Question:
I am living in Bangkok and would like to help a Thai learn English.
She is going to school and has some books but I would like to buy
software for her to type (in Thai) and it might translate for her in
English.
Does anyone know if there is such a software and where to find it? I
realize the computer must have Thai font capability and a Thai
keyboard would be nice.
I am also trying to learn Thai and would like to buy a similar
software for myself if anyone knows where I might find it.
Answer:
You're in a good place. Some of the most productive language sessions
I've had are when I encountered a Thai person and we agreed to let the
stream of conversation proceed freely. After a few minutes, we are
talking about lots of subjects, for instance the names of planets and
trees and food and aspects of the nuances of Western and Asian culture.
After a while, we find a pen or pencil and are writing down nouns and
verbs, etc., in English and Thai. And comparing the differences. Never
have done this with the computer; pencil and paper and the personal
encounter with each other are sanook maak maak. Perhaps over a cup of
coffee . . . Pencil and paper are much simpler than the computer; I go
so far as to suggest that the computer is an impediment. Count your
blessings; the type of encounter available to you is one of the most
blissful intellectual experiences I have had, and I wish you the luck
with your new friend. You have the potential of being her best teacher.
Having said that, you might want to hook your friend up with my friend
Wandee. She runs an English school with weekly classes in Meung Thong
Thani (a community just northeast of Nonthaburi, about 8 km southeast of
Don Meung). She is Thai and has lived in the U.S, and her husband has an
M.S. from the U.S. Wandee is familiar with a lot of the English language
educational systems, including the one used by the Australian military.
They speak perfect English. Her telephone number is (02) 961-0250. Give
them a call, they are a lot of fun.
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