The What-You-See-Is-What-You-Say Thai Phrase Handbook [Paperback]

Samorn Chaiyana (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1993 | ISBN-10: 0942777042 | ISBN-13: 978-0942777048 | Edition: Revised

: Finally, a Thai phrase book most English-language speakers can pick up and start speaking. Although there are many transliteration systems in use in Thailand, the What You See Is What You Say system is more natural and allows more accurate pronunciation. Tourist, travelers, business people, and even beginning Thai-language learners will find this book useful and fun. A gold mine of cultural tips, insights, usage notes, and modern, spoken Thai.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The WYSIWYS Thai Phrase Handbook is most welcome for those who have little time to ponder the mysteries of [Thai-to-English] transliteration. . . . It is user-friendly and well organized, with chapter in contexts in which foreigners may find themselves. . . . [It] is rarely boring . . . and goes a long way in helping English speakers minimize embarrassing mispronunciations, and helps bridge two cultures through increased communication and understanding. -- Bangkok Post

Language Notes

Text: English

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Intl Wavelength; Revised edition (October 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0942777042
• ISBN-13: 978-0942777048
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #953,141 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #40 in Books > Education & Reference > Dictionaries & Thesauruses > Foreign Language > Thai

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More than just a phrasebook, understand the culture too....., March 25, 1999

By 

Jonathan Bailey "Jonathan Bailey" (Gilbert, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The What-You-See-Is-What-You-Say Thai Phrase Handbook (Paperback)

As a "farang" married to a Thai I've been through a lot of Thai phrasebooks and this is the book I recommend to anyone who not only wants to be able to communicate in Thai but also to understand something of the culture and customs.

This is the most modern and comprehensive phrase book I've seen anywhere and the transliteration system will get you closer to native pronunciation than any other.

The book is divided into various subject areas, e.g., "Eating and Drinking," "Being Polite," "Getting Around," etcetera, and is written in a fun, breezy, narrative style.

If you are planning a trip to Thailand, this is the book you must have.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just a phrase book, April 22, 2003

By 

Richard Barrow (Paknam, Thailand) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The What-You-See-Is-What-You-Say Thai Phrase Handbook (Paperback)

This book is larger than the average phrasebook, but then it is probably not like any language book you have ever seen. I truly believe that to understand a language you have to first understand the culture of the country. This is exactly what this handbook does. I bought this book when I first came to Thailand and found it invaluable for not only learning the language but it also helped me understand the culture and customs. I was sad when I lost my copy but was so please to rediscover this book when it was reprinted in 2003.

A great book for people who want to learn something about the country before they visit as well as to learn many useful phrases.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars thai, November 7, 2004

By 

J. Chester "chester" (guernsey) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The What-You-See-Is-What-You-Say Thai Phrase Handbook (Paperback)

I found this a really helpfull book. A bit old but there were lots of, 'in between' words that i hadnt found in any other phrase book which enabled me to construct sentences a lot easier, also lots of new words and phrases that i found usefull in day to day vocabulary. Definately worth having.