FAQs
1. Why do I need to learn Thai?
Learning Thai helps you to communicate with Thais. It also helps you understand Thai idiosyncrasies.
2. How can I practice Thai when people around me want to speak English?
Be patient and keep practicing. Try to think of it as a WIN-WIN Situation, you get to improve your Thai and they get the chance to improve their English.
3. Should I start by studying reading and writing, or should I just concentrate on conversation skills?
It’s better to start off learning conversation skills so you are able to communicate effectively. Once you have basic communication skills it’s a good idea to start learning how to read and write in order to expand your vocabulary.
4. How long does it usually take to master basic Thai?
It depends on your schedule and effort. If you study Thai with a teacher 2-3 times per week and also review the lessons at home every day, it should only take two to three months. If you don’t wish to take classes you can still learn Thai if you discipline yourself to study every day. If you study for around 40-60 minutes a day it should take about two to three months. However you will probably need to improve your fluency with a teacher later on.
5. When I speak Thai to Thai people, why do they sometimes reply in English?
Firstly, they may want to make sure that they understand what you are trying to communicate. Secondly, they might be busy and not want to spend too much time listening to you and explaining what they mean. Thirdly, it’s possible they may want to show you that they can speak English, as many Thai people take pride in this.
6. Why don’t some Thais understand me when I speak?
Some Thais don’t understand you because they don’t expect you to speak Thai, and as a result are surprised when you do. Other Thais have problems because you may not be using the correct tones when you speak.
7. How can I get faster results?
Make sure you take lots of notes and review them on a regular basis. Speak Thai whenever you get the opportunity and don’t let it damage your confidence if people don’t always understand you.
8. How can I study when I am very busy?
It is a matter of Self-discipline. Try to listen to an audio CD when you are traveling or looking at flash cards during your coffee break.
9. Why do different books have different Romanized Phonetics?
Because the rules that RTGS* used to standardize Thai spelling in the Latin alphabet involved transliterating rather than setting a phonetic formula, this has met with opposition from many groups who are keen to offer their own alternatives.
*The Royal Thai General System of Transcription (RTGS) from Wikipedia The Royal Thai General System of Transcription (RTGS) is the official system for rendering Thai language words in the Latin alphabet. It is used in road signs and government publications, and is the closest thing to a standard of transcription for Thai, though its use by even the government is inconsistent.
