The Thai language is a tonal language, meaning it is spoken using various tones as you speak. There are 5 tones: (1) middle or flat (no tone, using no inflection in your voice - think robotic), (2) falling or mountain (starting high and going down to mid-range, as in calling out "hey!" to someone across the street), (3) low (starting mid-range and going down), (4) high (starting at mid-range and going up - as in asking a question), and (5) rising (starting at bottom range and going to mid-range, as in asking a question with a lower voice).
And we've been told certain words mean very different things depending on the tone you use, as in you DON'T want to say certain words wrong!! Needless to say, it makes us quite nervous that we're going to say something we shouldn't be saying at all!! And their grammar is so different from ours, we're not only trying to learn how to pronounce the words properly, we're trying to learn how to structure sentences properly. If you remember the sentence structure that Yoda used in the Star Wars movies (or for the older generation just think of Tonto in the Lone Ranger series), that would be close to the Thai language grammar! When we first arrived and were being trained by the couple we replaced, we would always wonder why the Elder spoke so simply to the people. He would say things like "I not like that" or "you driver good." Now, we understand! Though he didn't speak Thai, he was trying to use their sentence structure and speak as simply as possible so they could understand. We feel like we're 2 year olds trying to learn to speak - and we are!! We probably sound like 2 year olds at times! But it's getting better!!
We go to language class at the nearest church building once a week with the Elders as our teachers. They're very patient with us. Bro. Yuth is a member who attends to coach us on proper pronunciation. He's very helpful in working with us and gives us the thumbs up or thumbs down as we practice.
We also have language tutoring via Skype twice weekly for an hour each. You would think we would be conversant by now, right? Not quite yet!! The hard part is retaining what we learn at each class! These ol' brains don't retain like they used to! But we're working at it and will continue to try to learn the language because we feel it's important to be able to communicate to the Thai people in THEIR language. Our goal is to be conversant and to have read the Thai Book of Mormon by the end of our mission - which is now less than 14 months away! Unbelievable!! I think that gives us plenty of time, don't you?! Not so fast - it took us TWO HOURS - yes, 2 hours! - to get through the first verse of 1 Nephi 1!!! Now, we're sure that'll move much more quickly as we gain more knowledge so we'll make up for it at the end - at least, that's our hope! Our goal is also to bear our testimonies in Thai. That is a huge goal that we want to accomplish because we want to be able to testify to the Thai members of our Branch how much we love the gospel of Jesus Christ and how grateful we are to be here in Thailand serving our mission. The Lord has greatly blessed our lives, and we are here serving Him as a form of gratitude for all He has done for us.
There is SUCH a need for more senior couples!! Please encourage all senior couples you know to consider submitting their papers and get out here - we need their help!! The Church needs many more senior couples to help with member support. Much more could be accomplished with more couples out in the field. So, spread the word!!
Cute Bro. Yuth! He gives the "thumbs up" when we say things correctly!
A couple of our teachers. They change with every transfer unfortunately!
This was a very small class. Normally, there are more than this.
Note: the Sisters are without their companions!
That's because they were at High Council meeting that night.
They attend when they are able to.
You have such a good attitude about taking on this challenge! Thanks for your good example.
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