About Thai Language
August 17, 2008
Today’s post is about the Thai Language.
Thai is a monosyllabic and tonal language. In fact, there are 5 different tones. That is why it is so different. The same word pronounced in a different tone has a different meaning. The Thai language has different levels of vocabulary. These levels are according to the role of the speaker. The script is divided into 44 consonants (2 of which are no longer in use) and vowels, which in turn are subdivided into simple and composed vowels. Thai is written from the left to the right hand side. The letters are distinct and aren’t linked to each other. There is no space between the words. Punctuation does not exist. To establish a separation in a text just leave a space. Capital and small letters do not exist. Words are invariable: no feminine, no plural, and no conjugation. Words or supplementary particles indicate these notions.
For instance, “Refer to department of export promotion, Royal Thai Government.”
One more thing to note is that when Thais speak, they usually replace “R” with “L”. That’s why they speak a bit different. For example, sport => pronounced as “spolt”, Mirror => Millor.
So when you talk to Thais, please get used to this.
It is similar to how foreigners cannot speak “Five tones” of Thai language very well…. Please do not blame the Thais until you (the foreigner) can master the Five tones 
Thais are kind and patient to understand non-Thais speaking Thai. So in the same manner I request all the foreign people to tolerate the way Thais speak English. If you did that, the world would be a more peaceful place!
Another problem while speaking to Thais in English => the way of speaking. For instance, Americans or Europeans being their conversation with “How are you doing?” or “Today, the weather seems good”…
Thais would say “How are you?” or “Where are you going?” or “did you have a lunch/dinner already” as a small talk
Please note, just be open while speaking…. It doesn’t mean they really want to know where you are going. It is just a statement to spark the conversation. Similar to discussing today’s weather situation.
