Thai-english dictionary

[Barrie]

Hello All:

Unfortunately, there are almost no Thai-English Dictionaries available locally. I have seen many listed on the 'net but the descriptions are not that complete and I don't want to buy 5 or 6 just to find the one I need. I'm hoping someone here can help.

I am looking for a good reference dictionary. Phrases are not necessary but a grammar (Thai) section would be nice.

I'm not sure whether it should have transliterations. as I am worried that it might slow down my learning. Any thoughts?

Ideally, I would like something like the Collins Dictionary & Grammar series, but they don't publish a Thai version.

Thanks for any help,

Barrie

[Sawatdee]

What is your level of Thai? You say you want a grammar section. Does this have to be in English or is Thai alright? If in English why don't you just buy the excellent Thai Reference Grammar book?

[Barrie]

sawatdee Sawatdee

Thanks for your feedback.

My Thai is limited right now but I do have a good grasp of the alphabet including writing. I am now working on sounding out the words.

At the same time, I am reading simple text to familiarize myself with written words. This is why I am looking for a dictionary.

The dictionary should have any addtional information in English.

The book you mentioned is mainly a grammar book and I am primarily looking for a dictionary with any extra reference material as a bonus. It looks very good, but I think it might be too advanced for me right now. I will keep it in mind for the future.

How do you feel about dictionaries that include transliteration?
Does it hurt or help?

Thanks,

Barrie

[iGotNoTime]

In my opinion if you are at this point I think you should stick with something along this level. If you try to jump from a starter dictionary to a regular reference dicionary you would be totally lost somewhere in the middle.

The dictionary mentioned by Becker above is so very basic though you will outgrow it sooo quickly.

The big green reference grammar book is not too advanced for anyone. It is an intimidating book if you go by it's looks. But honestly, even though I could not read 4 years ago, I wish I would have bought this book when I first started! There is no need to waste time with any phrase book once you own this book and it is far better than a dictionary because when you look up a word it not only gives you the meaning, but it gives you ALL the meanings and ALL the ways it is said in several examples of it's use in spoken Thai. Better than any dictionary can ever do!

[Barrie]

Quote[/b] (iGotNoTime @ Sep. 29 2005,13:05)]The dictionary mentioned by Becker above is so very basic though you will outgrow it sooo quickly.

The big green reference grammar book is not too advanced for anyone. It is an intimidating book if you go by it's looks. But honestly, even though I could not read 4 years ago, I wish I would have bought this book when I first started!

Sorry, I'm a bit confused.

I have heard good things about Becker but if I will outgrow it quickly, should I just get the reference book now? Perhaps both?
The Becker book is not a bad price, but the other is a little expensive.

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Barrie

[iGotNoTime]

Quote[/b] (Barrie @ Sep. 29 2005,13:50)]
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Thanks

If it is expensive for you now, I am not telling you to hurt yourself financially. But I assure you, eventually you will buy it, then you will probably kick yourself many times for not buying it sooner. Every reviewer of 'the big green book' has done this so far.

If you have any doubts, go ahead buy the Becker dictionary first. It is a pleasure to read as a beginner. Also it is a perfect well rounded selection of vocabulary to have. If there is any root or base vocabulary you would want to know, she offers it in that dictionary.

When I got that dictionary it took me about 2 months and I was very bored with it. In fact a gave it to a Thai friend to study English by the 3rd month because I finally saved enough to buy the big green book. I only wished that I had bought it sooner.

[Barrie]

Well. I think I'll buy both so I can make a smooth transition between the two. It's not so much the cost but a question of value.

I have bought some very expensive texts in the past that weren't worth it, but this one looks like the real deal.

Thanks for your experience.

Barrie

[iGotNoTime]

Happy to try and help, I am sure you will be very impressed, not a single bad review yet on it.

[Ivor]

I use the Becker dictionary and the big green book. I also use the 'POPular' software dictionary. I can recommend them all, whatever your level.

[whatever_works]

Anyone have a link for "The big green reference grammar book" ?
Thanks.