It’s possible that Thai is more well-liked than some people think. The amount of individuals who speak Thai as their first language exceeds 20 million, with the majority concentrated in Thailand. Additionally, Thailand possesses a thriving tourism sector that offers plenty of stunning coastlines, significant historical and cultural sites, and contemporary conveniences.
To enhance your Thai language skills, or even start learning Thai, using some of the top resources for learning the language is highly recommended.
These exceptional tools are ideal for anyone who wants to enhance their Thai language abilities or begin learning Thai for the first time.
What makes a good Thai learning program?
The topic of Thai tones and pronunciation is included.
Thai, being an Asian language, is tonal; it has five different tones that function similarly to pitches. In Thai, adjusting the pitch of a syllable or vowel alters the word’s significance.
For those who speak English as their mother tongue, this idea is unfamiliar and can be a significant obstacle when acquiring proficiency in the Thai language. The most effective way to master the tones is by engaging in ample speaking and listening exercises.
To become proficient in Thai pronunciation, it is important to undergo a systematic tone instruction through a quality Thai language program. Incorporating authentic native audio is a vital feature in such courses.
The Thai writing system is taught by it.
In contrast to Mandarin, the Thai language employs a written alphabet that is primarily based on phonetics, denoting that words are spelled and pronounced identically. Nevertheless, there exist certain difficulties for individuals when acquiring proficiency in the Thai alphabet.
Do not anticipate any familiar characters in the script, as it is entirely dissimilar. Additionally, there are a significantly higher number of letters in Thai that you may not be accustomed to, with a total of 59 letters as opposed to the 26 in English.
Your learning success greatly benefits from the ability to read and write in a foreign language. This enables you to access a vast array of media and literature. A well-designed course will introduce you to the written language at an early stage.
It provides a comprehensive approach to learning Thai.
To be skilled in a foreign language, comprehension of reading, writing, speaking, and listening is required and each part affects the other three.
Shortchanging students are language programs that only focus on one or two aspects of a word, as it is easier to recall a term that has been read, written, heard and spoken.
Our picks for the best Thai learning courses
- Thaipod101
Audio lessons in podcast format are offered by Thaipod101, which are beneficial for enhancing grammar and vocabulary skills. The lessons revolve around a dialogue in Thai language between native speakers. Additionally, two proficient instructors are hosted per episode, ensuring a captivating learning experience.
The course offers an excellent opportunity to become acquainted with the tonal system as it is centered on audio recordings made by native speakers. Additionally, there is a feature that enables you to decelerate the articulation of words.
In addition to being an audio course, this website offers helpful tools such as transcripts and an on-site flashcard system. By taking this course, you will have the opportunity to practice reading, writing, and listening to Thai.
- Pimsleur Thai
An audio-based language program, Pimsleur focuses on enhancing your conversational abilities and is considered the second most widely used course after Rosetta Stone.
Pimsleur employs an exceptional method of posing questions, recollecting, and responding to aid in improving your foreign language skills. With Pimsleur, you will acquire a practical vocabulary and develop a proficiency in pronunciation.
Pimsleur’s strength lies in its focus on pronunciation. The program breaks down each Thai word into its respective syllables, allowing you to discern the distinct sounds that comprise them. Additionally, the course emphasizes the various tones and their corresponding production methods.
Pimsleur’s emphasis on pronunciation is unmatched by any other audio course.
- Udemy course
Is there a more effective method of mastering a foreign language than engaging with a private teacher who is native to the language? If you have familiarity with e-learning, then chances are that you’re familiar with Udemy, a platform that lets certified instructors design courses on topics ranging from agriculture to coding.
As it happens, the website offers an excellent Thai beginner course designed by Thai instructor Jantawee Supha, who effectively presents the basics of Thai pronunciation (including tones), grammar rules, and the alphabet to her students.
Jantawee puts in great effort to assist you in establishing a strong language base. Further support in your learning process is provided through exercises, flashcards, and additional materials included in the course.
Online sites to learn to speak Thai
The Thai Language website is a great resource for those looking to learn Thai online. There are engaging lessons, a vast online dictionary, more than 15,000 audio files, and a forum where learners can connect with others facing similar struggles in mastering the language.
A plethora of enjoyable photos has been uploaded, catering to learners of Thai language from novice to proficient levels. Additionally, the absence of bothersome advertisements ensures that your experience with Thai learning solely revolves around the process of learning.
Hearing Thai music on a regular basis can improve your vocabulary and grammar because the melodies are easier to recall and, additionally, it’s an enjoyable method of learning.
Everyday Thai provides a collection of clickable links to the finest Thai pop music, all of which are available for free. Additionally, they offer multiple Thai classes at different proficiency levels that you might want to peruse.
Live Lingua, an online platform established by a teacher and Peace Corps veteran, provides free Thai lessons in various languages, including Thai.
Although the lessons they provide are derived from Peace Corps material, it’s difficult to criticize them since a majority of Peace Corps volunteers become proficient in the native language of their work destination.
At Live Lingua, you can access 12 Thai courses, 12 ebooks, and 263 audio files for free. In the event that you find the approach useful, you also have the option of paying to learn from an instructor via Skype.
The website Women Learn Thai is brimming with information about the Thai language and is suitable for both men and women.
The website is beautifully designed and ranks among the most attractive Thai language sites. Its operations are overseen by a Western female expatriate residing in Thailand. This translates to a wealth of relevant content for Westerners seeking to learn Thai or reside in Thailand.
