General Question

Qipaogirl's avatar

Is it possible to learn the Thai language online or with disks?

Asked by Qipaogirl (965points) April 5th, 2015

I lived in Thailand for awhile, years ago, and studied at the A.U.A. language center. I would like to begin to study the language again, but cannot find a local class. Have any of you studied online or with a text and disks with success? I have successfully used online learning, but I do worry about the tone aspect of the language and whether one can learn that via recordings and online study? Many thanks!

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6 Answers

Dutchess_III's avatar

Rosetta Stone?

Qipaogirl's avatar

@Dutchess_III and @RocketGuy thank you both for answering my question. Did either of you try and use Rosetta Stone for Thai with success?

2davidc8's avatar

A big problem for westerners learning Thai is the tones. These tones are difficult to get right if you’re just teaching yourself. If you’re using something like Rosetta Stone, I suggest that you make recordings of yourself speaking the language, then playing them back and listening carefully and comparing with the speaker on Rosetta.

If there are no classes in your area, another approach would be to befriend a native speaker. Many ethnic groups have social centers where they gather for festivals, celebrations, special events, etc. Find out if there is a Thai center nearby, go there and ask if there is anyone who may be willing to teach you, or at least, practice with you. If there is a Thai restaurant in your area, you can ask there also.

Finally, there is a website, Live Mocha, which is basically a social network of language enthusiasts (all languages, not just Thai). There are native speakers on the site who are willing to coach you and engage in video chat. Don’t know if there is a large enough Thai group on the site, though, but you might give that a try.

Oh, and welcome to Fluther!

dreamisland's avatar

Memrise is a free application to learn so many languages!

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