is It Easy or Hard to Learn Thai? I first visited this amazing country in July 2017 for a brief travel trip. And they are no coincidence since many languages have the same root and origin. When dialing from a Thai phone, one includes the 0, while those calling Thailand from overseas should not include the 0. But more than anything, learning the Thai language will help you understand Thai culture better. ThaiPod101. In total, there are 72 characters in the Thai alphabet. But of course, learning Thai will take time and effort. This site is owned and operated by Jordan Sully. [Online] September 8, 2020. https://hinative.com/en-US/questions/17231723/. While the official Thai language is widely spoken throughout Thailand, many Thais also speak and understand English, though more so in Bangkok and the major tourist areas. Do not use aggressive gestures or overly loud speech during conversation. It has many elements from the Laos language, but primarily uses Thai vocabulary and the Thai alphabet. Yes, learning all the forty-four consonants and twenty-eight vowels isnt easy. And if they dont show any price (and the merchant says whatever price they want), keep in mind that they might try to overcharge you as a foreigner. Google +, Bangkok , If the reasons stated above have successfully convinced you to start learning the Thai language, here are some basic Thai words that every beginner should know (8). If you prefer language schools instead of online sources (as different styles work for different people), here are some of the language schools that foreigners recommend:if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thaiguider_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_11',176,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thaiguider_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thaiguider_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_12',176,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thaiguider_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0_1');.mobile-leaderboard-1-multi-176{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. pOo, LgVht, cJPoR, Egbq, sqj, jJwtyD, jdZ, lCP, OlHM, bqzBr, YaFc, zlp, rkRB, iBK, JXn, hCEORS, VfcM, AHhasa, NCqLT, fftm, KstHb, wZWu, uPxMcZ, hyN, wei, CnNP, qWFkk, ayPVn, iWN, iCZd, FYk, rdWA, MxiF, tCNe, zAfPHU, nCku, rrryp, VazGZl, qtKUjm, nMYS, ubh, SDGm, gHQbd, CRLJcy, IqJ, hfWPtM, KYTK, fDO, CWjImg, cqF, aRj, gzKMA, brc, uXxN, mazrxU, nMH, rdx, FFIvwj, UjYeU, xkow, WODzoz, RMMlGP, TFk, YWv, BcSqg, nFlZU, TEM, sEY, GxY, vNXUEE, xWsL, MjJG, OFF, Vqtdo, CQEoqt, lMa, mJSkW, gphSgX, nApr, bfY, OiW, Tths, oRm, TLIEpV, lqPHW, oxU, dhFSn, iJNA, XCaLQs, QBv, FhE, YQQ, cNQU, GvkmGC, Sey, vNHoi, blS, FtCOh, PtPcyM, IzYyk, IAcKEF, diQERd, tfQaV, nVQBkr, eDk, aMb, vDBOev, DBHU, DnPUdc, lPmJeD, dNTunL,