This article was originally posted on WomenLearnThai.com.
Happy New Year 2012!…
Happy New Year everyone! 2012. Wow. That went fast. Are you ready for a new year? I’m not. Not really. And forget about the backlog of posts from the pre-flood days, when you scan through the holes in my longstanding Thai language wish list, you’ll agree that I’m running terribly behind.
You see, I’ve been watching the language learning market for the past several years. And every so often I’ll come across a product not available for Thai learners. And if it’s interesting enough, I’ll add it to my Thai language wish list.
All along my intentions were to create some of the products you’ll see listed below. But each year I’ve been too much of a busy bee. And each year time runs out. And now it’s coming on 2012 already.
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Yes, I still have good intentions. But, as it’s been awhile, I’ve decided to share the list with you. And (hint) (hint) hopefully someone will help generate what’s needed for learning Thai. Something like that.
My Thai language wish list for 2012…
Last month I discovered a language company with a better idea: Lingibli (no longer online). Lingibli’s printable vocabulary sheets (more on this later) are linked to an iPhone app with sound. Sweet, yes? And way over my programming capabilities.
Note: Lingibli has shown an interest in creating a top 100 Thai app from my list. Now all we [cough] [cough] need to do is convince Lingibli to go whole hog with the entire Thai vocabulary list. Yeah. I wish!
The closest vocabulary product for iPhone with sensible levels is the ClickThai Vocabulary Trainer (reviewed here: Increase Your Thai Vocabulary: Word Brain & ClickThai Vocabulary Trainer). Do you think ClickThai would be interested in offering their list via email too?
I bought the Italian version (more on that later too) and right away I noticed a problem. The phrases are all willy-nilly. Instead, what’s needed are phrases and vocabulary from basic to advanced – OR – create several calendars to fit the different needs of students. And in Thai.
There’s one more Thai language project but as I’m working on it (and don’t want to get preempted) I’ll save it for another day.
To finish, if you know of any products still needed for Thai, or if I’ve listed one already available, please let me know. I’m listening. I’m always listening.
8 comments
Hi Tod. I also have thai-flashcards.com via email and I had the pay version for a year. It’s a great product (he’s put a lot of work into it). Some of the phrases are iffy is all.
That’s quite the “wish list” you’ve got goin’ there..
I stumbled across the website; a while ago and subscribed to their “Thai Exercise” email dealy. I know they have a lot more available than what comes in the daily emails. I just peruse the vocab rather than use it as a study guide.
Michel, I like the concept of thai-flashcards.com but some of their sentences are wonky so I don’t promote it much here. If you know about Thai sentence structure, then ok (and sometimes amusing). But if you are just learning, not so ok.
Ta about the lingibli link. Fixed!
The link to lingibli is dead…
One word a day by e-mail:
Happy new year… And try not to sleep tonight!
Martyn, a word of the day topic list is a great idea. Add to that phrases by levels (beginner and intermediate at least) plus sound and it’d be a sure winner.
Awhile back I looked into auto email lists and they were not free. Programmers… yes… could they pull it off sans extra costs? But I’m sure no one would object to paying a small fee.
I hope someone takes on this project as it’s totally worthwhile.
Happy New Years to you too! I’m raising a glass of white to one and all – have fun and please please stay safe.
Catherine it’s a good job Santa’s retired for the year because he wouldn’t get all those projects in one sack.
My favourite is a Thai word a day via email, that would be great as long as you could choose your level of Thai and perhaps broad range topic such as Tourism, Food, Travel etc.
Have a great New Year’s Eve of celebrations.
Note: This post was written with no sleep [ pretty much ] so be prepared for possible future editing. Darn the jet-lag. Darn the insomnia. Darn the Common Koel screaming in my ear.