The Wai can be used, and is most often used, as a greeting. You as the person being greeted do not need to Wai back but can smiley smile greet them with a “Sawasdee” and go on your way. Now, if you wanted to Wai them you could, but you would not bow your head. You would simply put your hands together, smile, and say “Sawasdee”.

What a great reflection this has been. I’m so glad I posted it here and not just in a notebook.

The head is considered the most sacred part of the body to in the Thai culture. Which is why you Wai while bowing (or showing the top of your head) to mean great respect. You, as the teacher, would only Wai back to your students and do not need to bow your head.

There are other similar traditions such as you should never stand while an elder sites. Your head should always be lower then theirs. So if your grandparents are sitting you would be kneeling on the floor to be below them.

The respect for each other, and for this hierarchy is one I find very interesting.

What I love is how we’ve picked up these words and added them to our own vocabulary (my wife and me). We use Inshallah all the time, the best part is because international teachers move and travel so much. You can say it in a crowd of teachers and at least one of them will smile at ya…cause they know exactly what it means. Of course the Ozzie phrase “No Worries” is another on of my favorites.

I never did learn any traditions or greetings from her, though. The only one I know is when I arrive at one of the posher Thai restaurants, I am greeted by a beautiful woman (aren’t they all beautiful? Like porcelain dolls!) who places her hands like those in your picture, bows her head and says “Sawasdee” which I gather means “welcome”. I would love to respond appropriately, but have no idea how.

I shall wait for you to share your lesson on that point and then try it out.

Inshallah in Arabic is “if God wills it”

I believe the equivalent response in the US is “whatever.”

Make sure you don’t confuse sa-wah-de-ka and sa-wah-de-krap.

ARAMCO gave employees a week’s worth of cultural training prior to our taking jobs in Saudi. It was time and (company) money well spent. And it was held in the Houstonian in Houston. Not a bad spot.

If you’d like some great mystery stories set in Bangkok, try the series by John Burdett that starts with Bangkok 8.

Enjoy your classes,

Doug