Many people worldwide have a deep affection for Thailand, a nation renowned for its stunning temples, captivating wildlife, awe-inspiring landmarks, and a fusion of contemporary and traditional environments that offer expatriates exceptional professional prospects. Therefore, acquiring proficiency in the Thai language could be considered a crucial approach to fully immersing oneself in all that Thailand has to offer, as well as seamlessly blending into one’s new residence and advancing in one’s career.
In case the reasons mentioned above are not enough to convince you to enroll in a Thai language course, allow us to provide you with additional reasons. However, before we proceed, let’s familiarize ourselves with the Thai language.
Know More About The Thai Language
As you may be aware, Thai has many different dialects, depending on the region you are visiting. Still, Central Thai or Siamese is the standard language used across the kingdom. Also, the Thai language shares similarities with Laos and is a member of the Tai subgroup of the Kra-Dai language family.
Based on multiple sources, it is believed that the Thai language emerged in written form in 1283, and the modern Thai language still retains its original characteristics. Additionally, a significant number of present-day Thai words are believed to have their origins in various languages such as Sanskrit, Pali, and Old Khmer.
Thai has three regional dialects, commonly known as “Isan,” in addition to the widely used Central Thai dialect.
Reasons Why Thai Language Course is Beneficial for You
There are several reasons why learning the Thai language can be both demanding and fulfilling simultaneously.
- Enhance Your Travel Experience
Thailand, the mesmerizing tropical country, undeniably offers an incredible experience. Each region of the nation presents a distinct adventure worth revisiting. Beginning with Bangkok, the focal city and bustling hub, it provides all necessary amenities, including splendid shopping malls and vibrant night markets. Additionally, the provinces boast awe-inspiring landscapes, particularly in renowned places like Chiang Mai and Phuket. These remarkable features are enhanced by the warm hospitality of the amiable locals, who are always prepared to greet you with open arms.
How can learning the Thai language improve your experience? Firstly, it reduces the chances of getting lost, and even if you do, you can effortlessly decipher signs or seek assistance from locals. Additionally, by learning Thai, you can immerse yourself in the local culture, exploring local eateries, rural regions, and destinations popular among the Thai population.
- Connect To The Rich Culture & People
The Thai language and culture share a strong bond. By delving into the language, whether through a formal course or everyday encounters, one can gain a deeper understanding of the significance behind expressions, nuances, idioms, and vocabulary. In essence, learning Thai opens the door to comprehending the rich cultural heritage, distinctive customs, and long-standing traditions of its people. Furthermore, Thai individuals greatly appreciate foreigners who make an effort to learn their language and consistently offer support.
- Improve Career Opportunities
Having the ability to speak Thai can give you an edge when searching for job opportunities in Thailand. Many foreigners who seek work in Thailand prefer English-speaking positions in major cities. Although English-speaking jobs come with numerous benefits, possessing a knowledge of the local Thai language will undoubtedly give you a competitive edge over other applicants.
Even though you will predominantly use English in your professional career, you will frequently interact with local Thai individuals. It is highly probable that a portion of your clients, subcontractors, collaborators, managers, or colleagues will be Thai, and being able to communicate with them in the Thai language will provide you with a clear advantage.
- Explore Less-Touristy Areas In Thailand
Knowing Thai offers a significant benefit as it allows you to explore the offbeat paths, quaint towns, and distinctive scenery in Thailand without contending with numerous foreign tourists. When you acquire proficiency in the Thai language, you gain the ability to navigate and interpret street signs, which unlocks an exclusive realm of Thailand not easily accessible to the majority of tourists.
- Learn How To Bargain
Many language learners, both in Thailand and globally, have claimed that speaking the local language can help with handling finances. By learning how to negotiate in Thai, when purchasing items from street vendors, browsing souvenir shops, or renting vehicles for road trips, you can potentially save thousands of baht. It is crucial to note that this may not always be true, and it is essential to acknowledge that the individuals you interact with still require an income. Nevertheless, having a basic understanding of Thai could potentially make your vacations slightly more budget-friendly!
- It is Good For The Brain
Engaging in the process of learning a new language is consistently an enjoyable endeavor for your mind – more accurately, it serves as a mental workout regardless of the specific language being studied. Acquiring fluency in different languages actively stimulates the brain and brings about several advantageous effects. Extensive research findings consistently affirm that individuals who are bilingual possess enhanced productivity, adeptness at multitasking, superior memory capabilities, and proficient skills in problem-solving.
Moreover, it helps develop the ability to remain calm while communicating with native speakers of those languages. Furthermore, as the Thai language is “tonal,” it enhances cognitive skills and enhances brain flexibility, essentially training the brain to perceive nuanced tone variations.
There are numerous advantages of learning the Thai language, many of which have not been discussed. If you have chosen to learn Thai, why not start with the basics such as the alphabet and greetings? Following that, you can advance to grammar, speaking, and other relevant subjects. One option is to join a Thai language course in Bangkok where a fluent English-speaking Thai instructor can guide you.
