Thai Language 101
(Posted on Friday, January 21, 2022)
This is an excerpt taken from a journal I wrote during what would be our last cruise together. We toured Thailand, then boarded a tall sailing ship, sailing up and down the coast of Thailand for two weeks. The cruise was in February, 2018. Steve passed that October, 2018.
Feb. 2, 2018
Thai language is a challenge. One word can have four different meanings, depending on the tone of voice used. For example, the word “MA” can be translated as ” Horse”, “town”, “milk” or “many” ( not precise translations).
Our tour guide was encouraging, explaining Tai people are very appreciative of attempts to use the language, adhere to the modest dress code and respect their culture. Another interesting tidbit, females when saying ” thank you” in Thai must end the word with “Khan”. Males, when expressing the same word, must end it with “Kha”. The language is gender specific.
With its complexities ( volume and tone of voice changes the meaning of a word), Thai language is also simplistic. For example, the question : ” where is the toilet? ” in English would be translated as ” toilet”, in Tai. No need for complete sentences.
Love all the smiling faces of the locals. I’m gonna miss Patong.
Leave a Reply