To effectively learn Thai, it is crucial to focus on delivering tones rather than just pronunciation, especially when dealing with monosyllabic languages like Thai. Therefore, it becomes imperative to opt for a structured online course to enhance your Thai language skills.
Online courses are available in audio or video formats, allowing you to continuously listen to and review a lesson. Learning tonal inflections can be challenging, but having the ability to repeatedly listen to them ensures effective communication.
It is not surprising that many people are joining the online learning trend, given consumers’ growing preference for online options. Moreover, online learning offers numerous benefits.
In this article, we will discuss the effectiveness of learning Thai online and provide some tips and tricks on how to do so.
Benefits of learning Thai online
Not only does learning Thai online from the comfort of your own home make your life significantly easier in terms of speaking, reading, and writing Thai, but there are also additional advantages to consider.
A- Gain knowledge at any time and from any location.
Even though the top Thai language schools are located in Thailand, it is not necessary to be physically present there in order to receive high-quality education. You have the flexibility to study at any time and any place, whether it be while waiting for your documents at the ChaengWattana Immigration, commuting on the BTS to work, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee at Starbucks.
You can do this even before you arrive in Thailand, earning brownie points with the Thai embassy, which is where you will ultimately apply for your Thai visa.
B- Learn at the speed that suits you.
Take as much time as you need to learn. Is there any aspect of the language that you feel requires more practice? Alternatively, do you want to review a specific vocabulary word that you tend to forget? Or perhaps you just want to focus on mastering the five tones and take a short break from learning.
You can accomplish all of these tasks without interfering with the learning advances of other students, much like you would in a traditional classroom setting.
C- Make sure personal safety is ensured.
Due to the pandemic, it has become necessary to wear masks and maintain physical distance from others. And many individuals continue to adhere to these practices as a way to ensure personal safety. If you share this sentiment, there are even more motivations for you to pursue online learning.
You have the option to remain in the comfort of your own home, allowing you to avoid the hassle of commuting and the presence of large crowds.
Tips and tricks for learning Thai online
There are advantages and disadvantages of self-learning.
By establishing appropriate expectations and studying the experiences of others who have successfully achieved it, you can enhance the results of your Thai language acquisition.
To have a productive online learning experience, follow these tips and tricks:
Begin by focusing on the fundamental elements.
By beginning with the fundamentals of the Thai language and adhering to a structured learning approach, one will always benefit. For instance, becoming proficient in the vowels, consonants, and the five tones will ultimately facilitate the ease of speaking and reading sentences.
B- Stick to a consistent timetable.
Establish a consistent schedule for yourself that permits regular learning. Select a specific time during which you can fully concentrate on the lessons, free from any distractions.
To establish a study plan, begin by setting both long-term and short-term goals. Regardless of whether you opt for a daily or weekly schedule, it is crucial to dedicate yourself to these goals. Initially, adhering strictly to a schedule may pose difficulties. However, this commitment enables you to form a habit, eventually making it instinctive for you.
If necessary, seek assistance.
Recognizing when you need help is of utmost importance.
If you find yourself unsure or struggling with a lesson, do not hesitate to seek guidance from an instructor or language expert. It is more advantageous to have a professional assist you when needed rather than attempting to find the answers independently on the internet.
D- Acquire the knowledge of correctly enunciating the words.
Learning Thai involves mastering the accurate pronunciation, which is considered one of the most crucial aspects. Thai has five tones: high, mid, low, rising, and falling. The ability to identify and differentiate between these tones through practice is essential, as the same word can have different meanings depending on the tone. There are several effective approaches to enhance pronunciation skills, such as listening to native speakers, practicing speaking in front of a Thai speaker or teacher, using video or audio materials like podcasts to become acquainted with the various sounds.
Each Thai consonant and letter should be written out.
After grasping the tones, learning the Thai alphabet comes next. There are 44 consonants and 32 vowels in Thai. The consonants are written in the Thai alphabet instead of the Latin alphabet. You may find the Thai script challenging at first, but as you write out each consonant and vowel repeatedly, memorizing them becomes easier. Leveraging online resources and apps is helpful in improving your writing and reading as well. Then, you can start building vocabulary and practicing pronunciation, once you are familiar with the script.
First, find a good beginner’s class to join.
In addition to the tips mentioned above for learning Thai from the beginning, you have the option to participate in a beginner’s class, seek assistance from a certified teacher, and engage in conversation with fellow students to enhance your speaking skills. Attending a classroom environment allows your teacher to offer explanations and give you feedback. Before selecting Thai lessons, whether online or offline, it is important to consider the level of instruction and the quality of materials provided. It is crucial to find a class that aligns with your learning style and objectives.
To conclude
If you prefer to learn at your own pace, learning online is the best option for you when it comes to the various ways of learning the Thai language. Online learning offers many advantages, such as unparalleled convenience, the absence of physical obstacles, ensuring your safety during the pandemic, flexibility in managing your time, and numerous other benefits.
To ensure that your online learning experience is effective, it is crucial to hold yourself responsible. Learning independently requires discipline, hence it is essential to establish goals and plans and ensure their adherence.
