He can't speak english, but I want to help him!?

Question

There's this new student at school who can only speak Thai. Problem is, I can't speak thai, or anyone I know at my school. The student can't really understand english (or at least he can, but slowly) and can't speak it either. No one can really talk to him or understand him because of that, so most of the time, he looks lost. I want to help him, or at least try to find someone to help him (but so far no one). As I said, I want to help him myself, but there's the language barrier. What can I do to help? Thanks for any answers!

Answer 1

Language barrier?

LEARN his language.

At least learn to say "hey" in thai!

=)

I learned Chinese Mandarin for my boyfriend and dude.. it was NOT easy.  But at least he appreciates it.

Just try and learn basic phrases to kinda make him feel more comfortable.  There's plenty of books and resources online.  Ask him about the type of music he listens to and see if you can listen to some of the thai artists he likes.  And maybe invite him to go to a thai restaurant or something..

You know?  Just be interested in his language and culture. ^_^

It's not going to be easy but who said it was?  It's nice that you want to help out.  But it takes a lot of effort...

Answer 2

I would definitely agree with the answer to purchase a Thai phrasebook (Lonely Planet ones are phenomenal), and maybe a Thai/English--English/Thai dictionary, and try to have a normal conversation with him (you might want to buy two copies depending on how much you want to spend, one for him to study, and one for you to have handy). When you talk to him, speak a little slower than usual (not much, though, otherwise it can be confusing), and enunciate clearly. Be patient with him if he messes up or has a heavy accent, remember, he's probably confused, frustrated, and homesick. Encourage other students to interact with him to keep him from getting lonely and to encourage him to keep learning English. Invite him over to your house to watch movies (maybe ones with Thai subtitles ;), swap music and see if there are any special events in your area, or even Thai festivals that are relatively close.

I've had contact with foreign students before, and have found using a dictionary and a phrasebook are beautiful things. I've also helped learners of English out by having conversations with them, which can be the best thing to do, and it works. Give it a whirl, and I hope it helps. =)

Answer 3

You can try signals, or pointing at things and telling him their names, that's how i learned English when i came to The United States, my co-workers didn't speak Spanish, but that didn't stop them from talking to me and teaching me, you could do like them, show him things like a notebook or a pencil, and ask him to repeat the word after you. It worked for me.

Good luck.

Answer 4

The best thing is to keep talking to him in simple and clear English, that way he will learn fastest. Just as a form of politeness, you can use a few Thai phrases, or ask him to learn you a few Thai words.

See : "Some Useful Thai Phrases" : http://www.mypattaya.com/80thaiphrases.a...

Answer 5

i think he can get free coordinator from school.

school need to apply for this free system. he's gonna go around with the coordinator for 1 week or more. depends.

my oldest son had female coordinator when he started kinder in the us. he couldnt speak and understand english when he came here.

go office and ask them.

i want to say thank you to you instead of thai boy.

have a good night :)

Answer 6

The best way to help him would to get a English to Thai dictionary and a Thai to English dictionary that way he can look up the words and show you what he wants to say as you can do the same for him.. They are relatively cheap and sold at most books stores.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 7

Wasn't there an evaluation of his english language level before he was accepted? He should attend an english for foreigners class before anything else.