Language learning on the field. LOL!

Kristy recently had one of our Thai teachers light up mid-conversation as she remembered a question she had filed away in her brain for a later date in-case she got close to a westerner. She was often called upon to give westerners Thai nicknames and was confused why no one ever wanted the name:

A lovely Thai word that means “blessing”, it sounds like the English word “pawn.”

So a slightly confused Kristy started to explain the nuances of chess and why a westerner might not like being identified with the weakest of pieces. Both parties still a bit confused as the pawn explanation didn't seem to fully justify the negative reactions, Kristy decided to pursue a different angle.

Remembering that in these initial conversations the westerners would not be able to read or write Thai, Kristy asked her how she would write the name out phonetically.

Much laughter and awkward conversation ensued as the teacher wrote out in English phonetics - P O R N.