Thai numbers - will they die out? - Ajarn Forum

tropic of cancer · 6th November 2008, 20:14

One of the most surprising things when I first started working at a BK Gov school was that the classroom numbers were in Thai, with the inevitable result that I ended up in the wrong place half the time. It hadn't occured to me that they had their own numbers too! I still get exasperated when (e.g.) passing a motorbike shop and wondering what the downpayments they're asking are.

However (and despite its very best efforts) Thailand is for good or ill part of the global system. Surely therefore, Thais familiarity with Arabic numbers must inevitably see the slow eclipse of Thai numerals - mustn't it?

Mr Pants · 6th November 2008, 20:19

While there are still National Parks that attract both Thais and farangs, Thai numbers will continue to exist.

jimbo · 6th November 2008, 20:23

I kinda' like em.'

Not all that hard to learn...๑ ๒ ๖ ๔

Adds to the mystique of it all.

"Must" is a bit strong methinks. They 'may' one day,... along with the hand-written word.

re_fuse · 6th November 2008, 20:35

The first counting marks have not gone away so I can't see how Thai numbers will die out.

jimbo · 6th November 2008, 20:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by tropic of cancer

One of the most surprising things when I first started working at a BK Gov school was that the classroom numbers were in Thai, with the inevitable result that I ended up in the wrong place half the time. It hadn't occured to me that they had their own numbers too.

I'm sorry Tropic but had it occured to you where you were?...and that it could have been beneficial to sit down and learn them?

First the waiing stuff, now this. I wonder man......I wonder.

kempos · 6th November 2008, 20:44

Why should Thai? It's the way Thai write numbers and I do not think there is anything wrong with it. Learn them or ask the students to help you finding your classroom.

tropic of cancer · 6th November 2008, 20:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbo

I kinda' like em.'

Not all that hard to learn...๑ ๒ ๖ ๔

Adds to the mystique of it all.

"Must" is a bit strong methinks. They 'may' one day,... along with the hand-written word.

I think they might go quicker than you imagine - these things tend to acquire a momentum. They may come to be seen as old-fashioned - the quickest kiss-of-death there is.

LeedsLeedsLeeds · 6th November 2008, 20:47

All you have to do is to learn nine numbers - that's all - the Thais have very kindly saved you the trouble of learning a new 0.

tropic of cancer · 6th November 2008, 20:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by kempos

Why should Thai? It's the way Thai write numbers and I do not think there is anything wrong with it. Learn them or ask the students to help you finding your classroom.

Hold on, hold on! why am I getting attacked again? This isn't about me - it's a point that's arisen out of genuine intellectual curiosity, nothing more. I don't have a preference one way or the other. I did kind of get to know them last year, but the graphic representations naturally differ from place to place because, let's face it, they're complex.

Good luck to you my little Thai numeric friends! I bear you no ill will - have a cigar, relax! Stay as long as you like.

I simply wondered whether or not Thais, all of whom are familiar with Arabic numerals, would evevntually cease to use them.

Some of you folk are too argumentative for your own good.

re_fuse · 6th November 2008, 20:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by tropic of cancer

I think they might go quicker than you imagine - these things tend to acquire a momentum. They may come to be seen as old-fashioned - the quickest kiss-of-death there is

Is this your opinion or substantiated ?? I'm curious as I have never seen any culture quickly dispose of it numeric systems before.

LeedsLeedsLeeds · 6th November 2008, 21:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by tropic of cancer

they're complex.

They are no more complex than our own numbers and they work in exactly the same way.

tropic of cancer · 6th November 2008, 21:13

If you go into a western-style coffee shop or restaurant (it doesn't have to be McDonalds, just something that aspires to present itself as 'not-particularly-thai') do they generally offer prices in both versions? I don't know: I would block out the thai version.

I just think that there may be a tipping point where new conventions supercede old ones. It's not a conscious decision on behalf of the whole culture Re_fuse - nor do I think history is necessarily any help given the comparative speed of information exchange.

rogerman · 6th November 2008, 21:20

I think you better realize where you are, and get a grip on yourself..... Don't you think you're getting a little on the racist side? If you can't finally realize that this is Thailand and NOT the states (or wherever you are from) get out!!

bgood · 6th November 2008, 21:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by tropic of cancer

Hold on, hold on! why am I getting attacked again? This isn't about me - it's a point that's arisen out of genuine intellectual curiosity, nothing more. I don't have a preference one way or the other.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tropic of cancer

Some of you folk are too argumentative for your own good.

I agree TofC.

My son can read both equally well but I've never seen him doing maths homework using the Thai system of writing.

I assume they are on the keyboard we use but I've no idea where they are and I've never seen my son use them.

Primary students are taught them and I hope they always will be but I think your question is a good one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by scratch22

ten years ago chicks asked me for ha roy baht. Now it's three thousand!

Yes, that's inflation and off topic but I also prefer the squiggles.

Eric · 6th November 2008, 22:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by tropic of cancer

I simply wondered whether or not Thais, all of whom are familiar with Arabic numerals, would evevntually cease to use them.

They will not go away as long as tourism remains strong and there is a different pricing level in place for Thais than there is for foreigners.