What next?

[Al]

I appreciate the other thread about the Thai language. What I knew for the last trip a few months ago was very helpful. I could deal with the taxis better, and it was fun joking with the BGs.

 

I have been working on the Thai language since my first visit last year. I mostly practice in my car, by making CDs. I am just finishing up Paiboon's Thai For Beginners.

 

I am looking for the next thing. I have DAW software so can edit CDs and make material for learning in the car, where I get about 45 minutes a day commuting to work.

 

I have Paiboon's Intermediate book, but am not sure if that is the best thing to continue.

 

Any suggestions as to what worked well and what didn't would be appreciated.

 

I should add, I know about 1/4 the alphabet. I wish I could work at this aspect more consistently, maybe one day... I can't learn that in my car.

One book said it can be mastered in 10-15 hours. I think that is optimistic.

 

Thanks in advance

[Mekong]

Al,

 

You are going the right way by learning Thai Script, 10-15 hours probably is optimistic it took me more like 10-15 years.

 

I learned using the aids aimed at young Thai kids, instead of Apple, Ball, Cat, Dog I had (still have actually) the Thai Alphabet pictures on my office wall, Gai, Kai, Khuad, Kwai, I also had the infant books where I drew the letters by joining the dots, progressivley less dots and more a test of memory ... if you learn 1 character a week you will crack it in a year.

 

The only advice I can offer is don't rush, take your time and enjoy learning, Thailand will still be here in 5 years time. Good Luck!

[devils reject]

I've very recently downloaded 'Pimsleur Thai' of a bittorrent website. There's 30 half hour lessons wich i've burned onto 15 cd's.

I'm not sure if they are any good because I haven't had the time to get started on them.

I've read some good reviews on the website though.

[cavanami]

Pimsleur is good.

I put the lessons on my little MP3 player and listen while on the BTS, etc.

 

I have the first 15 and have been looking for the next 15. Will have to check the 'net again.

 

[samak]

10-15 hours for mastering the thai alphabet? forget it!

but it took me not much more time to learn the korean alphabet (which is pretty simple and has much less characters).

[Dexi]

worthwhile learning the script....took me a while but can now read the various girlie mags on sale from places like Tops ( the mature female cashier gives me a dirty look when I buy them though

[devils reject]

Pimsleur is good.

I put the lessons on my little MP3 player and listen while on the BTS, etc.

 

I have the first 15 and have been looking for the next 15. Will have to check the 'net again.

 

 

Check out 'Isohunt.com'.

All 30 lessons are available. Just under 800mb of mp3's.

[Faustian]

Al,

 

You are going the right way by learning Thai Script, 10-15 hours probably is optimistic it took me more like 10-15 years.

 

I learned using the aids aimed at young Thai kids, instead of Apple, Ball, Cat, Dog I had (still have actually) the Thai Alphabet pictures on my office wall, Gai, Kai, Khuad, Kwai, I also had the infant books where I drew the letters by joining the dots, progressivley less dots and more a test of memory ... if you learn 1 character a week you will crack it in a year.

 

The only advice I can offer is don't rush, take your time and enjoy learning, Thailand will still be here in 5 years time. Good Luck!

 

Spooky, I learned the same way! Although I need constant reminding...I'm lazy.