Each individual appears to possess a preferred language learning application that they have experimented with and discovered to be most effective for their unique style of learning. While this is beneficial, what occurs if the dependable application does not offer support for the language which you aim to master? This poses a major obstacle.
Many people who trust the Babbel language learning app feel let down by the absence of a Thai language option, considering the significant number of individuals who wish to learn some Thai in preparation for a visit to Thailand. This raises the query of why Babbel hasn’t created a Thai version.
Possible Reasons For There Being No Babbel Thai Course
There is no definitive explanation as to why Babbel Thai course is not available, but given the popularity of Bangkok among tourists, one would expect it to be a top priority.
Speculating can help us understand the reason for this situation.
Learning is unwanted by individuals.
It is a paradoxical statement. Thailand is a highly sought-after tourist location, hence, there is a presumed interest in the language. Nevertheless, due to the variety of languages utilized in Thailand, individuals may consider it unnecessary to learn.
English is spoken quite commonly in numerous tourist areas that are usually frequented by people. Hence, visitors may not perceive the need to devote time to grasping Thai. It’s indeed regrettable since dedicating time to learning the language would significantly enhance both the visitors’ and Thai folks’ experience.
While there are additional reasons to investigate, this may be one explanation for the absence of a Babbel Thai alternative.
Other language learning tools are being utilized by them.
A significant number of Thailand’s tourists are backpackers who prefer budget-friendly traveling for an authentic experience. For those travelers who find language learning apps like Babbel costly, they can either buy Thai phrasebooks or enroll in language classes while in the country to aid their learning.
Our advice is to always select the most suitable tools for your language learning journey. Occasionally, applications may not be the right fit, but that’s fine as long as progress is being made. It’s possible that this could be a contributing factor to the absence, but we don’t want to make any assumptions.
Alternatives To Babbel For Learning Thai
Despite the absence of Thai language on Babbel, there are numerous options to assist you in acquiring knowledge of Thai. We will now explore a few of those alternatives.
There are no text cues or context to rephrase. “Ling Thai” appears to be a proper noun and cannot be rephrased without context.
Initially, the Ling App focused on providing Thai language learning and the monkey on its logo represents its Thai name. Although they now offer more than one hundred languages, this fact is not relevant. The popularity of the Ling Thai app can be attributed to numerous reasons.
With various approaches such as gamification, tests, and challenges, the Ling app provides multiple learning avenues, encompassing various topics that equip learners with significant Thai vocabulary and abilities, including writing and speaking.
Further functionalities are being incorporated gradually, such as the chatbot, that provides a more realistic avenue for perfecting your Thai-speaking abilities and boosting your self-esteem.
Just learn Thai.
The main objective of Simply Learn is to teach Thai vocabulary and expressions that are usable in daily communication. It operates akin to an electronic phrase reference but includes supplementary functions that provide convenience.
The primary advantage is being able to hear the target phrase read out loud by Thai speakers. This aids significantly in improving pronunciation. Additionally, the flashcards provided are highly practical for committing desired keywords and phrases to memory.
The Simply Learn Thai app has a lot more to offer and its user-friendly design and comprehensive search features make it easy to use. It is an indispensable resource for tourists visiting Thailand and they will find it incredibly useful.
The application known as Pocket Thai Master.
The Pocket Thai Master is a free application that is ideal for those who are new to the Thai language. It provides instruction on the basics of Thai, such as the Thai alphabet, as well as lessons on Thai culture. The app can be downloaded from both Google Play and the App Store.
Thai is an enjoyable language to learn.
Fun to Learn Thai is a great resource to begin your Thai language learning journey. It’s especially beneficial for those aiming to grasp the Thai alphabet or expand their vocabulary. There is a daily free material access threshold, and for complete access to all learning resources, you may choose to pay a fee.
Can you rephrase the text? It seems to be incomplete or unclear.
For no cost at all, Thaipod101 provides an excellent primer on the Thai language. In addition, it provides extensive educational resources for a fee that cater to learners of all levels.
Dictionary from Thai language to English.
thai2english is a very user-friendly two-way Thai-English online dictionary. It allows you to search for Thai words using Thai script or romanized spelling. You can also search for a sentence and it will translate each word of the sentence for you.
So far, Memrise is the greatest among the free online resources I have encountered. It is highly effective for acquiring new vocabulary and sentences, as well as for honing your Thai writing abilities. Despite not being readily apparent on the Memrise homepage, you can definitely learn Thai through the app once you sign up and create a free account, whereupon you will have access to all their Thai courses.
The app called Thai Fun Easy Learn.
Through the Thai Fun Easy Learn application, you can enhance your conversational abilities and acquire knowledge of approximately 5000 Thai phrases. The application features audio recordings in Thai, and you have the option to select whether you want to use Thai script or romanized spelling in the course of studying newly introduced phrases. In my assessment, the application is well-designed and user-friendly.
It is possible for you to acquire the knowledge of Thai language as well.
Khru Nan, a native Thai speaker, linguist, university professor, and author, hosts a podcast called “You too can learn Thai”. This podcast offers Thai language lessons for both beginners and advanced learners, available to listen to on her website, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.
Thai Banana
Banana Thai language school, led by Khru Smuk, provides free Thai language lesson podcasts and YouTube videos, along with paid Thai language lessons. To date, I have solely listened to the podcasts and found them to be excellent.
Thai language can be learned by Farang.
With more than 24,000 members, Farang Can Learn Thai Language is an extremely dynamic Facebook community comprising Thai learners and instructors. As implied by the group’s name, all discussions are concerned solely with the Thai language. Members collaborate by exchanging information regarding Thai language resources and assisting one another with language-related inquiries.
Lingopolo provides Thai language lessons through quizzes on its website, available for free. A few of the courses are initially restricted, but one can unlock them by finishing previous courses. As I came across this page only recently (February 2021), it appears to hold great potential.
Podcasts produced by Thai PBS.
Thai PBS provides a plethora of podcasts covering diverse subjects such as news, education, lifestyle, and others. Given the extensive range of options, chances are high that you’ll easily find one that interests you.
Podcasts that are part of The Standard.
The Standard is a news organization in Thai language which has numerous podcasts covering an array of subjects like lifestyle, health, finance, among others. Even though I haven’t gone through all of them, they appear to have a diverse range of topics.
Thai podcast broadcasted by VOA.
Voice of America (VOA) is a U.S.-funded international broadcaster. They post 30-minute news podcasts in Thai on weekdays.
If you want to learn Thai through music, Deungdutjai is a recommended website. It presents Thai music videos that include Thai lyrics and English translations all available on a single page (Thai lyrics are given in both the Thai script as well as romanized spelling).
The podcast based in Bangkok.
The Bangkok Podcast is a fascinating English podcast run by two expatriates residing in Bangkok that is both informative and entertaining. They label their podcast as “tales, vents, and discussions on life in Asia’s wildest metropolis.” I believe it is a fantastic source of inspiration for me when I’m lacking the drive to learn Thai.
Other Options
Numerous results will appear if you search for ‘Learn Thai’ online or in the app stores. Choosing the most suitable one depends on personal preference, such as the user interface and its scope of vocabulary that aligns with one’s learning objectives.
We urge all readers to acquire knowledge of the Thai language, regardless of the method they choose. Although Babbel does not offer a Thai course, substitutes such as Ling, Simply Learn, and others are available.
