Basics and beyond

Language book helps everybody

Title: Speak Thai, Speak English: Beyond the Basics
Author: Sunee Canyuk
Publisher: Post Books Publishing

With enough effort, anybody can learn a foreign language. But to truly excel at it might require years of arduous study and experience with native speakers. With that in mind, Post Books recently published Speak Thai, Speak English: Beyond the Basics to help both Thai language learners and Thais wanting to improve their English skills.

After years of experience teaching Thai to foreigners and English to Thais, along with writing the “Thai Language Learning” column for the Bangkok Post, Sunee Canyuk has collected answers to common questions relating to Thai language learning.

The book emphasises Thai culture, everyday conversation, and how to speak the language like a local. Thai people who have problems trying to explain Thai culture and issues to foreigners can also benefit from the book. Topics range from going around town and buying goods to Thai customs and beliefs in spirits.

In each chapter, the writer has arranged the topics in interesting ways. First, she explains the topics in a lucid manner and illustrates a conversation. She then gives some useful tips relating to the topic. Lastly, at the end of each topic are exercises for learners to revise what they have just learned. The appendix covers Thai and English vocabulary words used throughout the book.

To master a language, it is essential not to only learn how to communicate, but also to thoroughly comprehend the lifestyles of the people who speak the language. At the same time, native Thai speakers should be able to clearly explain their own country’s culture to foreigners. Speak Thai, Speak English: Beyond the Basics will help readers to do all that and more in a very enjoyable way. — WC

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