When using an online translator ...

It's always advisable that you copy the translation and do a reverse check. Otherwise it can get quite embarrassing or downright humiliating if you post an erroneous translation This example is very simple and error free. I've seen some translations which had me 'rolling in the isle' laughing  x

Sakon Nakhon

Things any English Teacher in Thailand should know about Thais

By Austin Bush 3 October, 2011  Published at CNN travel Fried crap: A cheat sheet to reading and pronouncing Thai Especially handy for tourists, these tips will help ensure your taxi never takes you to the wrong place again ". . .  The written Thai language distinguishes between "r" and "l", but in everyday speech, "l" wins out. This is why Ratchadamri, when said by a Bangkok taxi driver, might sound more like "latchadamli". . ."

Sakon Nakhon

Teaching English Updated

I've noticed a trend at school. More and more kids are bringing their phones to class. Most schools are offering free wireless internet, and many students are taking advantage by surfing the net, checking e-mail, watching videos or playing on-line games in the classroom. It's a trend which will only get worse when the government starts handing out free 'Pads.' . With only weeks left in the semester, most students have 'misplaced' their text books. Time to come up with new innovative teaching techniques to regain the students attention. . A couple of sayings come to mind: "Fight fire with fire," "If you can't beat them, join them." This video is a prime example.  I had everyone's attention. After the video ended I replayed it and froze it at intervals to discuss event's and objects on the screen. The discussion went from smell, cookie jar, refrigerator, broom, sweeping, to chainsaw and parachuting. Surprisingly most of the class were taking notes. Of course, the fact that I had a supply of cookies on my desk also helped keep their interest.  Class ended with everyone snacking.

From my own experience learning English...

During a class break they paraded this young man in front of me.
He recited four pages of a fairly tale in English. Quite a feat.
It was a very fast recital, and many times I only understood a word here or there.
A proud adult, probably a teacher was observing.

When it was all over I praised him  on his memorization skills, told him he needed to slow down his speech.
As if he was telling the story to some little children.
Suggested he find some music he liked and sing the whole story.

From my own experience learning English:

I've been telling all  my students, the best way to learn a language and get the pronunciation right.... SING IT!!

It's the best way to loose the foreign accent in your speech!!

This KPOP video is a great example