Vietnamese and Thai are two Southeast Asian languages that many individuals find interesting to learn. Linguistically speaking, the two languages are not considered similar as they belong to different language families. Thai belongs to the Tai-Kadai (Kra-Dai) language family, while Vietnamese belongs to the Austroasiatic language family. If you are unsure which one to learn first, this guide will explore the differences between Vietnamese and Thai and how English speakers can master them.
Which to Learn First, and Why
Choosing betweenVietnamese vs Thai depends on your goals and interests. Both languages also have their own set of challenges. Vietnamese is often preferred by those who want to tap into Vietnam’s growing business opportunities. As Vietnamese does not require you to learn a new script, learning this language first may also be a suitable choice if you prefer to start reading immediately. You may also find it easier to pick up the language if you already have some knowledge of Chinese, as there can be an overlap in vocabulary.
On the other hand,Thai may be more suitable for those planning to live or frequently visit Thailand. Thai is considered to be a challenge due to the script and tone rules, however, proper training can help you be more familiar with them over time. Learning Thai may also benefit you if you plan to learn Lao, as the two languages are highly similar.
Language Family & Origins
Vietnamese and Thai belong to different language families and origins, which contribute to their differences. Vietnamese belongs to Mon-Khmer, one of the major branches of the Austroasiatic language family. You may find that Vietnamese has Chinese influence in its vocabulary, particularly in its formal and written texts. While traditional Austroasiatic languages do not use tones, Vietnamese has developed a tonal system over time.
On the other hand, Thai belongs to the Tai-Kadai language family, a major linguistic group commonly spoken in southern China, northeast India, and mainland Southeast Asia. Today, Thai has many Khmer loanwords from centuries of contact. Pali, Sanskrit, and Teochew Chinese have also influenced much of its vocabulary.
Tones: How Many and How Different
Both Vietnamese and Thai use pitch to distinguish word meanings. This means that a different tone can result in a different word. For English speakers, this concept can seem challenging, which is why understanding the different tones is important.
Vietnamese Tone System
Northern Vietnamese, which is considered the standard for this language, has six different tones. Each tone has diacritics above or below the main vowel to indicate whether the voice goes up, down, stays flat, or breaks. The six tones are:
- Level (ngang)
- Low falling (huyền)
- High rising (sắc)
- Low rising (hỏi)
- Broken (ngã)
- Heavy (nặng)
Meanwhile, Southern Vietnamese merges the hỏi and ngã tones, reducing the dialect to 5 tones.
Thai Tone System
Thai has five tones. They are:
- Mid (สามัญ / Saa-man)
- Low (เอก / Eak)
- Falling (โท / Thoo)
- High (ตรี / Tree)
- Rising (จัตวา / Jat-ta-wa)
Most learners find that the complexity is in understanding which tone to use, as it requires an understanding of the consonant class, syllable type (whether the word has a sonorant or stop ending), as well as four diacritics that can change the default tone.
Here is a table showing the differences between Vietnamese vs. Thai:
| Language Characteristic | Vietnamese | Thai |
|---|---|---|
| Language Family | Austroasiatic | Tai-Kadai |
| Tone System | 6 tones | 5 tones |
| Common Challenge | Tonal system and glottal breaks | Script and consonant classes |
| Suitable For | Those who want to tap into Vietnam’s business opportunities | Those who want to live in or frequently visit Thailand |
Pronunciation Difficulty for English Speakers
Both Vietnamese and Thai may be difficult for English speakers who have no prior familiarity with the languages. When learning Vietnamese, pronunciation may take months to master, although the words are written in the familiar Latin alphabet. Learners should understand that different tones can change the meaning of words completely. Among all the tones, the broken or ngã tone is often considered the most challenging, as it involves a glottal interruption in the middle of the syllable, which is not common in the English language.
Meanwhile, Thai has fewer tones, and the challenge in pronunciation lies more in understanding consonant classes. Learners may find that once they are accustomed to the Thai script, the language structure and pronunciation are easier to follow.
Learn Vietnamese and Thai at Stanford Language Centre
Learning any language requires motivation and consistency to overcome the challenges in mastering new vocabulary and pronunciation. At Stanford Language Centre, we are dedicated to helping students master various languages and develop their skill set. Our native trainers are here to guide you in speaking foreign languages with greater ease.Get in touch with us today for more information about our programmes!
