To a Westerner, the simple act of buying an English-Thai dictionary is useful not as easy as you think. He lived in Thailand, I met many travelers spend their money on dictionaries efficiently can not be used for the simple reason that can not read Thai, most English dictionaries is, if not useful. Why not? Why is the Thai equivalent of an English word is written in Thai and notidentified by a Westerner. Therefore, do not use the dictionary independently, unless you have a Thai person in tow, which can read the word for you. A simple fact, but often is overlooked too late when you surrender your money.
Of all the many English-Thai dictionary on the market, there are only a handful of practical, if you can not really read Thai. Be aware that you can find that includes a phonetictranscription also. In plain English, a third element in the dictionary: Italian-Thai, Thai-English and an accurate and consistent transcription of Thai sounds for those of us can read the Thai alphabet. The same obviously applies to other tonal languages like Chinese or Vietnamese, whose writings are an eye Western unrecognizable.
To say that a Thai word correctly, you must first phonetics of a word in Thai recognizableWestern characters. Secondly, you should always show some signs of description to show how to speak correctly noted, the use of the right of Thai tones. Due to the nature of the tonal language (Thai has five fingers, half, low, high, falling and rising), we can say the word correctly, but if you have the wrong tone, it means something completely different. Consequently, opportunities are endless gaffes, and caused a lot of fun in Thai society. Many is the timeLocal Thai looked at me curiously when I announced that I have six horses (instead of six dogs), as the Thai word MAA is the same for both – only the sounds are different.
eg. The word Thai March verb can mean horse, dog, or the country also depends on the tone. MAR, eg cage Tua (rising tone) – I have six dogs, MAR cage Tua (treble) – I had six horses, Khun May March (middle tone) – did not come.
The general terms used in May to decide whether to form aA negative, or alternatively, may mean that new, his or miles. Complicated is not it?
Glai even more dangerous, which can mean that shows exactly the opposite, near or far, depending! You may end up with an expensive taxi if the driver asked how far is somewhere just his answer is wrong!
These are just some of many examples.
For many Westerners heard the proper Thai often show a problem, but to learnsaid. In my experience the best for learning tonal languages are usually musicians, because they can "feel" the differences and be able to pick up sounds much faster. It 's probably easier for most of us begin with a distinction between high-income countries and low and medium colors more than others. But after a while you develop your ear for language and not be easier, believe me! But I'm pretty sure a funny story to tell, by the way you want!
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