Learning The Lingo
Communication is often the most important asset when dealing with any situation. But when buying a property or living on Samui, how important is it to learn Thai?
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
For English speaking people, living in Thailand is very much like living in many other foreign countries. You can ‘get by’ fairly comfortably without learning the native language. English is taught in Thai schools and universities and, because of the established tourism industry on Samui, even those without the benefits of such an education speak relatively good English.
There are foreign people living on the island who have been here for ten years or more and still have no grasp of the Thai language so it obviously is possible to exist here without too many problems.
However, this is something that depends on the individual person and their personal circumstances. For example, it’s inevitable that you’ll pick up certain standard phrases that can help you along the way. And, if you have a Thai partner, it’s easy to become lazy and let them take care of any more in-depth communication. Of course that’s not the same for all mixed relationships. In fact, living daily with a Thai partner can actually help you to develop your language far more effectively. If your partner’s English is not great then you’ll both have to learn each other’s language or you’ll never speak to one another. And, despite the obvious punch-lines, that can’t provide a realistic relationship.
Samui is also now targeting more retirees to buy homes and therefore the number of all-western couples is likely to increase. This will remove the opportunity to rely on a partner.
The Thai language can hardly be described as easy as very few westerners living here actually speak it fluently. But, with a little effort and patience, it is possible to pick up more than just the basics. It’s often noticeable that you develop your understanding quicker than your vocabulary. For instance, you’ll probably find that the more you learn the easier it will be to get the gist of a conversation between two Thais. However, you may still be a long way from being able to join in that conversation.
If you like to be in control of what you do then you’ll be the kind of person that will want to learn for yourself. Not only is it very rewarding when you’re able to arrange something in Thai, and be understood correctly, but it also removes a lot of the frustration you can feel by being reliant on a Thai-speaking friend.
It’s nice to walk into a restaurant and have it recognised, by your attempts at the language, that you’re not a tourist. And, like most other nations, the Thais genuinely appreciate the effort. They’re also very impressed if you say something other than hello, or can I have chicken fried rice please?
In relation to the home-buying process, most properties are aimed at western buyers and therefore even Thai agents will have western employees or will speak fluent English to assist you. All land papers and contracts are in Thai but translations are always provided to avoid any misconceptions. And the same rules generally apply when dealing with lawyers too.
When living here it can be difficult at times to get even the basic things done or understood without the help of a Thai speaker. This can be very frustrating, especially if you know the words and have been seemingly pronouncing them correctly but still can’t be understood. The irritating words of, “oh you mean …”followed by your exasperated reply of, “that’s exactly what I said,”will live with you for a while.
What you have to remember is how the scenario appears to the Thai person you’re trying to talk to. Firstly, they see a western face and assume that you are going to speak in a foreign language, usually English. Therefore they concentrate a little harder and listen for the English words in the same way as you would if we were listening to someone in a language you have a basic knowledge of, like French or Spanish for example. This method of listening is often the root of the problem. Because they’re listening for English they won’t necessarily recognise the Thai words being spoken. When you think about it, it does make sense. When they realise that you’re actually speaking Thai they can then judge the context, correct the tonal mistakes you may have made and then finally understand.
This is a process you’ll become familiar with and that total look of confusion will sometimes be evident even when you’ve uttered a perfect Thai phrase.
Also you shouldn’t feel offended if, when ordering food in your best Thai, the waiter repeats it in English. This is not meant to deter you from trying but there have been examples of people thinking they’ve asked for one dish when in fact they’ve have ordered something completely different. If the dish is served and the customer incorrectly states that it’s wrong, then the cost of the meal is deducted from the wages of the waiter. So you can now understand why they confirm your order in English before accepting it.
Thai-English dictionaries, phrase books and home learning CDs, etc. can all be useful to buy. The only problem is that they tend to be aimed at tourist-type situations and also, because of the phonetic interpretations of the language, each one will be slightly different; adding to the overall confusion. They can be great for asking directions and ordering food. But they rarely teach you how to ask for someone to fix the plug in your sink; arrange to have your air-conditioning cleaned or what to say when you have a problem with your telephone line.
Most language issues are becoming less of a problem. As more western residents arrive, more companies are catering to their needs with English-speaking staff. This may be seen as a good thing; it certainly removes the necessity of learning Thai. However, it’s also a little sad. If we westerners choose to live in Thailand, a proud land of tradition and culture, then it seems appropriate that we make some effort to learn the language and communicate on some level in Thai.
In short, as English-speaking people you can easily survive here without learning the language, especially if you have a Thai friend who can help when the going gets tough. However, just because you can, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you should. Knowing any second language is a valuable asset and having even the most basic knowledge of a language as linguistically challenging as Thai can be very impressive. By making the effort and learning Thai you will gain more respect from the Thais; get treated more like a local; and have a much easier, happier and rewarding existence on the island. |
