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This is why you learn Thai!

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I came across a post on Instagram by @itsthetinatinglish that played on the word “KAO,” and I found it amusing. If you’re looking for Thai-related funny content, definitely check out her Instagram and YouTube.

Different Thai language learning books use various methods of transliterating words, making it challenging for Thai natives to understand which words learners are trying to pronounce. My adult students typically spend around two months on basic reading and memorizing the alphabet and vowels. I know this path is difficult, but investing time in this process early will pay dividends in the long run.

Here is the breakdown of the words starting from the 1 PM position. Essentially, without learning Thai, the following words are typically spelled in English as “Kao.”

เข่า Knee

ข้าว Rice

ข่าว News

ขาว White

เขา He/she

เก้า Nine

เข้า To enter

My kind Thai language professor friend also pointed out that the original post forgot เก่า (old) and กาว (glue).

Happy learning!

สุขสันต์วันปีใหม่ Happy New Year 2024

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As Christmas and New Year approach, I’d like to express my gratitude for the support of my Thai language students throughout the years. Many have remained friends long after our lessons concluded. I began teaching Thai in 2005 when I first moved to New York. It was an opportunity to experiment with second language acquisition theories I’d studied in graduate school, combining them with my experiences among American friends in both the States and back in Chiangmai.

The upcoming year marks the 18th year since I began offering Thai lessons. I am immensely grateful for this journey. I want to extend my warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May you have a wonderful time celebrating with your friends and family. I’m currently working on writing some posts and plan to post more frequently in 2024. Stay tuned!

Chiang Mai, January 2023