Want To Learn Thai Fast

[DRoseMJD]

I have been to Thailand twice, for a total of roughly 2.5 months. I know a little bit of Thai, maybe a few hundred words and currently have an online instructor who misses most of our lessons. I have been using youtube videos and a few websites, but would like to speed the process up a bit. My GF only wants to speak english with me on the phone and can rarely understand what I am saying when speaking Thai. If anyone has any online teacher recommendations or things i could do on my own that would be helpful. I'm sure there are a ton of resources in this forum, but it is all a bit overwhelming and I don't know where to begin, thanks for any help!

[ZeroDesire]

My GF only wants to speak english with me on the phone

Sorry, I don't mean to offend you but it seems like your GF is only interested in improving her English language skills. She should spend a bit of time to help you improve your Thai language (I assume her Thai is much better than yours). Even 15 min out of one hour conversation would help. Also, dump that unreliable online tutor. I've heard of people here got great results learning Thai from other online tutors. You probably have to look up the threads. Good luck man.

[natnat]

how could i help you?

[pkspeaker]

You probably wont be able to learn thai fast but you can keep working at it on your spare time, i have this problem too that although i feel i'm speaking correctly, thai's can't understand, i try to speak a little louder and more coherently w/o yelling.. Thai's are not used to hearing foreigners speak their language so be patient, if a Thai person's (other than your GF) english is better than your thai and it usually will be, or at least as good, then don't force it on them, they want to communicate with you not teach you thai..

if your just starting out go thru this website

thai-language.com

at least the basic 20 lessons, make sure you learn the script and start using it, keep hitting the hide transcription button and listen to the speaking, go thru the lessons and know them 100%.. support them with a 2nd beginer/intermediate thai lesson like one with a CD that you can listen to when your in your car, then make your own similar basic sentences, google.translate now speaks, use it but be careful sometimes it screws up.. then talk,talk, talk,, next time your in thailand goto your GFs village or home and stay with her family, and talk with them as much as you can.. they probably live in some rural area where no one ever speaks english-that's a good place for you to learn.

[makescents]

Books and CDs are the way to go at the start. Pick up a copy of David Smyth's - Complete Thai and work through it. There's also Linguaphone if you have the cash (£220 though ouch).

Thai for Beginners is another good choice and once done you can progress to the intermediate and advanced books. Just remember to get the CDs as this will allow you to practice your listening and pronunciation.

You can drill through you pronunciation, record it and then send a text document with what you are trying to say. Let your spouse confirm if you are doing it correctly.