First Arrival in Thailand

Language Studies

March 20, 1999 Brother James Wilkins and Brother Damien Lunders arrived in Bangkok to begin Thai language studies for one year in preparation for new assignments in the Diocese of Udon Thani, Northeast Thailand. Thai language studies were not to be easy, especially being a tonal language and to add to the difficulties—starting studies at an advanced age. The Union Language School is owned by the Baptist church and many of the students were either to work with other religious denominations, as well priests and nuns studying for future work in various Dioceses’ throughout the country. Other students from Korea, Japan, America, Australia and other countries for future employment with companies in Bangkok. Most students were to study for up to one year—those younger students and in particular Asian students learned the language much quicker and with greater precision.

It is imperative to learn the language as well as one can to communicate with the local people. One thinks of Thailand as having one language; namely, “Thai” however there are many dialects as well. Here in the Northeast there is a big influence from Laos being only 90 kilometers from the Laos boarder across the Mekong River. Consequently people in this area speak primarily what they call the “Isaan Language”. The majority of people of course understand the normal central language, but prefer to speak in the local dialect.

As well as the language being different, the people have quite a different liking for food—very hot and spicy, sometimes un-cooked—in Thai called “dip”, when cooked called “suk”. These terms referred to fruit as well, if fruits are not yet ripe, they are “dip”, when ripe “suk”.