Comments on: How I learned Thai

By: 5 Things Living Abroad Has Taught Me About Being Canadian

5 Things Living Abroad Has Taught Me About Being Canadian — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 12:39:35 +0000

[...] was shocked the first time I tried to speak Thai to a shopkeeper in Bangkok, only to have her laugh at me. We Canadians are used to hearing our [...]

By: Kirsten

Kirsten — Sat, 08 May 2010 10:19:45 +0000

That was a beautifully poetic article and actually makes me want to start learning Thai! I always thought it would be amazing to move there and learn the language and culture as best I could, and this article was encouraging and inspiring

By: Marie

Marie — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 01:33:08 +0000

Nice article, Anne. I’ve also been learning Thai for more years than I care to admit. When I’m in Thailand my learning curve expands exponentially, and then when I’m not in Thailand my abilities seem to magically disappear. Even with a tutor or good textbook, I’m convinced Thai is best learned in-house. The only thing I seem to remain fluent in is “menu”, as you’ve so eloquently put it. I don’t think I’ll ever lose my ability to get great Thai food.

By: Benz

Benz — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:33:44 +0000

Thanks for sharing your experience! Since I am a Thai myself, I must applause any non native who is able to learn Thai because even to me, the language is very difficult and delicate in itself. I agree that you must jai yen. But fear not, to Thais despite their fits of giggle and laughs, all farangs who speak Thais (broken or otherwise) are seen as adorable. Bravo!

By: Turner

Turner — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 07:04:45 +0000

Having a cool heart is definitely key. I never bothered to learn the proper phrases to get rid of bargirls who kept harassing me on the streets. Had to run away half the time.

By: Lexy

Lexy — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 22:24:23 +0000

I loved this article! Especially “I only speak menu” and “The English language itself a gimmick, a part of the salesman song-and-dance.”

Thanks for sharing your experience! It was honest.

By: eileen

eileen — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 19:34:22 +0000

This is beautiful! My favorite line:

a pattering of syllables like rain, lost on my ears

It (almost) makes me want to pick up another language!

By: Migrationology Mark

Migrationology Mark — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 17:06:44 +0000

I have been in Thailand now for about 8 months. I can order a host of different dishes and blabber some hilarious slang and crude statements. The third step of getting down to the logistics and finding time is what I am finding very difficult.
Great article and well written Anne!

By: Heather Carreiro

Heather Carreiro — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:26:44 +0000

Great piece Anne. I could picture the salesmen using rock lyrics to get your attention. This line is sweet, “The English language itself a gimmick, a part of the salesman song-and-dance.”

By: Eva

Eva — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:25:41 +0000

I loved this, Anne!