"One in five expats have found love overseas, with Thailand being the most likely place to fall in love followed by Germany and Brazil. Almost half of expats in Thailand say that they have they found love, however if you are a single expat in India or Qatar, you'd best buy a teddy bear - just 4% of expats have found love whilst living in these countries. Those earning less are also more likely to find love, with expats earning less than $60,000 more likely to find love abroad than any other group - (over a quarter of expats in this group). Similarly, expats over the age of 55 will have a greater chance of finding their life partner - one in four expats around the world aged 55 and over have found love or a life partner whilst living abroad."
So if expats find it so hard to learn the language how do so many fall in love with Thai ladies and settle here. Now English is the sort of second language here since it is taught in most schools, but aside from a very well educated Thai, you won't find the English spoken on the street what one might term the language of love.
Mind you having said that I guess it depends how you classify the language of love and which street you happen to be on!
Personally, two years down the line my Thai remains limited to essential conversation, yes I can count, order food, identify colours, ask for directions and tell the time, but none of these skills would seem to fit the bill if you are trying to communicate with your future partner, except perhaps to arrange a meeting! You know something along the lines of "I will see you under the town hall clock at 9pm, I'll be wearing a red carnation!"
Duen, my Thai partner speaks enough English to get by but I find it more and more frustrating when either my lack of Thai or her lack of English curtails a discussion. It also leads to misunderstandings that do sometimes cause frictions between us. For my part I do try hard and my little teacher Doy does help but she is only six so the more subtle language I desire still remains but a distant dream. In fact I reckon she understands more English that I do Thai.
Duen on the other hand despite living with me has not improved her English skills.
So dear readers, many of whom I know have Thai partners, was Thai the language of love for you? Equally if you are an expat and live in a country that doesn't speak your native language, how have you got along?
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6 comments:
Don't worry - Ste and I have spoken English all our lives and it still doesn't actually help him communicate better when there is sport on the TV. I've learnt to interpret his grunts though.
Hi Mike - I think many guys come to Thailand having already fallen in love with idea of being with a Thai woman, this is why so many have 'issues' (shall we say) with relationships here.
For me personally, I met my missus in London and, as she speaks fluent English, we have precious few conversations in Thai. That said she will only talk to our son in Thai, and me in English, of course.
I'm trying to learn more Thai but I get it pretty easy which doesn't always inspire to hit the books.
Hi Mike,
Interesting post and shyoud draw quite a lot of comments.
I think you are aware that my partner doesn't speak any English and my Bulgarian is limited. This has caused many problems through misunderstandings and a great deal of frustration throughout our relationshoip over three years. The love we have for each other however always conquers and is the greatest means of communication.
It would be interestgint o see other comments you will no doubt get here.
Emm I don't but its still frustrating!
Martin, I always got the impression you speak Bulgarian well-are you being a little modest? Living and working in the country as you do is no mean feat.
Jon, interesting, I suppose in your situation the temptation is to use English. MTF was a bit shocked when I said I might enroll at a local language school to learn Thai.
Figure that one out!!
Thai is definitely a hard language to learn but I've gotten by with the basics as well. Luckily Pookie speaks English pretty well but sometimes she is lost for the words in English and I am usually at a loss with Thai.
We do share a very large English/Thai dictionary that comes in handy when certain words need to be understood. It helps but makes the conversation drag out.
Talen, we also have the Thai/English dictionary but I try to get by without using it. Doy living with us has definitely helped with my Thai.
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