Women Learning Thai... and some men too ;-) » Resources

YouTube Thai Lessons: Ajarn Adam is Teaching Thai

Catherine — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:50:59 +0000

Adam Bradshaw is well-known amongst Thais and intermediate Thai language students for his insightful English language videos on YouTube. And now Adam is now teaching Thai. Excellent.

Most Thai learners know me as an English teacher because most of my material on the Internet is made for Thais learning English. However, many intermediate/advanced Thai learners have been learning more Thai in a backwards fashion by listening to me teach English in Thai.

Beginners obviously won’t benefit as much from doing this because they won’t understand much of what is being said.

Therefore, as I continue to receive more and more requests to post more Thai learning material, I have decided to start making some clips about learning Thai.

So far the material is rather basic, yet numerous intermediate/advanced speakers have commented that these clips actually are quite useful for them as well because it helps them touch up on their basics and solidify their Thai language knowledge.

How to Read Thai: Middle Class Consonants…

As a westerner fluent in Thai, Adam has a natural insight into how westerners learn a tonal language. His first video, where he carefully enunciates each letter, is a taste of more to come.

Where to find Adam…

Ajarn Adam: Learn Thai
Twitter: @AjarnAdam
Facebook: ajarnadam
YouTube: jadambrad and winkwinkenglish

In 2011 Adam was interviewed for the Successful Thai Language Learner series. Thanks Adam!

Note: For a couple of months (or so) I’ll post updates from Adam’s YouTube in the comments below. But please don’t depend on me – subscribe to jadambrad on YouTube. Pssst… Subscribing is also a great way to show support. What I mean is, decent Thai language videos don’t just magic out of thin air, ya know?

FREE Online Resources at Everyday Thai Language School

Catherine — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:04:24 +0000

Free Thai learning materials…

I’m a Thai language resource junkie so was chuffed when Remi pointed me to the Thai language resources at Everyday Thai Language School. Thanks Remi! I owe.

Everyday Thai Language School’s FREE online resources…

Everyday Thai Language School’s Free Thai language study aids are in four main groups covering beginner to advanced levels.

1) Language exercises, Thai flashcards, and listening quizzes. Developed from the course books used at Everyday Thai Language School. Audio included.

Speaking Everyday Thai: Thai Learning aids for Beginner level 1 and 2
Speaking Everyday Thai: Thai Learning aids for Intermediate level 1 and 2
Speaking Everyday Thai: Thai Learning aids for High-intermediate

2) Self-study materials created from the FSI (Foreign Service Institute) Thai language course. These materials are for reading practice. Thai script only (no English transliteration). No audio.

Self-study: Basic Thai language reader

3) Short stories to improve listening and reading. Includes flashcards, quizzes, games and audio files. Created from the materials at VOA (Voice of America).

Self-study: Advanced Thai language reader

4) A decent selection of YouTube music videos dubbed with Thai lyrics, English translation, and Thai transliteration.

Self-study: Learn Thai through music

Everyday Thai Language School put a fair amount of work into making these Thai resources available to the public. And while I haven’t had a chance to go through all the sections, this looks to be a valuable addition to the online Thai learning community. Well done ETL!

These resources have now been added to WLT’s FREE Thai language learning resources page. And if you are sitting on any other free Thai language resources, please contact me.

Greg and Tony Say Adieu to Bangkok Podcast

Catherine — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 05:06:47 +0000

Saying adieu to Bangkok Podcast…

Yup. A shocker-roonie. The wonderful Thai language resource Bangkok Podcast is closing its doors (for now). But even though Bangkok Podcast will not be updated in the near future, it will continue to be available for students of Thai. And that’s a good thing from my end, because I haven’t had the time to listen to the many fabulous interviews.

I could be wrong but I don’t believe Bangkok Podcast was originally set up to be a Thai learning resource. But with all the wonderful interviews dealing with learning Thai, it turned out that way. In the very beginning Greg and Tony were able to rope in Rikker (Thai 101) to jump-start the Thai Language Series, paving the way for others to follow.

Curious, and wanting to give a proper send-off, I contacted Greg and Tony for a Bangkok Podcast wrap.

Greg on Bangkok Podcast…

The podcast has been a great experience. I’m proud of it, and happy that Tony and I started it up. When we began, we didn’t have much info on exactly what we were doing – we just kind of did it and figured it out as we went. There were some problems here and there, mostly with sound or equipment issues, but with the help of some very nice friends we managed to get things sorted out more or less.

The biggest thing I took away from the show was the amount of interesting, cool people we met. Not just the guests, but at parties and events that we held as well.

We were lucky to have an amazing run of guests on the show too. Business owners, celebrities, journalists, ambassadors, politicians, and monks were all kind enough to come on the show and talk about their life. I think both Tony and I can say that we genuinely enjoyed talking to every one of them; they all had interesting things to say and a great story to tell.

It’s a bit sad that we’re closing down, but with Tony moving away and me becoming busier and busier as I approach my wedding, we just don’t have the resources to keep it going. I don’t think many people understand the amount of work it takes to put a podcast together (why would they?). Between planning, traveling, recording, editing, and posting, I’d say each episode takes about 8 hours to assemble, give or take. That’s a lot of work in a week, especially when you’re not getting paid (this was another problem – despite our large local and international audience, attracting sponsors was difficult, as a large percentage of people in Thailand have no idea what a podcast is).

At any rate, I don’t regret the time at all – it was a great experience and (usually) very fun to put together. We will keep the site around for now – who knows, we may even find time to do a few special episodes in the future.

Greg Jorgensen
GregToDiffer.com | BangkokPodcast.com

Tony on Bangkok Podcast…

For the Thai language guests we first started off with our good friend Rikker who delved into various aspects of the language, from learning style to history, etc. With our other guests we always tried to pick someone who could bring something new to the show, perhaps they learned Thai in a unique way.

The one thing I noticed from all of our Thai language guests is that they all genuinely seemed to enjoy learning the language. For them it never seemed that they were forcing themselves to study but rather sought out opportunities to learn the language wherever they could.

All of them agreed that learning to read and write is the first critical step in becoming fluent. As soon as you can start to read the Thai around the city your comprehension will move much faster. Working at it everyday all of our guests indicated that they become conversational within about a 2 year time frame.

It was my hope with the language series to provide the motivation and knowledge to learn Thai to anyone who is studying now.

Tony Joh
thai-faq.com | BangkokPodcast.com

And now we say Adeiu…

As Gregg mentioned, they had a great time meeting actual people at their Bangkok Podcast parties. I can see Tony stopping by on the odd occasion so this might not be the last BP party, but it’s certainly the the first farewell – and you are all invited.

Bangkok Podcast Farewell Dinner
Time: 10 September · 19:00 – 22:00
Location: Basilico Pizzeria, Sukhumvit Soi 33, Bangkok, Thailand

PS: I won’t attend but those who do will have an interesting time. Guaranteed.

EDIT: Just in case you missed it, here’s the excellent Thai Language Series at Bangkok Podcast.

James Higbie’s Essential Thai has Arrived!

Catherine — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 07:38:30 +0000

James Higbie’s Essential Thai has arrived in Bangkok…

At long last, Jim’s Essential Thai has hit the bookshelves at Orchid’s Bookshop in Bangkok. You can purchase Essential Thai online from Orchid Press or stop by their bookstore on the 4th floor of the Silom Complex Shopping Plaza. Oh. And I asked at Kinokuniya’s too – it’s on order.

Orchid Press: Essential Thai is a complete learning package for those who want to acquire basic working skills in the Thai language, quickly and efficiently. Freshly updated and back by popular demand, Essential Thai includes a CD ROM with MP-3 audio files to introduce the student to Thai pronunciation and beginning phrases.

Focused completely on developing practical language skills, Essential Thai introduces conversation and grammar, commonly used vocabulary and how to read Thai script in a logical, graduated, manner.

Whether you are traveling or planning to live in Thailand, whether shopping, booking a hotel, ordering a meal or speaking on the phone or much more, this is the language tool for you.

Anyway, I picked up a copy of Essential Thai this week so a review is indeed in the works (as is an interview with Jim).

2011: The Third Google Translate Challenge

Catherine — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 00:00:42 +0000

Google Translate, the challenge…

In 2009 I ran two sets of Thai phrases through Google Translate. One I shared and one I kept to myself. Here’s the first set: 2009: The First Google Translate Challenge.

In 2010 I reran both sets of Thai phrases through Google Translate. I also created another set to keep to myself. The first two sets can be found here: 2010: The Second Google Translate Challenge.

And now we have the third Google Translate Challenge. Enjoy!

The results of the third Google Translate Challenge…

As you can read, the results are curious. I’m not sure what to make of the three year combo. What do you think?

Be careful! There is swine flu!
2009: ระวัง! มีไข้สุกร! /rá-wang mee kâi sù-gon/
2010: โปรดระวัง มีสุกรไข้หวัดใหญ่เป็น! /bpròht rá-wang mee sù-gon kâi wàt yài bpen/
2011: โปรดใช้ความระมัดระวัง! มีไข้หวัดหมูเป็น! /bpròht chái kwaam rá mát rá wang mee kâi wàt mŏo bpen/

I have swine flu already, thanks!
2009: ฉันมีสุกรไข้หวัดใหญ่แล้วขอบคุณ! /chăn mee sù-gon kâi wàt yài láew kòp kun/
2010: ฉันมีไข้หวัดหมูแล้ว, thanks! /chăn mee kâi wàt mŏo láew/
2011: ฉันมีไข้หวัดหมูแล้ว, ขอบคุณ! /chăn mee kâi wàt mŏo láew, kòp kun/

I don’t know! Why do you ask?
2009: ฉันไม่ทราบ!ทำไมเจ้าถาม? /chăn mâi sâap tam-mai jâo tăam/
2010: ไม่ทราบ! ทำไมคุณถาม? /mâi sâap tam-mai kun tăam/
2011: ผมไม่ทราบ! ทำไมคุณถาม? /pŏm mâi sâap tam-mai kun tăam/

Did you eat yet?
2009: คุณกินยัง? /kun gin yang/
2010: คุณไม่กินหรือยัง /kun mâi gin rĕu yang/
2011: คุณไม่ได้กินหรือยัง /kun mâi dâai gin rĕu yang/

Oh no! You’re a liar!
2009: แย่ละ!คุณเป็นคนพูดเท็จ! /yâe lá kun bpen kon pôot tét/
2010: Oh no! คุณโกหก! /kun goh-hòk/
2011: Oh No! คุณโกหก! /kun goh-hòk/

I don’t want to see your face again.
2009: ฉันไม่ต้องการดูหน้าของคุณอีกครั้ง /chăn mâi dtông gaan doo nâa kŏng kun èek kráng/
2010: ฉันไม่อยากเห็นหน้าคุณอีกครั้ง /chăn mâi yàak hĕn nâa kun èek kráng/
2011: ฉันไม่ต้องการที่จะเห็นใบหน้าของคุณอีกครั้ง /chăn mâi dtông gaan têe jà hĕn bai nâa kŏng kun èek kráng/

He is busy lighting a mosquito coil.
2009: พระองค์คือยุ่งแสงสว่างที่ยุงม้วน /prá ong keu yûng săeng sà-wàang têe yung múan/
2010: เขาเป็นไฟม้วนยุ่งยุง /kăo bpen fai múan yûng yung/
2011: พระองค์ทรงเป็นแสงยุ่งขดลวดยุง /prá ong song bpen săeng yûng kòt lûat yung/

Don’t put any fish sauce on the rice. It stinks!
2009: โปรดอย่าวางใดน้ำปลาใน ข้าว. มัน stinks! /bpròht yàa waang dai nám bplaa nai kâao man/
2010: ไม่ใส่น้ำปลาบนข้าว It stinks! /mâi sài nám bplaa bon kâao/
2011: ไม่ใส่น้ำปลาใด ๆ บนข้าว มัน stinks! /mâi sài nám bplaa dai dai bon kâao man/

The first Google Challenge control group…

I ran these sentences through Google Translate in 2009 and 2010, but I didn’t post them until 2010.

He tells me that he loves me with all his heart.
2009: เขาบอกผมว่าเขารักฉันกับหัวใจของเขาทั้งหมด /kăo bòk pŏm wâa kăo rák chăn gàp hŭa jai kŏng kăo táng mòt/
2010: เขาบอกว่าเขารักฉันด้วยหัวใจทั้งหมดของเขา /kăo bòk wâa kăo rák chăn dûay hŭa jai táng mòt kŏng kăo/
2011: เขาบอกผมว่าเขารักฉันด้วยหัวใจของเขา /kăo bòk pŏm wâa kăo rák chăn dûay hŭa jai kŏng kăo/

Do you speak English?
2009: คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษ? /kun pôot paa-săa ang-grìt/
2010: คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษ /kun pôot paa-săa ang-grìt/
2011: คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษ? /kun pôot paa-săa ang-grìt/

What did the nurse say?
2009: อะไรได้พยาบาลกล่าว? /a-rai dâai pá-yaa-baan glàao/
2010: พยาบาลพูดว่าอะไร? /pá-yaa-baan pôot wâa a-rai/
2011: พยาบาลพูดว่าอะไร? /pá-yaa-baan pôot wâa a-rai/

That water buffalo meat comes from the north.
2009: นั่นควายเนื้อมาจากทางเหนือ /nân kwaai néua maa jàak taang nĕua/
2010: ที่เนื้อควายมาจากภาคเหนือ /têe néua kwaai maa jàak pâak nĕua/
2011: ว่าเนื้อควายมาจากทางทิศเหนือ /wâa néua kwaai maa jàak taang tít nĕua/

Please give me a glass of orange juice.
2009: กรุณาให้ฉันหนึ่งแก้วน้ำส้ม /gà-rú-naa hâi chăn nèung gâew náam sôm/
2010: กรุณาให้แก้วน้ำสีส้ม /gà-rú-naa hâi gâew náam sĕe sôm/
2011: กรุณาให้ฉันแก้วน้ำสีส้ม /gà-rú-naa hâi chăn gâew náam sĕe sôm/

The turtle reaches the finish line before the rabbit.
2009: เต่าที่ครบตามเส้นชัยก่อนกระต่าย /dtào têe króp dtaam sên chai gòn grà-dtàai/
2010: เต่าถึงเส้นชัยก่อนกระต่าย /dtào tĕung sên chai gòn grà-dtàai/
2011: เต่าถึงเส้นชัยก่อนกระต่าย /dtào tĕung sên chai gòn grà-dtàai/

The 2010 Google Challenge control group…

These sentences were created last year but kept under wraps until now. I don’t know if it’s going to matter. I’m just curious.

How was last night?
2010: เมื่อคืนนี้นี้เป็นยังไงบ้างคะ /mêua keun née née bpen yang ngai bâang ká/
2011: วิธีการคืนสุดท้ายคืออะไร /wí-tee gaan keun sùt táai keu a-rai/

Did anything exciting happen last night?
2010: เมื่อคืนนี้มีอะไรเกิดขึ้นบ้างตอนที่ฉันไม่อยู่ /mêua keun née mee a-rai gèrt kêun bâang dton têe chăn mâi yòo/
2011: สิ่งที่น่าตื่นเต้นเกิดขึ้นเมื่อคืน? /sìng têe nâa dtèun dtên gèrt kêun mêua keun/

Sleep comfortably?
2010: หลับสบายไหมคะ /làp sà-baai măi ká/
2011: นอนหลับสบาย? /non làp sà-baai/

So very tired today.
2010: วันนี้เหนื่อยมากเลย /wan née nèuay mâak loie/
2011: ดังนั้นวันนี้เหนื่อยมาก /dang nán wan née nèuay mâak/

Because last night you snored.
2010: เพราะ(ว่า)เมื่อคืนคุณกรน /prór ( wâa ) mêua keun kun gron/
2011: เพราะคืนสุดท้ายที่คุณ snored /prór keun sùt táai têe kun snored/

More Google Translate on WLT…

In 2009, my contributions to the conversation were Thai Translation: Google Translation & Thai Dictionaries and Google Translates Documents and Email Too and Thai Google Translate: Will Crowdsourcing Work.

I don’t know how long I will add new sentences to the challenge. But for sure, there will be a fourth Google Translate Challenge in 2012!

Giveaway: Reading Thai + Reading Thai Words and Sentences

Catherine — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:01:24 +0000

Giveaway: Reading Thai + Reading Thai Words and Sentences…

This giveaway is not going how I’d planned. Apologies, but getting sick right after landing back in Thailand totally messed up my intentions. So I now need to be creative or these free codes will be lost forever. That’s right. Promotional codes have an expiration date and these die on the 21st. Possibly.

So this is what I’m going to do…

There are two different apps (Reading Thai + Reading Thai Words and Sentences) and I have three apps each to giveaway. In the last giveaway we met up with students who seriously want to learn Thai… and since the time is short short…. drum roll…

The winners are: Paul Ellis, Keith Williams, and Mary.

Note to winners: An email is on the way so please collect your app asap! And if you already have a copy then let me know in as short a time as possible as well.

Note to the rest of the world: If for some reason one of the three does not get back to me within a reasonable asap I will gift the set to whoever says ‘hey’ in the comments. And I’ll need a ‘hey’ somewhere in there because I’ll asap need to know who’s on the market for these apps.

Reading Thai: iPhone iPod app…

Price: US$4.99 | £2.99
Author: Nagaraja Rivers
Date: Updated 02 June 2011
Version: 1.3
Internet connection required: No
Word count: Alphabet + 350 words
Thai script: Yes
Tone tips: Yes
Zoom: Not needed
Sound: Yes
Quiz: No

Reading Thai is one of the very top iPhone apps for just that. It has clear sound files (needed for learning the Thai alphabet). And while it doesn’t have a quiz you can easily fake it by guessing the sound before pushing the button.

I won’t write a complete review in this post because the deed is already done: Win the TOP Reading Thai Alphabet iPhone App. Ah. And I see that I’m apologising in that post too.

Reading Thai words and sentences: iPhone iPod app…

Price: US$4.99 | £2.99
Author: Nagaraja Rivers
Date: 22 June 2011
Version: 1.1
Internet connection required: No
Word count: Alphabet + 200 common words
Thai script: Yes
Tone tips: Yes
Zoom: Not needed
Sound: Yes
Quiz: No

Description: If you’ve been learning the Thai alphabet, this app will take your reading ability to the next level. Practice reading Thai words and sentences in the Thai script. Check your reading and comprehension by tapping to reveal the Romanization and English translation for each sentence or set of vocabulary words. Listen to the audio of each sentence spoken slowly so you can clearly hear each word and follow the Thai writing.

If you are new to the Thai script, a review of the 44 consonants of the Thai alphabet has also been included.

While I do have this app, I haven’t reviewed it yet but Richard Barrow has a review here: Reading Thai – Words & Sentences for the iPhone.

Note to self: Do a proper review of Reading Thai Words and Sentences (it’s in the works, just needs to see the light of day).

More iPhone iPod iPad stuff you should know…

Even though these have not been revamped for the iPad (yet), they will still work seamlessly. Trust me on this. And more. I always like more.

Anyway, congrats to winners everywhere!