Lately, I’ve been busy working an idea I’ve had for a couple of years now. Its rather simple in theory – a space where you can go to on a regular basis and get exposure to the target language.
So I’ve set up a group session that meets twice a week for an hour each language/time. At the moment, this includes Thai and English. I’ve only had 2 rounds so far, but I think it went pretty well.
Basically, 1+ native speakers do most of the talking while everyone else just listens. The topic is clear beforehand and its ok for the listeners to ask questions to keep the speaker talking. There are no lessons are books or whatever.
In the event there are any readers in CM interested in checking this out, do let me know. I can be reached at LTfaWG (spelled out) AT gmail DoT com.
As I said, at the moment its just Thai and English. Burmese and Korean are next in line.
I’m still messing around with some (rather terrible) recording equipment as I’d like to record the sessions and release them. I think they’d be a good resource. The sound at the moment still isn’t as good as I’d like it to be. Hopefully I will figure something out. I tried video as well yesterday, but I haven’t checked the footage yet. I’ll youtube any vids that come out ok.
Hi
I love your site. I am really into learning languages too. I’m fluent in spoken Thai because I have lived in Northern Thailand for 10 years and am now working in Seoul as an English teacher. I am also studying Korean but am still at elementary level (level 1 on the TOPIK test). Anyway I am really into making mp3 recordings and am experienced with using audacity for simple recordings (I use just the basic functions). I recommend the Zoom H2 voice recorder for making voice recordings. The sound quality is amazing. Some podcasters use it too. It’s totally portable and runs on batteries so you don’t need to carry a computer with you everywhere you go
Hey Chris, thanks much. I will look into the Zoom when I get back to Thailand.
Hi
No the zoom H2 is not available in Thailand. It’s available in the States off ebay. Anyway, if you don’t wanna spend too much I guess a simple mic connected to a netbook also works wonders. I miss Chiang Mai so much. I used to go there every month to take a break from Chiang Rai
Brett,
I’ve got a Zoom H2. I should be back in Chiang Mai in about 3 weeks or so. If you want to test it before you buy one let me know…