Thai Language

Thai is the national and official language of Thailand and the mother tongue of the Thai people, Thailand's dominant ethnic group. It is a tonal language, spoken by about 65 million people. It is rather complex with a unique alphabet and numbering system. The pronunciation of Thai causes the most difficulties, as the same word would have a whole different meaning when pronounced in varying tones. There are 5 tones in Thai: rising, falling, high, low and mid. Five tones, 44 consonants, 15 vowels, and a unique script, make understanding Thai quite a challenge. Thai can be difficult to learn for those who do not already speak a related language.

In addition to Central Thai, Thailand is home to various other related languages such as:

Isan (Northeastern Thai), the language of the Isan region of Thailand, considered by some to be a dialect of the Lao language, which it very closely resembles (although it is written in the Thai alphabet).
Nyaw, spoken mostly in Nakhon Phanom province, Sakhon Nakhon province, Udon Thani province of Northeast Thailand.
Galung language, spoken in Nakhon Phanom province of Northeast Thailand.
Lu (Tai Lue, Dai), spoken in northern Thailand.
Northern Thai (Lanna, Kam Meuang, or Thai Yuan).
Phuan, spoken in central Thailand and Isan.
Phu Thai, spoken around Nakhon Phanom province.
Shan (Thai Luang, Tai Long, Thai Yai), spoken in north-west Thailand along the border with the Shan States of Burma.
Song, spoken in central and northern Thailand(1982).
Southern Thai (Pak Dtai).
Thai Dam, spoken in Isan and Saraburi province.

Many of these languages are spoken outside of Thailand, as well. Most speakers of dialects and minority languages speak Central Thai as well, since it is the language used in schools and universities all across the kingdom.

Numerous languages not related to Thai are spoken within Thailand by ethnic minority hill tribes people. These languages include Hmong-Mien (Yao), Karen, Lisu, Lahu, and others.

Do You Need To Learn To Speak Thai?

Although your newly adopted child may not yet be able to talk, he will be used to hearing the mother language of Thailand. Therefore, you may find it helpful to learn some basic Thai phrases to help your child transition into his new family. If you adopt an older child, she will most likely be a fluent speaker of Thai and it may be useful if you have a fairly good grasp of Thai.

Learning Thai is not easy. But with a little effort some basic phrases can be mastered in a few weeks.

One of the best resources on the internet with excellent information on how to learn Thai is thai-language.com.

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