"spokethai" Version 1.6.0.2 Released !

[SpokenThai]

"SpokeThai" version 1.6.0.2 released !!!

We are pleased to announce the release of new version of "SpokenThai" package. This version includes:

Total of over 20,000 terms.

Fast new search engine.

7,300 audio files.

Phonetic dictionary with over 10,000 words.

The E-book of "Basic Thai Lessons".

Users of version 1.6.0.0/1 do not have to download sound files.

Setup file - 2 MB

We like to thank all users who send us their comments and suggestions.

For "SpokenThai" web page:

"SpokenThai"

Thank you

Support team

[email protected]

Edited April 9, 2006 by SpokenThai

[ronniebootwest]

Wow !

I have been using version 1.4 up until now and have been completely satisfied with it. I decided to download version 1.6 to give it a try and was absolutely astonished how much this new version has changed. It is a big improvement - the amount of audio files have actually been doubled !

I have only one thing to say - Great program !!! Give it a try.

Ron West

[cdnvic]

I bought it a week ago on recommendation of another forum member and have been quite impressed. Much more interactive and easy to use than language tapes for about the same price.

The only suggestion I could make would be zipping the audio files together for easier downloading, but the program itself I'm quite happy with

cv

[SpokenThai]

The only suggestion I could make would be zipping the audio files together for easier downloading, but the program itself I'm quite happy with

Dear CV,

We are glad to hear from another satisfied user.

The reason we did not zip the audio categories is simple:

Since we use high quality WAV not compressed files and not MP3 (which are compressed), the zipped files will be almost as big as the un-zipped files. Thus we decided to save users the need to unzip 53 audio categories files and give the original files. Zipping all files together will end with a file of 180 MB.

Thank you for using "SpokenThai"

"SpokenThai" support team.

[phibunmike]

"SpokeThai" version 1.6.0.2 released !!!

We are pleased to announce the release of new version of "SpokenThai" package. This version includes:

Total of over 20,000 terms.

Fast new search engine.

7,300 audio files.

Phonetic dictionary with over 10,000 words.

The E-book of "Basic Thai Lessons".

Users of version 1.6.0.0/1 do not have to download sound files.

Setup file - 2 MB

We like to thank all users who send us their comments and suggestions.

For "SpokenThai" web page:

"SpokenThai"

Thank you

Support team

[email protected]

It looks interesting, but I must say I am rather put off by the following note in the "readme" file:

For example: Our "Cat" is pronounces as the English word "Cut" (cut to pieces) and not as "Cat" (the animal). Our "Cam" is pronounces as the English word "Come" (come here), our "Du" is pronounced as the English word "Do" (do something), our "Wil" as "Wheel" (of a car), "Bek" as "Back" (go back), "Shut" as "Shoot (a gun) and not as "Shut" (the door). So when you read the phonetic English translation, DO NOT read the words as reading English !

While our "Men" will be pronounced like "Man" (eng), our "Man" will be pronounced like in "Mango" (eng).

While our "Bas" will be pronounced like "Bus" (eng), our "Bud" will be pronounced like in "Buddha" (eng).

There is one exception: Sometimes we use "ae" for "e" - Example: "Pae" for "Pe" as in "Pen" (eng).

Why create this funny system, which also has to be learnt ? Pronounce an "a" as a "u" and an "e" as an "a" ? Why ?

I realise there are inconsistencies in English, but surely there are easier ways to resolve them ?

[SpokenThai]

Why create this funny system, which also has to be learnt ? Pronounce an "a" as a "u" and an "e" as an "a" ?

Sorry, you did not undertand it. "a" in not pronounce as "u" and "e" is not pronounce a "a". When you hear "u" we use "u" and when you hear "e" we use "e". For example: the word "Du" (to look) we write it with "u" because you hear "u". If we write it as in English "Do" (to make) then people will be confused. The readme file is not the program itself but is written for explanaion only. We avoid words like "Cat" and we use "Kat", which we are sure any nationality will read it as it should, and not your way. The same way we use "Lap", "Kam", "Gan" etc.

"SpokeThai" is international tool for people from different countries and not only for people from England or USA. So we do not use "English" or "American" in the phonetic but we use the alphabet only. Even in some English speaking countries (Singapore, India, Burma and more) they do not pronounce the same way as in USA or England.

If we write "Pluk" in your way, "Plook", some will read it as in "Shoot" and some as in "Door". So why not simply use "u" instead of "oo" ?

Our phonetic proved to be very satisfying for all users for many years.

Anyway, there are 3 rules (a, e, u).

Is it really so difficult to remember how to pronounce them ?

Thank you for your comment

[bmore99]

Isn't this the reason why IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) was developed?

[boxig]

Isn't this the reason why IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) was developed?

I have at least dozen of books, each uses its own phonetic system. International Phonetic Alphabet is not followed by everyone and is not always the easiest way to learn a language. In my opinion language should be learnt by listening, especially Thai, which is very problematic in translation.

[bmore99]

Isn't this the reason why IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) was developed?

I have at least dozen of books, each uses its own phonetic system. International Phonetic Alphabet is not followed by everyone and is not always the easiest way to learn a language. In my opinion language should be learnt by listening, especially Thai, which is very problematic in translation.

Indeed. Listening is the best way to learn the pronunciation. However, when sound is not available it would be nice to have 1 and only 1 phonetic way of writing it.

Every book or system should use IPA. Indeed, not easy, but it is the most accurate and most all-tongues friendly system. It would be a way to avoid the numerous different and mostly inaccurate ways that are in use now and thus make discussions like the above obsolete.

[Rikker]

I agree. Even with its weaknesses, I prefer IPA to systems which try to transcribe Thai using solely the A-Z alphabet. The precision of IPA is much better.

The Haas dictionary has by far the most accurate phonetic transcriptions of Thai out there, and it's 40 years old! Imagine what we'd have if Mary Haas were still around today.