New, Free Thai Reading Course

[ThaiNotes]

Short Version:  The first 9 parts of a new Thai reading course are now available at http://thai-notes.com/reading/index.shtml

 

Slightly Longer Version:  I've written the first nine lessons of what I intend to be a comprehensive reading course.  At this stage I'd really appreciate feedback (a) on any technical issues with the course, and (b) the course content, e.g. are explanations clear? Is the learning curve too steep? Is there not enough practice material?  There's a "Feedback" option on the menu bar which can be used to message me, or you can post or PM me here.

 

Long Version:  Whilst there are a lot of sites out there which are designed to teach you to read Thai, I think they all fall short in one or more areas.  I therefore wanted to produce a site that:

 

• Introduced material in small, logical steps
• Was based upon frequency of characters and words - most frequent consonants/vowels are introduced before less frequent ones, and practice words are selected to be (relatively) common
• Provided plenty of opportunity to practice reading through simple games
• Included worksheets to practise writing as an aid to remembering the characters
• Didn't use silly gimmicks to help memorise the characters.  (These gimmicks are an extra step between seeing a character and interpreting it.  So, whilst the gimmicks might speed up initial memorisation of a character, they ultimately slow reading progress.)
• Was comprehensive, covering a majority of the language's spelling irregularities
• Was free to use and had no adverts.  (I develop the site in my free time, and cover all the running costs myself.)

 

I spent much longer on the initial development than I had anticipated, developing tools to help me identify appropriate words for each level and to generate each web page, as well as the apps on the site itself.  However, if I get positive feedback for what I've done, I should then be able to add additional lessons rapidly.  My current plan includes 70 lessons and half a dozen reference pages.

 

As far as I know there aren't any technical issues with the course.  I have tested with recent versions of four browsers.  I do know that some older browsers may experience problems with the games and the character drawing animation.  The sound quality of the audio clips is, I admit, poor.  I'd love to find a better source that is free, so if anyone knows of one, please do let me know.  Anyway, if you do have technical problems, please let me know, providing info. on which browser & version you're using and which operating system.

 

Thanks for reading so far.

[Boycie]

Just had a quick look and the website looks fantanstic. Will be back later to have a detailed look and will give you my feedback

 

I take my hat off to you Sir, taking the time and effort to help out all Thai Language learners out there. 

 

 

 

 

 

[ThaiNotes]

Just to inform you that I've replaced all the sound clips in the lessons with new, clearer ones.

[carlyai]

well done!

Sent from my SM-J700F using Tapatalk