What it is:

Adopted spaced-repetition and flashcards study method

What I did:

  • Speak/Listen/Read/Write + Touch Type Thai language to intermediate level
  • Pattern recognition, disciplined documentation
  • Create over 2000 unique digital flashcards using Anki (spaced-repetition software).
Example Anki flashcard

(front side) "In a very long time, maybe never." (back side) Thai language translation that conveys close meaning and sentiment, modified IPA transcription.

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I adopted spaced-repetition to study Thai Language using a flashcard program called Anki to make over 2000 unique flashcards of words and phrases with consideration for meaning and sentiment. I asked my Thai teacher and Thai-speaking friends for ways to convey what I wanted in their own words, if they were in these situations.

This was an exercise in pattern recognition and disciplined documentation. Each time I was in a situation where I wanted to express something and I could not do it I would write it down and ask my Thai teacher. I would get the answer from her and make a flashcard for it. I would use the flashcards to practice and I would be ready for the next time that situation occured.

When I began learning Thai language I was already twenty six years old, and I felt crushingly challenged when first starting to learn. I saw Lee Kwan Yew in an interview discuss the awkward positiong he was in as a Singaporean political leader of Chinese ancestry but not speaking Mandarin. He began learning in his 30s, and I think his is a inspiring story in adult learning.

ANKI Flashcards

Example Card 1 (Front Side)

Anki Prompt Example

Occasionally-used phrase that conveys meaning and sentiment: "In a very long time, maybe never."

Example Card 1 (Back Side)

Anki Answer Example

(Back side) Thai language translation that conveys close meaning and sentiment, modified IPA transcription.

Example Card 2 (Front Side)

Anki Prompt Example 2

"That's right! (I get it now)"

Example Card 2 (Back Side)

Anki Answer Example 2

(Back side) Thai language translation that conveys close meaning and sentiment, modified IPA transcription.

Example Card 3 (Front Side)

Anki Prompt Example 3

"Suddenly I felt very sleepy"

Example Card 3 (Back Side)

Anki Answer Example 3

(Back side) Thai language translation, one of many ways to convey "suddenly", with modified IPA transcription.

Keeping My Mandarin Alive book cover

Keeping My Mandarin Alive by Lee Kuan Yew

Anki Deck Overview

Created over 2000 custom flashcards with nouns and phrases using Anki.