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Stu Jay Raj on Cursing, Dirty Talk & the Importance of Tones Part 2 [S6.E3]

Stu Jay Raj on Cursing, Dirty Talk & the Importance of Tones Part 2 [S6.E3]

FromThe Bangkok Podcast


Stu Jay Raj on Cursing, Dirty Talk & the Importance of Tones Part 2 [S6.E3]

FromThe Bangkok Podcast

ratings:
Length:
46 minutes
Released:
Aug 23, 2022
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

Greg finishes up his interview with linguist and raconteur Stu Ja Raj. Stu begins with a classic: the super annoying fact that the Thai numbers 11 and 18 can be very difficult for foreigners to pronounce correctly. Stu explains in detail the small differences in tongue placement that make such a difference to Thai ears. This segues into a discussion of the ultra-common word ‘kap khun kap’ and how even this basic word for ‘thank you’ is often mispronounced by foreigners. Stu next explains the concept of ‘kham puan,’ which is a Thai word for a type of pun or slang that involves switching around the order of consonants or vowels in Thai to create funny or indirect phrases for inappropriate (or indecent) things. More or less Stu brings us into the Matrix of the creative use of the Thai language by native speakers, as if learning ‘straight’ Thai wasn’t already hard enough. Greg follows with some of his own hilarious missteps (quite literally, as he stepped on a sea urchin but described it in Thai in a wildly inappropriate manner). Listen in for a fascinating walk through the minefield that is the Thai language. Want more? Check out Stu on YouTube. Don’t forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we’ll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.
Released:
Aug 23, 2022
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

Online since 2010! Greg Jorgensen and Ed Knuth have been knocking around Bangkok since the turn of the century. Exploring dark corners, eating amazing food, and interacting with fascinating people, the two have gotten to know and love Thailand's capital in all its confusing, mysterious glory. Every week they chat about topics near and dear to those living here, those visiting here, or those who are just curious about what it's like to live in Asia's craziest city.