Thai: An Essential Grammar (Routledge Grammars)

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 240 pages
• Published by: Routledge
• Edition: 1st Edition October 11, 2002
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0415226147
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0415226141
• Book Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Weighs: 14.1 ounces

Product Description
Concise and user-friendly, Thai: An Essential Grammar is the ideal guide to the basic structures of the language for both students on taught courses and independent learners. Grammatical forms are explained in clear, jargon-free style and illustrated by examples, given in both Thai script and romanization. As well as grammar, it includes guidance on pronunciation, speech conventions and the gorgeous Thai writing system.

About The Author
David Smyth is a lecturer in Thai at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London

Reader Reviews
If I were forced to choose between this book and "Thai Reference Grammar" (Higbie and Thinsan), well: I wouldn't choose. They are both very well-written and well-thought-out books written by people with vast experience. For example, David Smyth was involved in the Linguaphone Thai Course, and then later wrote "Teach Yourself Thai." He is immensely qualified to write the present book, which explains, among other things, why the word "talaat" (= "market") has the second syllable pronounced with the LOW tone and not the FALLING tone! But I must have one petty criticism! (Mustn't I? :-) ) This book does not explain how to look up words in a Thai dictionary, not COMPLETELY. The question is: which comes first in a Thai dictionary, PIAK ( = wet) or PRIAP (= compare)?? This book gets it all wrong. The right answer appears in, of all places, "Fundamentals of the Thai Language," that totally ancient book which nevertheless sits in the bookshelves of many farang living in Thailand. The answer is right there! Look in the back! :-)