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How to learn Thai from scratch

CS JHENG

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Learning Thai|Speak first, then learn the alphabet The first time I went to Thailand, I was struck by the cultural aesthetics and the friendliness of the people. I wanted to overcome geographical barriers and get closer to Thailand. Language learning started this way. Going against traditional methods The first step in most foreign language classes is the alphabet, pronunciation rules, and grammar tables. Thai is especially like this—there are over forty letters, five tones, and many people give up at this stage. My experience is the opposite: listen first, speak along first, then learn the alphabet. Language naturally lives in the ear first, just like children learn to speak by listening and imitating before learning to read and write. This sequence is equally effective for adults learning a language. Once the language sense is established, the written form becomes easier to correspond to. I haven't been to Thailand for a year, but I haven't stopped practicing the language, creating an environment for myself, and can carry out simple daily conversations. Reflections after taking classes I tried online one-on-one tutoring. The teacher was very dedicated, and having a favorite teacher makes you want to learn, which is true. But in practice, you have to buy your own materials, the course content can't be flexibly reviewed, and if you don't take notes on the teacher's supplementary explanations, they disappear. Considering the cost and what you actually absorb, something feels off. Later I realized: it's not the teacher's fault, but that learning method doesn't suit me. People who need a sense of ritual and companionship to learn should find a teacher. Even if I didn't continue later, I sincerely thank my Thai teacher for making learning enjoyable. The next article will share my continued self-study experience of Thai.