[post was written in June 2021]

I have been enjoying my time learning Thai language over the past few months. I first started my basic level 1 class in Feb 2021. Thai was also a new language achievement for me because I usually stop learning a new language at Level 2, but I actually proceeded to join the third level (Intermediate Level 1) class!

Interestingly, my brain sometimes think in the different languages I’ve learnt thus far (which is not Thai), during my classes. I kept thinking of Chinese words, and even sign language to reply to the Kroo (teacher) in my head. So my inner thoughts became even more complicated with the blending of languages, and my learning habits popped up automatically.

Indeed, a person does not truly change its ways, and the body remembers.

It was also fascinating to spot the similarities in the languages I am familiar with along the way. Did you know “Ma” is horse in both Chinese and Thai? And soap is “Sa-boo” and “Sabun” in Thai and Malay respectively? And “Moo” is pork in Thai, but English is my first language, so I can’t help but think it is beef!

After learning various languages, my belief that people can live peacefully side by side, because we have more similarities than differences, became much stronger. Just a matter if we can overcome our prejudices and habits.

So, I wanted to focus a little on those similarities just a little.

Disclaimer: This is just my observation and solely my opinion. Have also spotted other observations here

What are the similarities between Thai and the languages I know of?

For one, it is descriptive and does not follow the English grammar. Mostly it works backwards, where you mention the object first, then add in the verbs and adjectives after. This is the opposite of English.

Seems like Thai is also similar to Malay which uses literal translation quite often, and they are both very flexible and adapts modern words literally. This could be because they are Asian languages with close land proximity with each other, so it is no surprise how similar they can be.

Languages is the art of humans, and I feel so very grateful to have the resources to learn some of them.

[Update in Nov 2022]

I am so glad that post-pandemic world has allowed international travel to open up, so have been seeing a lot of Thai artists in Singapore for events and shows. Being able to understand their language nid noi (a little bit) definitely makes me feel their sincerity better, and I also appreciate the efforts they put in to converse in our language too.

Once again, a reminder that language is a two-way street, where everyone can meet at.

Let me know what language I should learn next!

All photos in this post belong to Umi.