Teacher / Lecturer

[thaipod]

I'm a little confused on the terms in Thai , arjarn and teacher .

We see these terms used on a daily basis and think the word arjarn is used too freely .

Example .. A teacher is called krue and a lecturer with a degree such as Doctorate etc is a arjarn

I have over the years living here people no matter what qualifications such as Doctors , Dentists teachers ,instructors and even aerobic instructors are addressed as Ajarn or Ajarn Mor .

[Trembly]

Anyone who is teaching you something in a teacher/student context can be called ajahn.

The pre eminently wise (such as a learned monk or seer) are very often addressed as 'ajahn' because of the large store of knowledge which they make a habit of imparting upon others.

Edited September 17, 2012 by Trembly

[phuturatica]

If I remember correctly...

Kru is the job title for teacher...

Ajarn is the word used for addressing a teacher.

[sirchai]

I think the definition is that a "Kru" is an ordinary teacher. "Ajarn" is normally being used for those with more knowledge like a lecturer, monk, or even a Muay Thai specialist who's very professional.

Some people told me that high school and university teachers are called "Ajarn", while primary teachers are just "Kru's".

Foreigners working as English teachers here should be called "Ajarn" because most of them know what the ordinary teachers don't know.

Most Thais call me "Ajarn". ( especially when they need something)------

Edited September 17, 2012 by sirchai

[smileplur]

'Kru' is generally used for primary teachers. 'Ajarn' is generally used for secondary and university teachers. The general public tends to simply use 'ajarn' outside of the context of actually being in the school.

[Loaded]

I think the definition is that a "Kru" is an ordinary teacher. "Ajarn" is normally being used for those with more knowledge like a lecturer, monk, or even a Muay Thai specialist who's very professional.

Some people told me that high school and university teachers are called "Ajarn", while primary teachers are just "Kru's".

Foreigners working as English teachers here should be called "Ajarn" because most of them know what the ordinary teachers don't know.

Most Thais call me "Ajarn". ( especially when they need something)------

That's pretty much what I've been told as well.

Ajarn - specialist (language teacher, trainer, specific subject teacher)

Kru - general teacher

Secondary school, college and university teachers tend to specialize in a particular subject so are usually called ajarn.

Primary school teachers tend to teach a range of subjects and are usually called kruu.

[Trembly]

If I remember correctly...

Kru is the job title for teacher...

Ajarn is the word used for addressing a teacher.

They are interchangeable.

[Trembly]

I think the definition is that a "Kru" is an ordinary teacher. "Ajarn" is normally being used for those with more knowledge like a lecturer, monk, or even a Muay Thai specialist who's very professional.

Some people told me that high school and university teachers are called "Ajarn", while primary teachers are just "Kru's".

Foreigners working as English teachers here should be called "Ajarn" because most of them know what the ordinary teachers don't know.

Most Thais call me "Ajarn". ( especially when they need something)------

That's pretty much what I've been told as well.

Ajarn - specialist (language teacher, trainer, specific subject teacher)

Kru - general teacher

Secondary school, college and university teachers tend to specialize in a particular subject so are usually called ajarn.

Primary school teachers tend to teach a range of subjects and are usually called kruu.

All teachers (primary or secondary) who have classroom contact time are called kru phu sorn (teaching teachers) in official Education Ministry terminology that is used in administration, reports, contracts etc.

The words kru and ajahn are matched in terms of sociological weight and significance but their respective use is at the whim of personal preference (the current zeitgeist is that kru is a teensie weensie bit quaint and old fashioned but who knows when ajahn might sound old and kru will be in vogue again).

I personally have a euphonic preference for kru but my students somtimes use both interchangeably in the same breath.

Edited September 25, 2012 by Trembly

[ClareQuilty]

Kru is high school teacher and below, Ajarn (master) is for Uni lecturers. Thais are always trying to call me Kru because I look young, but I tell them, 'I work at the Uni' and they apologize and call me ajarn.

[KhaoNiaw]

It's not that simple. If you listen, a lot of Thai university lecturers refer to themselves as kru when talking to their students. Students at university generally address their lecturers as ajarn but kru is sometimes used and doesn't show a lack of respect. It's a more "in the classroom" practical kind of meaning. Ajarn can be more specialist and more academic but it's not a simple fixed distinction. Academic qualifications, position and experience can be part of it. At a primary school, for example, the director or senior teachers who are respected for their work and experience can be referred to as ajarn.

Edited September 27, 2012 by KhaoNiaw