Thai language to Heart Talk

Heart Talk

 

Photo by Ralf Tooten read excerpt buy this book Say What You Feel in Thai . . . “The Thai language must have more expressions for the heart than any other tongue. So the third edition of Heart Talk, which has been greatly expanded, will give your Thai Skills a triple bypass. Never again will locals chuckle at your I-am-Tarzan Thai. Now they’ll just giggle like leprechauns on laughing gas at your off-key pronunciation.” —Untamed Travel, October 2006 “Moore has . . . voyaged deeply into the heart of his adopted country, and this is nowhere more evident in his one nonfiction book, the appropriately titled Heart Talk. A groundbreaking exploration of Thai culture, the volume was inspired by Moore’s realization that the notion of heart, in all its forms, is the central metaphor in the Thai language.” —Georgia Straight “The book should prove an invaluable tool for both Thai speakers and students of that language.” —The Nation “For anyone who is interested in the Thai language this is a fascinating book.” —www.learningthai.com “WOW. Not only will this book help you express yourself more in a Thai fashion, it also gives you an interesting glimpse into the Thai psyche.” —www.amazon.com reader’s review “Thais are never at a loss for an exact heart phrase. However, no Thai/English dictionary covers their full range and subtlety. With its careful descriptions and practical examples, Moore's book comprehensively fills the gap.” —www.mangosauce.com “Heart Talk, a book indispensable for discerning Thai concepts and phrases relating the word ‘heart’.” —www.thaioasis.com “If you would like to learn more about the Thai language's rich and varied jai expressions, get yourself a copy of the book Heart Talk by Christopher G. Moore.” —www.chiangmai-chiangrai.com Heart Talk is a study of the emotional range of the Thai language through the word ‘jai’ or heart in English. It provides a comprehensive list of 900 jai phrases, neatly organized for different situations. The book comes with phonetic and pronunciation guides, and a sign language bonus for selected jai phrases. Explanation for each jai phrase includes illustrative examples. Heart Talk provides an insight into how Thai speakers express their feelings. It opens the door to the private realm of the Thai language: the linguistic heartscape where ideas take shape, feelings are formed, moods floated, and relationships mended when broken. Released on 20 July 2006, 370 pages. Sample Jai phrases Earnest Heart duay nam say jai jing The feeling of giving something to another without any expectation of receiving something in return for the gift. Another person may help a friend in their work studies. It is done out of the goodness of one’s heart and not for selfish reasons. The person rendering the good deed would not accept money for his or her action. Jerkily Dancing Heart jai teen may pen jangwa Something has caused the heart to flutter or dance madly. This is the feeling of excitement experienced in relation to a person, thing or event. It might be the rush and thrill of an amusement park ride. Or it may be that Lek is so overwhelmed in meeting a movie heart-throb, that her heart starts pounding out of control. Vinai asks Noi out for dinner. She has had a secret crush on Vinai, so the invitation causes Noi to feel jai teen may pen jangwa. Her heart is jerkily dancing about in her chest. Small Heart jai nOOy A person who has a jai nOOy nature is extremely sensitive and may become hurt or sad more readily than somone else. Such a person may read into your actions or words motives which you did not intend, suggesting that you have made an unfair accusation or insulted him or her. Care must be taken not to speak carelessly with such a person or you run the risk of hurting his or her feelings. Black Heart jai dam This phrase is criticism hurled at you in circumstances where you fully understand another person’s problem or setback and yet, despite your knowledge of the urgent need for help, you turn your back and walk away. A Thai friend requests a loan to pay for the hospital expense of her mother and you refuse even though you could easily afford making the loan. The friend may retort that you have a “black heart”. The best English word to express the kind of person who bears the label jai dam is pitiless.