Why is it so hard to learn a language?

The usual ‘teach yourself’ methods make almost impossible demands on the time, dedication and memory of students. This results in frustration, disillusionment and self-doubt. If some words or phrases happen to be remembered, situational ‘choking’ is common because either the recall is not instantaneous or because students try to do two-way mental translations between their native and acquired tongues.

Success in learning a foreign language is not determined by a person’s age, gender, or how much money they spend on the study course. What matters most are the two “M”s, namely, motivation and method. Obviously you are already motivated and interested (or you would not be reading this web page), so that leaves method, or how you learn. The type of language course you choose is more important than how much it cost.

Shopping is easier when you know the language

Knowing these words allows beginners to gain an “instant vocabulary” for Thai. Although we may know these words already, we definitely need the CD to learn how they are pronounced in Thailand. The same goes for the list of Thai place-names.

There are over sixty popular destinations given for Thailand, but few people would guess their correct pronunciation by looking at the spelling on a tourist map (there is a basic map provided with the kit).

The CD also demonstrates the polite way to interact with Thai people.  As in any country, if you are not polite you will have much more trouble getting what you want.