Want to Learn Thai?

Visitors to Thailand often feel that the Thai language is too daunting to even consider trying to learn. Most unguided travellers, as a result, never leave major touristy areas, where English is prevalent. Sadly, these guests will probably never get in touch with the "real" Thailand and Thai people, simply due to the language barrier.

So, for those anxious to leave the backpacker bars and McDonald's behind, learning Thai is one way to do it. Plus, you're sure to get a kick out of surprising unsuspecting Thais with your linguistic abilities.

For absolute beginners, I heartily recommend "Teach Yourself Thai" by David Smyth. Mr. Smyth is a lecturer at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London.

Teach Yourself Thai

I like this book because it clearly explains Thai grammar and transliterates the Thai language into English in an easy way that non-linguisticians can decipher. The only draw back is the transliteration is heavily slanted to speakers of British English. For example Smyth uses lair-o when lae-o could be more appropriate for speakers of some English dialects. As with learning any language, decoding the system of transliteration is half the battle. By the end of this book, students will be quite conversant in day to day situations.

For those who can already read and speak some Thai, but want additional practice, you should definitely grab a copy of "Thai for Advanced Readers" by Benjawan Poomsan Becker. Mrs. Becker was born in Thailand, but has lived in Japan and now lives in the US. Her line of books is one of the few complete systems available.

Thai for Advanced Readers

This book goes farther in depth with regards to vocabulary. There are essays on Thais living abroad, Buddhism, Thai History and many other interesting topics. All essays are followed by a section of vocabulary and a translation into English. Also, there is no messy transliteration system to deal with as all pronunciations are given in Thai!

Also, travellers should also keep a dictionary on hand. You never know when you'll step into a situation where a phrasebook will be rendered useless. For the beginner, the "Thai-English English-Thai Dictionary for Non-Thai Speakers" will prove invaluable.

Thai-English English-Thai Dictionary for Non-Thai Speakers

This dictionary is divided into three sections for looking up entries by the Thai word, the English word, or the transliteration of what the word sounds like. This feature is very helpful if you hear a word but are unsure of the spelling.

And finally, for those venturing farther afield, there is a very helpful resource for tackling the Isan dialect; the "Thai-Isan-Lao Phrasebook" by Asger Mollerup.

The Thai-Isan-Lao Phrasebook

Mr. Mollerup is a Dane but has lived in Isan studying the astroarcheological properties of Isan's Khmer sites for some time. The Phrasebook is a very helpful foothold into the distinctions between the 3 dialects and writing systems. As well as layering each dialogue with the appropriate words in each language, there is also a helpful transliteration system based on the International Phonetic Alphabet.

With these resources in hand, any vacation in the Kingdom can become a more enriching and enlightening experience.