Thaiglish

Many things are amusing when living in a foreign country (dogs without owners waiting patiently at crosswalks immediately springs to mind), and one of my favorite sources of hilarity is the Thai adaptation of the English language. Living here it is necessary to learn these modifications, because otherwise you are not likely to be understood, even when speaking English.

Rule 1

When there is an “l” at the end of a word, it is pronounced “n”

Appun--Thai for apple

Check-Bin--Thai for I want the bill (get it, check-bill)

Footbun—Thai for Soccer (or Football, depending on your English country of origin)

And my favorite…

Exambun—This is how Thai people speaking English say “for example,” very funny in the middle of a conversation

Rule 2

Similar to Japanese English, “l” is substituted for “r”

Fright- Thai English for flight, as in “How was your fright?”

Crapped- Thai English for clapped,

Ree-ree- Thai English for really

Rule 3

There is no “v” in Thai English, just use a “w”

Wary- Thai English for very

Wiolin- Thai English for violin

In combination, the above can be down right hilarious.

Exampun: Was your fright wary rong?

Even better is when you’re at a restaurant and the live band sings English songs. The following is from a recent night on the town.

“Like a wirgin, touched for the wary (sometimes sounded like merry) first time….”

The namesake of this blog comes from just such and incident; although this is not one I witnessed myself. Joe heard a live band attempting Simon and Garfunkel’s “Sounds of Silence,” and what came out was Sound of Sirens. It was too good to pass up.