Thai Stories for Language Learners: Traditional Folktales in English and Thai (Free Online Audio)

(Paperback)

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The most enjoyable way to learn about an unfamiliar culture is through its stories--especially when they're told in two languages!

Thai Stories for Language Learners introduces 28 entertaining Thai stories with bilingual Thai and English versions presented on facing pages. The stories are adapted from traditional folktales with roots in the Thai oral tradition, classic Thai literature, and Thai versions of the Indian Jataka Tales which describe the past lives of the Buddha.

The stories in this book include:

• 'The Frightened Rabbit' is a well-known story about rabbit who hears a loud thundering sound and concludes it is a landslide, without investigating further. He runs about telling others of the landslide, thus causing unnecessary panic
• 'A Horse-faced Woman' is one of the most popular folktales in Thailand because the heroine's appearance and character differ vastly from other Thai heroines. Her equine appearance, unpopularity with fellow villagers, and passionate desires to marry the handsome Prince Pin Thong collide
• 'A Myth of Phra Ruang' is a classic tale popular among Thai people. It tells the story of a legendary hero--Phra Ruang--who frees the people of Lavo (Lopburi) from the ancient Khmer rulers. When the Khmer king tries to kill him, Phra Ruang escapes and is ordained as a monk
• And many more!

Alongside each story, readers will find:

• A list of key vocabulary in the Thai script, Romanised form, and the English meanings
• A set of questions and writing activities
• A Thai pronunciation guide
• Online audio recording in order to improve pronunciation and comprehension

This book will be of interest to learners who are beginning to read and write the Thai language and would like additional practice, as well as to general readers interested in learning about Thai culture.

Author Bio

Jintana Rattanakhemakorn graduated from Chiang Mai University with a bachelor's degree in Thai, and completed her master's degree in English at Khon Kaen University. She also holds a certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language from Seattle University College of Education. She taught Thai to international students at ASEAN Language Center and is currently teaching English at the International College, Khon Kaen University. She has also authored the Tuttle Mini Thai Dictionary.

Dylan Southard is an educator and translator with a PhD in Cultural Anthropology and penchant for computer programming. He currently lives in northeast Thailand, where he teaches Japanese and International Relations and is grudgingly tolerated by his wife and cat.