Learning the Thai Language
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Learning the Thai Language
Traveling, studying, and working in another country is often complicated by language barriers. Whether you are interested in learning another language to enhance a leisurely trip, to make better business connections, or are just fascinated by the Thai culture, learning another language can help you transition into life abroad.
Communication is different in every country and is widely based on cultural upbringing. We express communication in many ways, both verbally and non-verbally, including facial expressions, physical space, amount of touching, and time. The foundation for communication is culture, and cultural differences are bound to lead to miscommunication.
Although there are many differences, the major difference between English and Thai is that Thai is a tonal language, where as English is a stress language. A tonal language uses pitch to indicate differences in the meaning of words. Pitch variation is just as important as word order and stress in a language. It even accounts for things such as tense in a tonal language.
In a stress language like English, differences in tone and pitch often change the attitude or change it from a question to a statement, but it does not change the meaning of the word itself like it would in a tonal language.
Because differences in pitch are the base of a tonal language like Thai, it is important that while learning Thai, you find someone to model yourself after. If you are a man, you should learn the tonal language from a male otherwise you will be speaking the language while sounding like a woman, as tonal differences vary by gender.
These top rated language schools can help you succeed in your pursuit to learn Thai:
1. AUA Language Center
The AUA Language Center is the largest language school in Thailand. The programs vary from Thai students learning English to visitors learning Thai. Their program is based on real life experience and is compared to learning the language as if you were living with a Thai family. Their focus is learning practical, everyday language in a way that revolves around the community. The school also hosts numerous activities that are open to the community including film screenings, plays, and exhibits. There are three different kinds of courses offered throughout the nineteen branch locations: regular courses, special courses, and an academic English program. The fees start at 300 Baht and go to 12,000 Baht.
The school's website:
http://www.auathailand.org/
2. Everyday Thai Language School
With a dialogue-based emphasis, the Everyday Thai Language School focuses on helping foreigners who are living and traveling in Thailand with practical everyday Thai language. Courses include reading and/or speaking Thai, and there are Thai Buddy courses (a conversation course), and refresher courses. They also range from private, semi-private, and group class sizes. Prices start at 350 baht per hour and go up to 11,000 baht per course—depending on which course you enroll in. The school is located at 31/1 Narathiwat Road, in Yannawa, Bangkok.
The school’s website:
http://www.everyday-thai.com/index.html
3. Thai Language Hut
The Thai Language Hut is known for its flexible learning style, and offers language instruction from your home, their location, or a combination of both. Levels of teaching range from beginning to advanced and are available to travelers, students, business employees, and anyone else interested in learning Thai. They build a personalized training plan that allows you to purchase blocks of hours and decide where you would like to study. There is even an online discount when you purchase your blocks of time in advance (starting out at 9,450 baht with the discount). They are located in Bangkok, close to Sukhumvit BTS Phrom Phong station.
The school’s website:
http://www.thailanguagehut.com/
4. Baan Aksom Thai Language School
Located near the Phrom Phong (Emporium) Bangkok skytrain station, this school is dedicated to anyone interested in using Thai as their second language. Courses focus on listening, speaking, writing, and reading Thai. In addition to language skills, the courses also promote learning more about Thai culture, traditions, and the Thai way of life. Courses are geared for levels ranging from beginner to advanced, and are offered as private lessons or small group classes. Prices range from 300 Baht an hour to 20,000 Baht for an entire class. Cultural classes are also available in addition to language classes (i.e. cooking). A ten-month (ED) student visa is also available to study at the school.
The school’s website:
http://www.baanaksorn.com/index.php
5. Mind Your Language
Located on the island of Koh Samui in the gulf of Thailand, this school offers a different learning environment allowing students to study the Thai language and enjoy island life at the same time. From their “Discover Thai” course to “Fluent Farang”, all course levels are available. Classes are taught in English and Thai and you can learn one-on-one or take group lessons. Prices are available by inquiring about their programs.
The school’s website:
http://www.mindyourlanguagethailand.com/index.php
Contributed by jessica_ledford
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