Learning Standards and Indicators
Learning Area of Thai Language
Why it is necessary to learn Thai language
Representing our national identity, Thai language is a cultural treasure leading to attainment of national unity and strengthening of Thai-ness in the Thai people’s character. It serves as a communication tool for creating mutual understanding and happy relationships among the people, who are able to conduct their affairs and pursue their livelihoods, as well as enjoy peaceful coexistence in a democratic society. Thai language provides a tool for seeking knowledge and experiences from various sources of data and information in order to acquire knowledge and engage in processes of analytical, critical and creative thinking, so as to be attuned to social change and scientific and technological progress. It also serves the useful purpose of occupational development for achieving economic security. Furthermore, it is the medium of expression of our ancestors’ wisdom regarding culture, tradition and aesthetics, representing a treasure of the highest value, worthy of learning, conserving and transmitting to succeeding generations as a permanent feature of the Thai nation.
What is learned in Thai language
Thai language skill requires training in language use for purposes of communication, effective learning and application in daily life.
• Reading: pronouncing words; reading aloud words, sentences, literature and different kinds of compositions; reading to oneself for comprehension and for acquiring thinking skills in analysing and synthesising knowledge from the readings for adapted application in daily life
• Writing: writing words in accord with rules of Thai orthography; writing various kinds of communications, compositions, synopses and reports based on study and research; and imaginative, analytical and critical, and creative writing
• Listening, Viewing and Speaking: critical listening and viewing; speaking to express opinions, feelings, speaking on various matters in logical sequence; speaking on various occasions, both formal and informal; and persuasive speaking
• Principles of Usage of Thai Language: studying nature and rules of Thai language; accurate linguistic usage appropriate to different occasions and persons; writing various kinds of works; and influence of foreign languages on Thai language
• Literature and Literary Works: analyse literature and literary works for studying data, concepts and values of literary writings as well as for pleasure; learning and comprehension of chants, children’s rhymes and folk songs representing valuable Thai wisdom—these have contributed to customs and traditions, social matters of the past as well as linguistic beauty, leading to appreciation and pride in our ancestors’ legacies accumulated over the years and passed on to the present
Learners’ Quality
Grade 3 graduates
• Can accurately and fluently pronounce words; read aloud alliterations, texts, short
stories and simple verses; understand meanings of the words and texts read; pose logical questions; make a sequence of situations; surmise on situations; summarise knowledge and insights from what has been read; follow instructions and explanations from their readings; understand meanings and data from diagrams, maps and charts; read regularly, and have good reading manners
• Write skilfully in regular script by using full space between the lines; write descriptions, diaries, letters to teachers requesting leaves of absence; write stories about their experiences; write stories from imagination, and have good writing manners
• Describe details and present the essentials; pose questions, answer questions as well as verbally express thoughts and feelings about what they have heard and viewed; speak in order to communicate; describe experiences, and verbally provide advice or persuade others to comply, and have good listening, viewing and speaking manners
• Spell words and understand their meanings; recognise differences between words and syllables; understand functions of words in sentences; skilful in using dictionaries to search for meanings of words; construct simple sentences; compose alliterations, mottoes, and choose standard Thai language and dialects appropriate to the occasion
• Understand and summarise insights from reading of literature and literary works for application in daily life; express views from the literature and literary works read; know folk songs, lullabies representing local culture; sing popular rhymes for local children; memorise recitations and valuable verses in line with their interests
Grade 6 graduates
• Read loud accurately poetry and literature in prose and in verse presented in stylised melody; explain explicit and implicit meanings of words, sentences, texts, idioms; ornate phrases from their readings; understand suggestions and explanations in various manuals; distinguish between opinions and facts; capture knowledge and thoughts from their readings for decision-making to solve problems in life; have good reading manners and have acquired a reading habit, as well as appreciate their readings
• Write skilfully in regular script by using full and half spaces between the lines;
write spellings of words; construct sentences and write texts as well as communications by using clear and appropriate words; use diagrams of outlines and mind-maps to refine writings; write compositions, synopses, personal letters; fill in various forms; write to express feelings and perceptions; write creatively from imagination; and have good writing manners
• Verbally express knowledge and thoughts on what they have heard and viewed;
summarise or draw conclusions from material heard and viewed; pose questions, answer questions based on material heard and viewed; logically evaluate reliability from listening to and viewing advertisements; clearly present proper sequences of various matters; verbally report on subjects or issues of study and research from listening, viewing, conversation; speak persuasively and logically, as well as have good listening, viewing and speaking manners
• Spell and understand meanings of words, idioms, popular sayings and proverbs;
know and understand kinds and functions of words from dialects or foreign words in Thai language; use royal and polite vocabularies appropriately; construct sentences; compose various types of Thai verses, e.g., Four-Stanza Verse, Yani 11 Verse etc.
• Understand and appreciate value of the literature and literary works read; narrate folk tales; sing local folk songs; apply views and insights from the readings in real life, and memorise prescribed recitations
Grade 9 graduates
• Read aloud accurately poetry and literature in prose and in verse presented in stylised melody; understand explicit and implicit meanings; capture the essentials and details of what has been read; express opinions and disagreements about their readings, and write conceptual frameworks, mind-maps, synopses; write reports on their readings; logically present analyses and syntheses; present proper sequence and probability of their readings; assess accuracy of the supporting data from their readings
• Write communications in simple and clear handwriting; accurately write texts by using words appropriate to language levels; write slogans, dictums, congratulatory messages on various occasions, advertisements, mottoes, speeches, biographies, autobiographies and experiential accounts, synopses, business letters, employment application forms; write to logically analyse, criticise and express feelings or disagreements; write reports on study and research; write projects
• Verbally present opinions; analyse criticise and evaluate the issues identified from listening and viewing; apply insights gained in daily life; present verbal reports on matters or issues identified from systematic study and research; master the art of speaking; speak on various occasions in line with objectives, and can speak persuasively, logically and convincingly; have good listening, viewing and speaking manners
• Understand and use royal words, Pali and Sanskrit words, words from dialects, foreign words, transliterations and terms coined in Thai language; analyse differences between spoken and written language; understand structures of compound and complex sentences; understand characteristics of formal, semi-formal and informal language; compose various types of Thai verses, e.g., Four-Stanza Verse, Yani 11 Verse, etc.
• Summarise substance of the literature and literary works read; analyse main characters, Thai way of life and values obtained from literature, literary works and recitations, as well as summarise knowledge and insights for application in real life
Grade 12 graduates
• Read aloud accurately poetry and literature in prose and in verse presented in stylised melody; understand, interpret, convey meaning and elaborate on what has been read; analyse and criticise their readings; logically express disagreements and present new ideas from the readings; write conceptual frameworks, mind-maps, notes, synopses and reports from their readings; synthesise, evaluate and apply knowledge and thoughts from their readings for self-development and educational and occupational development; apply knowledge and thoughts for problem-solving in life; have good reading manners, and have acquired a reading habit
• Write various forms of communications by using accurate language in line with objectives; write synopses from media in diverse forms and substances; write compositions reflecting creative thinking by using idioms and ornate phrases; write notes; write reports on study and research based on principles of academic writing; use data and information to make references; produce their own works in various forms, both documentaries and writings for entertainment purposes, as well as evaluate others’ works to refine their own writings
• Pose questions and express opini