Travel, Teach, Live in Thailand
Over the last decade, Thailand has grown to become one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, attracting approximately 10 million international visitors every year. Over time, Thailand has become known as "The Land of the Free" or "The Land of Smiles", and most visitors would agree that both names feel appropriate. The appealing Thai people, beautiful landscapes, rich nature, and tropical weather, draw people to Thailand time after time. English is taught in most Thai schools, and the majority of westerners rely on the English language to communicate with the locals. The standard and depth of English a given Thai person knows can vary considerably depending on location, age, wealth and background. But generally, a tourist can take a holiday and benefit from all of Thailand's main tourist attractions without needing to speak a word of Thai. So, why would anyone want to learn Thai?
Understanding the culture
Cultures drive the development of language, and language tells a multitude of stories about its native culture. You cannot fully understand a culture without understanding its language, and vice versa. Language and culture are entwined, and this is especially the case with Thailand. Learning even the most basic Thai will provide visitors with a much greater insight into the Thai culture. Just two commonly spoken Thai phrases such as "mai pen rai" (no problem), and "cha cha" (slowly slowly), make an enormous statement about the relaxed attitude of the Thai people - imagine how much more of the culture you would understand if you learned more of the language.
Building friendships with the locals
In the more commercial tourist destinations, most locals you encounter on a daily basis will have a basic grasp of the English language, but conversation may be limited to varying degrees. In addition, if you spend more time in the country, or if you travel around Thailand to less developed areas, you will still encounter many locals who don't speak much English at all. If you are keen to move your conversations and friendships with Thai people beyond the general greetings and every day chitchat, your task will be much easier and far more rewarding if you attempt to communicate in their language.
Thailand for business, investment, retirement or love
Many people are choosing Thailand as a new home, a place to invest, or a place to carry out business. The development of the tourism industry and the country's economy as a whole has opened up what can seem like an infinite number of business opportunities - particularly in the tourist trade. Land and property has also witnessed an explosive increase in value, and by now, most people in the western world will know of someone who has invested in a second home in Thailand, has fallen in love with a Thai, or has fallen in love with the country so much that they've decided to stay and set up business. When making a more long-term commitment to the country it becomes essential to consider learning the language. It is near impossible to be considered a local, you will always remain a foreigner, but your chances of fitting in are increased immensely if you can talk Thai; not only that but you will be better placed to negotiate, do business, run a home, and build solid friendships. Your life in general will run far more smoothly if you can read descriptions on bottles in shops, talk to gardeners and labourers, discuss rental agreements or deeds with property owners and so on. Thailand has four variations of language, to suit different social classes and circumstances.
Understanding the variations
Thailand has four variations of language, to suit different social classes and circumstances.There is an informal, street language, a formal language, a religious language, and a royal language. If you are dating a Thai person, or have made friends with people from a small community, or "party" community you need to know that the language you have learned may not be appropriate in more official or formal circumstances. You may have learnt "street Thai", which sounds completely out of place in a corporate business environment.
Demonstrates Respect
Tourists or immigrants tend to fall in love with Thailand for its people, weather, landscapes, nature, lower cost of living, and/or culture. While taking pleasure from all of these aspects of Thailand, it is respectful to at least attempt to talk Thai. Even if you only speak a little Thai, it goes along way with the local people. They usually greet any attempts to speak their language with great enthusiasm, and appreciate your efforts to establish an equal relationship. They welcome visitors so warmly and share the beauty of their country with all. Showing respect and learning a little of their language contributes to a positive experience, which reaches beyond the supplier and buyer relationship of an average holiday "transaction".
Fun and Challenging
As the Thai language and culture are so entwined, it goes without saying that the language is fun and lively, but also laid back and relaxed, thereby mirroring the culture and attitude that has made the Thai people so popular. The Thai language is a fun language to learn. Being a tonal language it is expressive and lively, the grammar is simple, and the more you speak the language the more you start to merge with the Thai culture itself, and find yourself adopting the same laid back and fun loving attitude. Due to the differences in alphabet and sounds, learning the Thai language can be challenging, but the more fun you have along the way, the easier it gets.
So, there we have six good reasons to start studying the Thai language. If you are contemplating visiting Thailand or learning the language, I hope this article has provided you with some inspiration and information to assist you in your decision making process.
This article was produced by Paula Westberg, Managing Director of Lanta International Language School. Lanta International Language School is a Thai language school offering fast, fun and effective Thai language courses. Based on the latest findings in educational science, their new methods of teaching combine activity learning, e-learning and brain-friendly reading lessons to create a unique blend of Thai language courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced students.
