Method for Teaching ‘Triyang’: The Three Classes of Thai Consonants to Non-Thai Speakers Learning the Thai Language

Abstract

This academic article titled “Methods for Teaching Thai Consonant Classes (Triyāng) to Foreign Learners of Thai” aims to present an instructional approach for helping foreign learners of Thai distinguish among the three consonant classes (high, middle, and low) through the use of word-formation mnemonics based on acronyms. The method integrates two areas of linguistic knowledge: (1) Thai grammar, which involves classifying the 44 Thai consonants according to their inherent tones — namely, high-class consonants with a rising tone (chattawa), middle-class consonants with a mid-tone (saman), and low-class consonants with a mid-tone; and (2) Thai phonetics and phonology, which explains the characteristics and articulation points of consonant sounds. These include: (1) voiceless aspirated stops, (2) voiceless unaspirated stops, (3) voiced unaspirated stops, (4) fricatives, (5) semivowels, (6) nasals, (7) laterals, and (8) trills.

          In teaching, English lexical sets are used as mnemonic aids: “ketchup fish” for high and low paired consonants, “good job” for middle-class consonants, and “yawning lemur” for single low consonants. These phrases facilitate memory retention in identifying consonant classes while reinforcing understanding of sound characteristics and articulatory functions. This integrative approach lays the foundation for subsequent instruction on short and long vowels, as well as distinctions between live and dead syllables, contributing to a more systematic and effective learning process in Thai phonetics.