Talking Languages With Educator Frank Smith: Thai, Lao & Khmer (2.26)

On this episode of the Bangkok Podcast we talk languages with
Frank Smith. He speaks Thai, Khmer, and Lao, and teaches Khmer at
UC Berkeley in California. Add to that a quick conversation on the
pros and cons of raising a kid in Thailand, and we've got the
makings of another great episode of the Bangkok Podcast.

We start the show with an easy question: Is Bangkok the
kind of place you want to raise a kid? Greg is facing the reality
of doing so right now, and Evo has sage advice from someone who
decided not to raise a kid in different City of Angels some 20
years ago. Everyone loves a good mystery. And
everyone loves a good origin story. But when it comes to the
people who live in Cambodia, Thailand's neighbor to the east, the
origin story of their language -- Khmer -- is a complete mystery.
Oh, and it's even harder to learn than Thai. Go figure.
Our guest this week is Frank
Smith, a language professor at the University of
California Berkeley. Frank's students are often of Cambodian
descent, having been raised abroad by displaced parents. Their
goal is to reconnect with their heritage, in some cases learning
to speak, read, and write in their native language… from a white
guy. A white guy who has been speaking, reading and writing Khmer
for 30 years, though. With a bit of
flair, we think you'll agree. And if you're
ready to study Khmer, he can help!
He passes along several interesting facts to Bangkokians
like ourselves, like busting the myth that the languages native
to this part of the world are based on Sanskrit (they aren't),
and that the "Khmer" spoken in Thailand bears little resemblance
to the actually Khmer spoken in Cambodia. What does Frank think
of our opinions on whether or not foreign workers
should bother to learn the local language in SE
Asia? His answer just may surprise you.
Love, Loathe, or Leave?

It's a listener suggestion this week from our friend Tim,
another Bangkok expat. The topic? April. Yes, the month. Is this
nutty month marked by oppressive heat and a state-sanctioned
water fight something we love, loathe, or are ready to leave
over? Listen to find out. Spoiler: it's a split decision.
Want more?

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you next time on The Bangkok Podcast!  


(Direct download .mp3)