GLOPglopMAmaTONG

I don't know about OP, but anyone who tries to deny that young and good-looking is not important in Thailand is just being dishonest. Every year it becomes more obvious--looks are just important if not more important than teaching ability. Sad but true. Maybe I wouldn't be sad if I were young and handsome.

30,000 is not very good in Bangkok. Even without a degree. 35,000 is the normal starting salary. Degree or no degree.

Would you want this guy teaching your kids?

Thailand is a wonderful place.

But if I had kids and they were in Thailand, i would teach them myself.

To answer your question, I would not want him teaching my kids, unless it was how to primp and pump. He is a body builder, I think he said.

Is he smart enough? No.

There are very few farang in Thailand I would trust to teach children without supervision.

Since you asked the question.

Sorry, just woke up, having a coffee and typing on a tablet. Did I state, scoffing??

High School grads...lol, you reakly are a dreamer. Well, yes...a joint effort by private enterprise and MOE to pay for round trip tickets in advance and provideba literal mountain of paperwork only to have the kiddies run home when...

Homesick
Food too spicy
Promised travel
Cant save money
Bored
Actually have to work
Get a girl pregnant
Find out they can drink at 18
Locate the local bad girl shack and spend all their money
Make a total hash of their lives in the school and or community
Only wanted to stay until they cleared their head and could go on to college.

Need to do a runner because they have banged every peasant girl in town, all hoping to marry the guy

Unattractive females feeling very alone.


Genius

Maturity is necessary for those who wish to be good teachers.

Spicy food would be a must for me, as well.

If I wanted to get an English teaching job, which I do not, I do not think I could.

Those over 30, or 40, must find it very difficult.

But, the spicy food would be not problem for me, and my hashing days are behind me.

Normally, students in the class wish to be entertained by the farang teacher, just as the farang students wish to be entertained by the Thai teacher.

I have seen very few serious Thai language students here.

They are interested in the Ed Visa, and this is all, most of the cases.

And some are real head cases, too.

So, I think that the OP stated he would post more topics discussing different aspects of this issue, as it impinges upon foreigners in Thailand who are not ESL teachers.

I look forward to reading these topics.

 

Philippinos do not speak excellent English, their writing skills are not great either. Acceptable for rural areas not so much for top 500 schools in Thailand imo.

Without doubt someone who has taught for three years and or completed a serious advanced course is cspable of teaching ESL. But its only those without degree that keep scoffing at them as barrier to job entry.

This is 2015, what job does not require a degree? You were to lazy or lack focus to complete one? Now, still would rather yeach illegally than get a degree because inside you know you lack the ability, discipline and life skills.

English may be not needed at all schools, I agree. But many of those kids have class 1x a week, what's the harm?

If the industry can rid itself of teachers without degrees and we can see perks like, scaled salaries by year and province, if married 3+ years = PR. Teachers will gain respect. Allow teachers to own their visas and move at will.

The comment about the teachers on the bts was rubbish. We all speak quite different in different situations, to different people. How mind numbing bigoted and stupid of you.

Get rid of any teacher that in any way offends Thai staff or students. Who does not perform school functions, etc...this lot puts a horrible face on teachers. They will never change.

Also, scrutinize the resumes of teachers. I've seen some seriously bs resumes posted on Ajarn and esljobflow or whatever. Complete 'careers' fabricated. They may even be a risk.

the poor schools would never be able to afford what you propose

 

There are probably plenty of qualified out of work high school level English teachers in the United States who would gladly come to Thailand just for room and board, and a small stipend, and teach for a year or more.

Philippinos do not speak excellent English, their writing skills are not great either. Acceptable for rural areas not so much for top 500 schools in Thailand imo.

Without doubt someone who has taught for three years and or completed a serious advanced course is capable of teaching ESL.

But its only those without degree that keep scoffing at them as barrier to job entry. SO TIRED OF THIS. PLEASE STOP.

This is 2015, what job does not require a degree? You were too lazy or lacked focus to complete one? Now..you'd still would rather teach illegally than get a degree because inside you know you lack the ability, discipline and life skills.

While arguably English, History, Political Science majors are best (majors requiring lots of reading and writing), all majors should guarantee a cire competence in a number of core areas that are solid building blocks of ESL teaching.

North American accent is prefered world round. North American university system is solid by and large. Consistent. You don't have to hire that Anthropology major from some crap school. Yeah, Communications is a ridiculous degree, but perhaps great for TEFL?

English may be not needed at all schools, I agree. But many of those kids have class 1x a week, what's the harm?

If the industry can rid itself of teachers without degrees and we can see perks like, scaled salaries by year and province, if married 3+ years = PR. Teachers will gain respect. Allow teachers to own their visas and move at will.

The comment about the teachers on the bts was rubbish. We all speak quite different in different situations, to different people. How mind numbing bigoted and stupid of you.

Get rid of any teacher that in any way offends Thai staff or students. Who does not perform school functions, etc...this lot puts a horrible face on teachers. They will never change.

Also, scrutinize the resumes of teachers. I've seen some seriously bs resumes posted on Ajarn and esljobflow or whatever. Complete 'careers' fabricated. They may even be a risk.

I think you don't mean to use scoffing this way, if you are giving us and example of this word for an ESL classroom.  Perhaps you mean something like "look askance at", or many other choices.  

You mention everybody is breaking the law.

Does that mean you have to as well?

Your not in your own country now.

Few years ago. No problem.

But now. If you can't get a work permit. Forget it.

Last thing you want is to be deported.

PS. Not everyone is attached to a bar girl.

In some countries, if caught and deported, one is forced to live in some pretty intolerable detention centers.

Are you saying that this would happen to some farang if caught working without a permit?

I never, ever, would.

But, I am curious what happens to farang who are caught working illegally.

AND why you say that NOW it is bad to be caught teaching illegally. Is it worse than before?

_{My two cents.}

_{There is no way (regardless of the benefits package) that I would live in Bangkok on 30k. No way, no how.}

_{I also would not work in Thailand wothout a valid work permit. Again, no way.}

Totally agree.

You could not pay me enough.

When I first decided to come to Thailand, I made it clear to myself, in no uncertain terms, that the longest I would remain in BKK was walking from one incoming flight to switch planes to the outgoing flight for Northern Thailand.

Basically, i was in BKK airport for about 3 hours.

Coming to Northern Thailand was the best decision I could have made.

So, I would gladly take 20,000 per month, teaching English, rather than 50,000 per month, if I were forced to live in BKK.

I don't spend that much money, anyway, but I have a much higher living standard because some really nice places are available in the North for much lower rents.

My advice to the OP is to rethink, and come North, and then try to get a job for 30,000.

Also, if you are willing to risk working without a permit, then you might as well take private lessons as well.

Of course, really, I would not teach English, period, no matter what you paid me, simply because it is exceedingly boring unless you are teaching Linguistics at the college level.

However, I don't think they would allow doing that without a college degree, or an advanced degree, probably, no matter how young the OP says he looks.

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPOVwKPMG8o[/media]

You might send them some of your lucky charms.

Just a thought.

Have you seen the video regarding the teacher who accepts a blind pupil into her class?

I think she was blind.

I have sent many farang here give all their money to the local girls.

 

Its beautiful not thinking twice just giving everything they have.

If you know any more girls who might need money, I have some.

 

 

   My wife's aunt has a husband, who is the nicest, hardest working man I have ever met. He is always on the move doing something. Him and his wife are also dirt poor all the time, they have a food stand and he delivers. One day I saw him and hid a 1000baht note in my hand and slipped it into his hand.I wanted too keep it between him and I. I don't need other family members thinking they deserve it. OH NO he wai'd me and then got on his knees and kissed my feet and said something in Thai. The whole family smiled at me. I see him 1-2 times a month and I have got thru to him,that this is on the down-low.     Now only his wife and my wife smile at me when they see the hand-off.What i feel in my heart is worth every single baht.

 

Well, you have obviously become his best patron.

 

 

Yes they have very good food, but sadly they don't serve my favorite...Patron Tequila
 

 

There is a derivation in every name.

I am glad for this topic.

BUT, I do NOT teach ENGLISH, and have no wish to teach English.

What I want to know more about is how will this affect the foreigners, as well as farang, who just want to study for 6 years at a university, or the Thai language to a high level.

In order to learn Thai to be half way fluent, and I mean half way literally, one does need 5 years.

Fluency is thought to only take place after the 7th year.

So, Mr. Scarf, I really hope you will investigate this question and then report as much as you can!

This information will be very valuable.

There are always so many ELS teachers that are so vocal here that the majority of us farang who just want to study do not get and edge in wordwise!

Thank you.

More info about new visa regs and how it affects REAL students who want to STUDY, and not swim and bar hop.

Tks.

AND, students who ALREADY have a BA!

I guess International schools must be getting desperate if they are hiring people for only 30k without degrees.

The salary of 30k is a little low for Bangkok but not extremely for your lack of qualifications.

Take it if you want. You won't be offered much more other places.

Trust me the young and blonde isn't a qualification for a real school. So I doubt this is a top International School.

Your comment is interesting to me, because I had thought just the opposite.

I had thought that if someone was old, no matter what his or her qualifications, chances are that they would not be wanted in most schools, no matter what caliber the school might be.

   My wife's aunt has a husband, who is the nicest, hardest working man I have ever met. He is always on the move doing something. Him and his wife are also dirt poor all the time, they have a food stand and he delivers. One day I saw him and hid a 1000baht note in my hand and slipped it into his hand.I wanted too keep it between him and I. I don't need other family members thinking they deserve it. OH NO he wai'd me and then got on his knees and kissed my feet and said something in Thai. The whole family smiled at me. I see him 1-2 times a month and I have got thru to him,that this is on the down-low.     Now only his wife and my wife smile at me when they see the hand-off.What i feel in my heart is worth every single baht.

Well, you have obviously become his best patron.

There have been many, many.

One is as good as another, since each one makes us feel very good.

Corny and True.

(living here has changed me for the better.  You laugh.  I was a sinner before.  I now have more faith in my fellow man.  Corny, yes, but true)

Informally showing acknowledgement or agreement, from a female.

Yes, again, in the context I saw it, "acknowledgement or agreement" makes perfect sense. (also, gender is correct)

I would like to ask the experts here about the measurement process. When you say x number of words constitutes a certain level of fluency, how is a "word" measured for this purpose? If the word ไป, for example, has three or four different meanings and usages in Thai, is that word counted as one or four? (The same question for words like ได้ and ให้.) If one knows the word รถ and ยนต์ and the combination of รถยนต์, are three words added to the list, or only two? Are คะ and จ้า treated as two words, or variations on one? How about the pronouns เขา and เค้า?

Do names of people and universities, for example, count as separate words for this purpose? Do the adjectival forms of words and their adverbial counterparts count as separate words (e.g. มาก and อย่างมาก); How about simple adjectives and their comparative and superlative forms (e.g. เก่ง. เก่งกว่า, เก่งที่สุด); are these one word or three for the accounting?

Or, is the definition of a "word" for this purpose based on a "one Anki card, one word" approach?

Sorry for asking what may seem a trivial question, but I would like to understand the accounting. I am very impressed by how much knowledge so many of you have of the Thai language and its vocabulary and grammatical structures. Your knowledge and dedication can only serve as an inspiration to the rest of us.

I think you might contact the compilers and publishers of the Thai dictionaries, and other dictionaries, to ask them how they determine what constitutes a separate "entry".

The trend amongst the youngsters is to write จร้า

So then you of course have an r sound in the middle.

BUT, does it still retain the meaning discussed above?

I have memorized over 9000 words and expressions ... Every newspaper article I read has more than one word that I have to look up or ask my teacher.

...Learning Thai is harder for a native English speaker than learning another European language for sure...

You who knows over 9000 words and expressions and who can read almost fluently thai newspapers, can you tell us why thai language , in your opinion, is harder than other European languages ?

apart from the tone rules, the big alphabet and how to pronounce correctly the tones ( everything here is question of memory and ear ), I don't think that the structure of the language is very difficult : grammar is not very difficult, and when you master it, there is no surprise at every corner of the sentences

I am certainly wrong somewhere, you are much more advanced than me ( I am only interested in every day language and chidren books , not by newspapers: I read Manee and Mary Haas books )

You are right, the fish captain is wrong. Probably English is hardest of the European languages, if you do not add in Czech, maybe.

But, since we are on the subject of working vocab, commenter who stated that 5000 would be enough to enter a university to study for a degree is CORRECT.

Also is correct the statement where he/she says a lot of work is required.

A lot of work is required because you need to begin learning the special terminology of your field of study, be it architecture, biology, etc.

5000 is PLENTY for entering a degree program, especially since many of the texts are in English, and you only need to understand the lectures, and maybe use Thai for research purposes if you are doing a history degree, etc.

5000 words is a good start, but doesn't get you to fluency. I have memorized over 9000 words and expressions via my flashcard program although I have certainly forgotten some of them until they pop up next time for another rehearsal. But even 9000 words is not nearly enough. Every newspaper article I read has more than one word that I have to look up or ask my teacher. By comparison I probably know 20,000 words in my native English along with etymologies for many of them. I consider myself at an intermediate level in Thai.

It seems to me that most of the foreign learners of Thai limit themselves severely by setting their sights too low, which in my opinion, is anything less than fluency. I want to be able to use and understand Thai language every bit as well as English. I expect to achieve that goal, but even if I don't get that far, just aiming high will result in a higher level of achievement than I would otherwise have reached. Language study is a very fair enterprise: the more you put in, the more you get out.

By the way, if you are trying to build your vocabulary without using a flashcard program that offers "spaced repetition" you are missing out on a major advantage of language learning in the computer age. After trying several such programs, I have been using Anki for several years now. Basically, language learners forget new words at predictable rates which Anki can use to reschedule the next rehearsal thereby improving retention. Responding to an English prompt with the corresponding Thai word is called "cold recall" since it is without the cues that occur in context. It's the toughest memory task. Recognition of words in the context of reading is easier, but cold recall is what we rely on when we want to introduce a new topic into the conversation, for instance.

Learning Thai is harder for a native English speaker than learning another European language for sure, but it is a lot easier than Chinese or Japanese because of the alphabet (actually an abugida.) But the tones are only a problem initially. After 2.5 years here in BKK I can produce the tones and recognize them pretty much without difficulty although I am still improving and still make mistakes. The key to getting the tones right is having a professional teacher correct you whenever you mispronounce them, which is, basically, all the time. The average Thai person in conversation will not do this, including my wife who, although bilingual, is not a language teacher. And you are simply fooling yourself if you think you can correct your own tones. You need competent feedback. I was lucky to find good teachers who correct me constantly. Tones, just by the way, are also a great deal of fun.

Sorry, Sir, but:

"Learning Thai is harder for a native English speaker than learning another European language for sure, but it is a lot easier than Chinese or Japanese because of the alphabet (actually an abugida.)"

Is not true.

"but it is a lot easier than Chinese or Japanese because of the alphabet (actually an abugida.)" "

This part is NOT true.

Why do Thais say "farang man chop poo ying
KHON Thai" but " KHON Thai khao chop farang"?

One is a fruit.

จ้า, จ้ะ are informal of ค่ะ, ค่า

Thai people will not use จ้า for business talk, but only use among friends or family

 

for example

ไม่เป็นไรค่ะ   mai pen rai ka  = for anyone

ไม่เป็นไรจ้ะ   mai pen rai ja  = friends, family

 

it's also use by only "Ja" for meaning "OK" or "Yes" or "noted"

 

like the word "Hi" in Japanese  

 

 

 

 

it's also use by only "Ja" for meaning "OK" or "Yes" or "noted"

In my case:  noted is closes, I think.

1. It's like yah, as in "uh huh, yah" It is often replaced with a grunt. It is just one of those sounds we make when we get lazy or really informal with our speech. Often used in phone conversations.

 

 

2. It is a replacement for ka, especially in the north. and it is used in the same way, can be polite or informal.

It is mainly a word ladies use.

Yes, sure enough, you really nailed it this time, and now I do understand the whole,  text on the phone.  And, I am sure you are correct.

The meaning is subtle and varies according to situation.

Some people do stop using khrap/kha after a time. See http://learnthaiwithmod.com/2011/02/speak-like-a-thai-polite-particle-ja/ for one Thai woman's description of how she uses it.

Used by itself it normally means "yes" (though really it's more like "I understand what you are saying, but I may not agree with what you're saying and I'm going to be polite").

Without proper context it's difficult to give a more definitive answer.

Thanks for the link, which I bookmarked so I can refer to it when I see it again.

In my case, the utterance I noted meant   "used in isolation as a ‘yes‘ response;", 

 I would say, now.

When people here refer to me as "farang", blah blah, it just helps to remind me that I am in Thailand, which increases my level of happiness.

As for me,i have vocab of a bit less than 2500 words(i write down every word in my notebook).I can watch movies/news/talk shows and understand about 70-80%.No doubt that with 5000+ words i would understand majority of what is spoken.Of course speaking and listening/understand isn't the same but nonetheless 5000 words(with proper tones) would take you very far

How can you know how many words you know in a language ?; Writing down every word you know and understanding 70-80% of what is said in movies is very good already, better than me : now I look TV ( television, not thaivisa ), I have some vocabulary ( how many words, I don't know ) , but they speak a little bit too fast for me ; I must train, but in every day life I can have good conversation with people , who understand me most of the time

One way to measure vocabulary known by test subjects is to present them with a sampling of the entire lexicon, and then to test what percentage is known by each, and then to extrapolate back from that. But, you are correct that there are different vocabularies according to what areas one is measuring, such as science, versus literature, since none of the more esoteric science terms will ever be needed by most readers of the classics.

Probably we should ask a linguist, or two. For example isomer, and right handedness. This is an easy concept but there are a lot that are difficult.

Most people learn an L2 language at this level, the advance level, in order to do research in the academic field of their choice. So then there is probably many additional terminology particular to their field of study which must be learned. And this is true of the native language speakers in this field, as well, since many learn the jargon of their field in the classroom.