Thailand and Singapore share many economic and cultural cross-border interactions with strong people to people ties. Business between the two countries has played an integral role contributing to the two countries’ bilateral economic growth and cooperation as ASEAN members. In any interaction (social or business), language is an important and effective tool to break the ice and build better relationships between individuals and organizations. The focus of the course is to strengthen the student’s knowledge of basic Thai in the four language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing with an emphasis on applying these skills in a business setting. The course will provide students opportunities to learn, practice and sharpen their skills of oral presentation in both informal settings, such as social interactions (e.g., engaging in small talk) and also formal settings, such as giving a business presentation or participating in an interview. Students are expected to have basic knowledge of Thai language.
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Intellectual and creative skills: Able to use language skills — to communicate in Thai with an emphasis on business scenarios and settings.
- Interpersonal skills: Able to express themselves to be understood by local Thai who may only possess basic level of proficiency in English (or Chinese) language; and gain cultural insights through Thai language interaction. Moreover, student will practice the use of persuasive language to propose ideas, and able to use language tactfully to counter propose.
- Global citizenship: Understand and gain some knowledge and appreciation of Thai culture and customs which related to other Indochinese countries such as Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar which are closely interlinked with Thailand economically, historically and socially.
- Personal Mastery: Able to communicate effectively in Thai in different settings (formal and informal) by having good foundation in Thai pronunciation as well as knowledge of variety of structures and vocabulary.