THAI 1 LANGUAGE PRACTICE 1A

This course introduces students to the Thai language at a basic level (A1), with a special emphasis on practicing the fundamental skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will become familiar with the Thai alphabet, tones, pronunciation, simple sentence structures and everyday vocabulary.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Read and write the Thai alphabet.
2. Pronounce the characteristic tones and sounds of the Thai language correctly.
3. Understand and express simple sentences used in everyday life.
4. Use basic vocabulary and grammatical structures in practical contexts.
at level A1-A2*

* ​​CEFR Basic level (A1): “You can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. You can introduce yourself and others and ask and answer questions about personal details such as where you live, people you know and things you have. You can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.”

* Basic level (A1) of the CEFR: "can understand sentences and expressions of common use, related to macro-areas such as family, work or shopping. can communicate in simple and routine activities and which require a simple exchange of information on topics such as family or common use. can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, the surrounding environment and the expression of immediate needs"

This course is a course for student who is interested in Thai language, culture and society.

Main Contents:
1. Introduction to the Thai writing system
2. Pronunciation and tones (5 basic tones)
3. Greetings and introductions (personal information, home and family)
4. Numbers
5. Conversation for daily interaction (ordering food at a restaurant or at the grocery store)
6. Common verbs and simple sentence construction
7. Reading and writing basic words and sentences

1. Yupaphan Hoonchamlong, 2007, Thai language and Culture for beginners book 1, Thai language Program University of Hawaii at Manoa.
2. Siani Edoardo, 2022 la scrtittura Thai: sistema e cultura, Ca' Foscarini.

The exam will involve one single test (written and oral) with first appeal in the May-June exam session. The written test will last one hour, immediately followed by the oral test (both written and oral tests must be taken within the same day). The final mark will be determined by the average of written and oral results.

This exam is same for students of Thai as a first language (enrolled to the India and Southeast Asia curriculum) as well as for students of Thai as a second language (enrolled to other curricula). It is also same for students who attend and who do not attend classes.

Grades will be assigned according to the following criteria:

A. Grades in the 18-22 range will be awarded in the presence of: Sufficient knowledge and applied comprehension of the program;
B. Grades in the 23-26 range will be awarded in the presence of: Fair knowledge and applied comprehension of the program;
C. grades in the 27-30 range will be awarded in the presence of: Good or excellent knowledge and applied comprehension of the program;
D. Honors will be awarded in the presence of extraordinary knowledge and applied comprehension of the program.

oral

Frontal oral exam at the end of the second semester 2025-2026
The exam will be dividing into 3 parts (30 points each)
1. Greetings and Introduction
2. Questions/answers regarding personal information, accommodation and family
3. Conversation about ordering food/fruit/noodles

Teaching Methodology:
1. Frontal lessons with practical exercises
2. Listening and repetition activities
3. Group work and simulation dialogues
4. Reading and writing exercises on worksheets and digital media

There will be cultural activities regarding the Thai public holiday such as Loy Krathong festival