For the first time ever, Thai will be taught at Eastern Michigan University.
“Sa-Wat-Dii,” the universal expression used for greetings and partings in Thailand translating to, “May you prosper,” is one of the many things to be learned in the new course that will arrive on campus for the winter 2012 semester.
The class, FLAN 179 (worth 3 credit hours) will be in session from 7-9 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Winter 2012 registration appointments began Tuesday.
Before becoming the new Thai instructor, Professor Sudaporn Trager felt the responsibility of introducing the language was necessary. She wanted to make campus even more widely diverse.
“I came to the U.S. in 1990 and I’ve wanted to teach college students since my arrival,” Trager said. “I had been teaching Thai to [American] students at a university in Thailand, and when I came to America I wanted to continue.”
Additional faculty members agreed with Trager’s stance. Bob Lahidij, director of the school of technology, said although he has struggled learning Chinese and has no plan to learn Thai, he could still see the benefits.
“I am all for diversity and fully support EMU bringing the Thai language to our campus,” he said. “This only can be a positive move for our community.”
Fluent in Chinese, French and Japanese as well, Trager plans to combine elements of culture and history within the course to give a sense of insightful comprehension to students. One class will be offered during the winter semester; a program major for it is not yet available. Students can, however, choose to use the credit hours as an elective.
This aspect has raised speculation as to how students will respond to the opportunity. Freshman Shakiyla Allen had nothing but positive remarks.
“I think it’s great,” Allen, a business student, said. “Being bi-lingual is currently more appealing than a degree in some cases these days. Learning a new language is important because it can also help you go further in life and get better job offers.”
Until now, EMU was one of the only larger universities left in Michigan without a Thai language course. But after pitching the idea to Rosemary Weston-Gil, director of the World Languages Department at EMU this summer, Trager’s idea became a reality.
Trager will also be hosting a Thai festival in the Hill Hall Tower dorms – next to CrossRoads MarketPlace – from 8-10 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8. The event will include real Thai cuisine, music, a language briefing and more.
As far as the class goes, she is thrilled to teach it.
“I want to do this until I retire, I want this course to be the best in the state and I want people to learn to love the language and culture as I do,” she said.
