PBbeacher wrote:Native English speakers can generally understand broken (even badly broken) English...but one wrong tone in Thai in an otherwise correct sentence and it all goes right out the window! (that maybe just me!)
Amen to this brother! One of my pet peeves as well.
When they butcher up the English language or even just a word, more than 99% of the time I know what they are on about. Why? Because I am listening and trying to understand. If I don't get their stuff right then I'm going to hear "Huh" in that terribly nasal way and the reason is that they have made NO effort either listen OR understand it's just easier to say "Huh".
Wow, 3 of us here have the same question. I was beginning to think I was the only one.
I think the OP was looking for differences, which people are responding to. I don't believe all comments are meant to be complaints
After been a member for some years, I think I have read some of these comments, sound like complaints to me,but english is not my native languise,so what do I know.
A big, big thank you to all of you - you've given me a huge amount of material that I can make use of. The aim of this particular part of the course is to prepare them if/when they're in the company of, or work for, a westerner (in Thailand). It's not to criticise their culture (that would get me 50 angry students baying for my blood), but to educate them to leave some of their Thainess in Thailand when they travel or go to live abroad. I'll tell them that these comments have come from other expats living here (although I agree with everything you've come up with), so they don't hate me.
Thanks again, folks. I'll be doing this part towards the end of term in November - so don't stop posting your ideas.
VS
"Properly trained, man can be a dog's best friend"
Vital Spark wrote:A big, big thank you to all of you - you've given me a huge amount of material that I can make use of. The aim of this particular part of the course is to prepare them if/when they're in the company of, or work for, a westerner (in Thailand). It's not to criticise their culture (that would get me 50 angry students baying for my blood), but to educate them to leave some of their Thainess in Thailand when they travel or go to live abroad. I'll tell them that these comments have come from other expats living here (although I agree with everything you've come up with), so they don't hate me.
Thanks again, folks. I'll be doing this part towards the end of term in November - so don't stop posting your ideas.
VS
Let us know how it goes!!
The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.
I know a fair few Thai's who live/have lived abroad, and I have heard them complain comment about weather, food, prices and loneliness. I can't recall hearing them ever complain about the (native) people or driving. Maybe those things are perfect in farangland.
Some interesting things on this thread, glad it wasn't entirely used as another opportunity to make petty jabs. Thanks and good luck VS.
To be honest, my other half would identify many of the differences listed, having lived in the UK and travelled fairly extensively and she's fiercely patriotic! Some of the things listed above frustrate her but she recognises TIT - lol!
It would be interesting to see what would be listed if those Thais that have lived abroad were asked the same question?
I would imagine responses to do with cleanliness, holding doors open, queuing and drivers stopping to allow pedestrians to cross the road would feature.
To VitalSpark
Please don't take these comments as negative or let your students see them that way, without differences between cultures what we be, all the same and so boring.
As Louis Armstrong said "What a beautiful World"
"Live everyday as if it were your last because someday you're going to be right." Muhammad Ali
Being able to buy postage stamps at the pharmacy.
The sign on the loo at Cheap Charlies - 'piss no shit'.
Fanny sprays.
A fried egg on top of your breakfast rice.
The way rats are tolerated.
Absolute respect for the monarchy.
Having free gift wrapping service at Robinsons at Christmas.
'How old you?'
Happy New Year and Christmas signs up until at least Easter.
The banging of pots and pans during an eclipse (always works that one.)