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Why do teaching jobs in Thailand prefer native English speakers over non-native speakers like Indians?
Teaching English in ThailandVisa rulesImmigrationRacism and prejudiceAccents in EnglishNon-native English speakersCultural perceptionsEnglish language teaching qualifications
Apr 14, 2025
a year ago
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTERI have a good command over English, however teaching jobs prefer native speakers & rarely brown skinned folks from India- Why?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the preference for native English speakers in teaching jobs in Thailand, particularly how people perceive the qualifications of non-native speakers from India. Various comments highlight potential reasons including biases related to accent, skin color, and perceived teaching effectiveness. The conversation touches on broader societal issues, such as racism and the concept of 'native' speakers in the context of language teaching.
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Ajan *******
All about money
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ajan ******
Sé Rel precisely and one of the main factors that no one acknowledges directly. There Maybe disparity in pay between folks from NES countries & say folks from PHILI, VIET, INDIA, THAI, but it may seldom be relating directly to the English language competencies.
Accents, Nurturing in NES, etc etc may merely be excuses for the unfairness that largely prevails. Folks would diss this as well depending on which side of the bias they may be.
Cheers 🍸 🍻
Reply to
Abhishek ******
Reply
Sé *****
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Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sé ****
you really think these people stand to claim English competency, like seriously?Reply to
Abhishek ******
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Jack ********
Indian english isnt English.... there i said it 😊
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jack *******
but I bet Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Aussie, southern Mooricano etc is "ENGLISH"barring the accent, idioms & nitty gritties of growing up in NES lands, if every other competency is similar irrespective of the land one hails from, their English can be ENGLISH -- there the Fact said itself ?!
Jack ********
@Abhishek *****
of course but correct vocabulary is essential and most un native speakers lack it🤷♂️Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jack *******
obviously correct vocabulary is acquired skill & "Anyone" can have it irrespective of whether NATIVE or NOTReply to
Abhishek ******
Reply
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@DavidSon twas some Rude & D*mb logic ✋🏿
& THIS IS also FOR ALL YOU NES SOBs who need a reality check with their presumed "Birthright Over the English language"
Oh my so UN-David of a Son, as the real David was the original underdog-turned-king who slung stones at giants. Meanwhile, some modern ‘giants’ still sling insults about accents, forgetting their own ancestors were likely grunting much worse than Pigs in proto-Germanic while others were building civilizations & humanity.
How the socalled mighty have fallen… into pettiness, ofcourse & you're the living embodiment of it all.
& yes bless your colonial hangover—how quaint & Wussy that you still think English is some exclusive birthright and not a language stolen, butchered, and scattered across the globe by your empire’s relentless pillaging. The irony of you gatekeeping a tongue your ancestors forced down throats with violence and superiority complexes is delicious.
Newsflash: English Language is global now, reshaped and reclaimed by the very people your forebearers exploited. Your infantile condescension is just the pathetic whimper of a faded imperial ego, terrified that the world no longer bows to your "proper" accent. Maybe you should stick to mourning the empire’s collapse, and shove that bloated head up your rotting relic of a rearside; while the rest of us speak "your" language better than you ever will.
Cheers, "Even God cannot save this Clown" 🇬🇧🔥
P.S -- Some top of the mind soon to be added or already imbibed into the "English Lexicon";
"TEA SOAKED IMPERIAL CARCASS"
"BREXIT-NOSTALGIC WANKSTAIN"
"Sun-Never-Set-On-Your-Twat of an-Ego"
"COLONIAL COPE-MUPPET"
"Baldwin's, Ohso Bitter Leftovers"
"RAJ RETARD"
"The Great Bucanneer of BS"
"WIGSTON CHURCHILL"
"TORY ADDLED EMPIRE FART"
If you're still game for it, there's always more of the Irish-Poitin-Piss for likes of y'all
& THIS IS also FOR ALL YOU NES SOBs who need a reality check with their presumed "Birthright Over the English language"
Oh my so UN-David of a Son, as the real David was the original underdog-turned-king who slung stones at giants. Meanwhile, some modern ‘giants’ still sling insults about accents, forgetting their own ancestors were likely grunting much worse than Pigs in proto-Germanic while others were building civilizations & humanity.
How the socalled mighty have fallen… into pettiness, ofcourse & you're the living embodiment of it all.
& yes bless your colonial hangover—how quaint & Wussy that you still think English is some exclusive birthright and not a language stolen, butchered, and scattered across the globe by your empire’s relentless pillaging. The irony of you gatekeeping a tongue your ancestors forced down throats with violence and superiority complexes is delicious.
Newsflash: English Language is global now, reshaped and reclaimed by the very people your forebearers exploited. Your infantile condescension is just the pathetic whimper of a faded imperial ego, terrified that the world no longer bows to your "proper" accent. Maybe you should stick to mourning the empire’s collapse, and shove that bloated head up your rotting relic of a rearside; while the rest of us speak "your" language better than you ever will.
Cheers, "Even God cannot save this Clown" 🇬🇧🔥
P.S -- Some top of the mind soon to be added or already imbibed into the "English Lexicon";
"TEA SOAKED IMPERIAL CARCASS"
"BREXIT-NOSTALGIC WANKSTAIN"
"Sun-Never-Set-On-Your-Twat of an-Ego"
"COLONIAL COPE-MUPPET"
"Baldwin's, Ohso Bitter Leftovers"
"RAJ RETARD"
"The Great Bucanneer of BS"
"WIGSTON CHURCHILL"
"TORY ADDLED EMPIRE FART"
If you're still game for it, there's always more of the Irish-Poitin-Piss for likes of y'all
Colorado ******
'command OF english.' teaching jobs don't prefer teachers (they are non-living), employers prefer...
David *****
Because you’re not English and cannot pronounce the language correctly stick to your own leave the English to the English
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@David ****
Rude & D*mb logic ✋🏿& THIS IS also FOR ALL YOU NES SOBs who need a reality check with their presumed "Birthright Over the English language"
Oh my so UN-David of a Son, as the real David was the original underdog-turned-king who slung stones at giants. Meanwhile, some modern ‘giants’ still sling insults about accents, forgetting their own ancestors were likely grunting much worse than Pigs in proto-Germanic while others were building civilizations & humanity.
How the socalled mighty have fallen… into pettiness, ofcourse & you're the living embodiment of it all.
& yes bless your colonial hangover—how quaint & Wussy that you still think English is some exclusive birthright and not a language stolen, butchered, and scattered across the globe by your empire’s relentless pillaging. The irony of you gatekeeping a tongue your ancestors forced down throats with violence and superiority complexes is delicious.
Newsflash: English Language is global now, reshaped and reclaimed by the very people your forebearers exploited. Your infantile condescension is just the pathetic whimper of a faded imperial ego, terrified that the world no longer bows to your "proper" accent. Maybe you should stick to mourning the empire’s collapse, and shove that bloated head up your rotting relic of a rearside; while the rest of us speak "your" language better than you ever will.
Cheers, "Even God cannot save this Clown" 🇬🇧🔥
P.S -- Some top of the mind soon to be added or already imbibed into the "English Lexicon";
"TEA SOAKED IMPERIAL CARCASS"
"BREXIT-NOSTALGIC WANKSTAIN"
"Sun-Never-Set-On-Your-Twat of an-Ego"
"COLONIAL COPE-MUPPET"
"Baldwin's, Ohso Bitter Leftovers"
"RAJ RETARD"
"The Great Bucanneer of BS"
"WIGSTON CHURCHILL"
"TORY ADDLED EMPIRE FART"
If you're still game for it, there's always more of the Irish-Poitin-Piss for likes of y'all
Jeff *******
@Abhishek *****
Given the horredous grammar in that rant, I think many kids are going to have a lucky escape!Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeff ******
it's horrendous* if you wanna be a Grammar Nazi. & if it's a rant, so be it 😅
WhoTF cares when sh*te is spewed by a coward behind some face a$$ account.
Take a look at my other reply to your vile comment elsewhere in this thread👍
Cheers .
Reply to
Abhishek ******
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Bharat ******
Buddy focus on Maths and Physics. We have prejudice and an edge over there.
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bharat *****
& the pay would be peanuts as well... 🤷♂️😒😀Bharat ******
@Abhishek *****
hmm I didn't know that.Reply to
Bharat ******
Reply
Dwayne ********
It’s not prejudice but as with all Thailand, Asia, America…. It’s Marketing! Youth & white skin which promotes “truth & equality”. People need get a an education in socialism (it’s part of 3rd grade education).
Bob *******
1- it is command of the English language
2- Teaching jobs do not have preferences, people doing the hiring can, and may prefer a native speaker as rhe chances of better command of English is more probable.
3- It could be assumed you have a thick to moderate Indian accent when you speak.
2- Teaching jobs do not have preferences, people doing the hiring can, and may prefer a native speaker as rhe chances of better command of English is more probable.
3- It could be assumed you have a thick to moderate Indian accent when you speak.
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bob ******
replying in order of judgements;1 - There's character limit for the Colored Back Banner of the post & i wanted it remain colored instead of the "forceful WHITE" if one happens to cross a certain character limit. Folks in here would pick on the sentence formation instead of addressing the genuine spirit behind it. Its a simple gaslighting technique that they'd automatically deny as well.
Apparently IF one crosses the limit one can have a WHITE background (pun intended, ofcourse - hope the comma here massaged your ego a tad bit, mate.) 😆🤣
you'd be aware of what I'm referring to. Do not feign ignorance.
2 - I presume you're white skinned Caucasian and have no clue cos your head is yet to come out of the entitled fantasy you may still be having. The jobs have preferences, ofcourse theyre unsaid, & discriminatory, to the extent that an Irish friend (only high school educated, carries the typical accent, s*cks big time at grammar and Normal English speak, but a great bloke) & I applied for the same job without the host knowing-- & you guessed it right - He got it easily & I wasnt even encouraged to go in for the interview inspite of updated resume & creds shared. There's unfounded unsaid discrimination no matter how much folks may turn a blind eye to it.
3- referring to past point, they need to engage to find out if the English skills are reasonably good.
Cheers 🍸 🍻 mate
P.S -- Typos can happen to all, folks may use shorthand as well, write in mannerism whos spirit maybe communicable but definitely FB posts are not to be judged for the COMMAND OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE.
Bob *******
@Abhishek *****
I was replying in good faith, and had no idea of character limits as I rarely have used a colored background. You could have saved yourself two characters by using "command of" as opposed to "command over".Of course hiring managers will have unsaid preferences, and being a white person does not make one immune to those. If there was an opening for a russian teaching position, there will be people getting calls back named Yuri, Svetlana, and Oleg, my white sounding name and white skin is not going to help me. Just as people looking for a Hindi teacher will not likely call back someone with my name. It is quite typical in a job search, to have "who you know" to matter as much or more than "what you know"
Good luck in your search, one suggestion would be to use your initials or a nickname that is more Euro sounding to get past the first filtering of resumés.... you might not like how things are, but hopefully it helps you get to your goal.
Reply to
Bob *******
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Steven ******
@Bob ******
it is the, not rhe.Bob *******
@Steven *****
a typo due to lack of reading glasses.Reply to
Bob *******
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Paul **********
"good command over English". Really?
Mark **********
Perfect example of the subtle differences of how English is expressed depending on the person's experience. When English speakers make note of these subtle differences, they are in fact displaying their lack of experience. For those of us that have wide experience the attention is annoying speaking for myself only, of course.
Paul **********
@Mark *********
More like a subtle mistake rightfully pointed outReply to
Paul **********
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Osian ********
Cos sometimes u b saying it wrong, add to that your accents 🤣
Kiran ***************
Would you learn Hindi from an European
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kiran **************
sure why not, if s/he, they speaketh well. Grow up?!Kiran ***************
@Abhishek *****
would you adapt to Thai tradition and culture.Reply to
Kiran ***************
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Michael ******
When the phrase NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER is referenced it has different meanings to a Brit than to a Yank and with it goes all the accumulated biases of modern history...just saying
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael *****
I hear you... lol...Mark **********
@Michael *****
It only means you have been communicating in English as your primary language since birth. Where you were exposed to English has effects on how you understand and express it. English is different everywhere. It is common in the UK for native English speakers not able to understand each other. That opinion has been expressed to me often by Brits. As an American that works primarily with Scots and some English for >28 years I agree. That is nearly untrue for people in the US.Michael ******
@Mark *********
As a home grown NYer working in the South was under duress. As a NYer their was a saying that America doesn't begin until you cross the George Washington Bridge.Mark **********
The US has only about 5 areas where the accent and phrasing/ word choice is much different. Generally, nobody has a problem being understood. Not the case in the UK.
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Mark **********
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Michael ******
For starters It breaks down to American v English accent. As an American if I had to raise a child who disses me with a British accent patience would be off the table. Raising Freddy Bartholomew would be rísky business for all concerned. 🤣👍💪
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael *****
lol interesting perspective & the age ol Brit vs American camaraderie .. 🤣************************************************
**********************************************************
Reply to
Abhishek ******
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Sam *******
Thais don't like body odour or sharing a Pepsi... just saying...
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTERReply to
Abhishek ******
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Stephen ***********
I do believe that the majority of foreign english teachers in Thailand are Philippine
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stephen **********
they prefer em' Filipinos largely cos it's more of neighbor trade pact and may also be much inexpensive. Most employees / staffs are from Philippines Cambodia Vietnam Burma etc
Jon ********
@Stephen **********
well you are wrong. 50%Reply to
Jon ********
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Chris ********
My wife has a good command of English as well, and lived in the UK for over 10 years…. Certainly not native level and I still struggle to understand her sometimes too 🤷♂️
Benjamin ********
Because your friends and relatives have a good command of Hindglish but believe they speak English perfectly
Benjamin ********
For that matter, your recent quoted post is ungrammatical gibberish: "S(he) who has lost the WHY, WHAT to live for & without its comprehension, may barely be able to bear the HOW of existence..."
"Without its comprehension" refers to nothing in that sentence.
No parents want their children to learn gibberish.
"Without its comprehension" refers to nothing in that sentence.
No parents want their children to learn gibberish.
Reply to
Benjamin ********
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Raj *****
Indians must teach Yoga and Whites must teach English. That's how Gods designed the brains of Vietnamese.
Michael *********
Because the way Indians speak English, the pace and inflection, makes it difficult for others to understand them.
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael ********
for a moment let's hold this point as true. Just for a moment. You do mean these "others" are Thai ppl who need English teachers?.. & they'd find any English speaking individual for that matter, difficult to grasp or comprehend. that's precisely why they're learning.
Accents can be neutralized or managed. But apt ENGLISH teaching doesn't have to be solely conformist to the native English speaking BIAS.
I understand many of the Indian folks may have funny or incomprehensible accents & bad english,but it doesn't mean all would be similar.
It's like saying all Americans have southern cowboy accents since it's popular imagery of gringos?!
Michael *********
@Abhishek *****
I didn’t say all. Question was why is it difficult for Indians to get jobs teaching English. I stand by my answer.Reply to
Michael *********
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Dave **********
@Abhishek *****
around the world native speakers are preference in teaching language. Native speakers can offer advantages like natural fluency and a deeper understanding of the language's culture.Dave **********
@Dave *********
no point conversing with this guy. He obviously has an Indian accent when speaking English, but chooses to play the race card.. he sums up plenty of the problems in today's PC worldAbhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dave *********
& so the Irish, Scot, Yankee, Aussi, Welsh accents are all passable, is it? - Duh You're beyond laughable?!
& see my comment from today, it definitely would put some sense into the likes of you.
Dave **********
By the way. Your English grammar is poor!!! ... " ..Welsh accents are all passable, is it? " it is; are they...not, is it. Its plural
Dave **********
@Abhishek *****
I said ENGLISH.. they want native English speakers. Preferably from South of England. Not Liverpool, Newcastle, Birmingham where the accents are very strong.Reply to
Dave **********
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Dave **********
@Dave *********
yupReply to
Dave **********
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Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dave *********
you mean the native speakers like the Scots Welsh Irish Texans etc are great candidates just because they were birthed & nurtured there?Quit the generalization please - ENGLISH LANGUAGE learning is an acquired skill irrespective of race or country of origin. Bad english teachers can hail from Native speaking land just about anywhere else, mate.
All I'm saying is the "NEED for NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER = MEANS better English Learning" is mere misinformation.
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Abhishek ******
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Greta *****
Maybe because you speak indian?
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greta ****
maybe because you're prejudiced with stone age thinking ?Greta *****
@Abhishek *****
Nah. I think you're an IndiotReply to
Greta *****
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Sam ******
There is a difference between "good command" and "native speaker". Racial prejudice definitely plays a part too.
Also some parents want their kids speaking English in British and American accents.
Also some parents want their kids speaking English in British and American accents.
Bob ********
your idian accent is tough to easily understand.
Ya *****
The racist card again, there is your answer M8... Work harder talk less rubbish
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Abhishek ******
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Frankie *********
Maybe the accent
Michael ********
1. "Good Command" doesnt mean you're fluent and speak it naturally.
2. Bringing up skin color seems to be an attempt to rationalize (and impugne racism) for not being hired because of #1.
3. I'm guessing that Thailand isnt the only country that prefers to hire native English speakers to teach English...
4. When I take a language course, I look for native speakers in that language. There's nothing wrong or racist about that.
2. Bringing up skin color seems to be an attempt to rationalize (and impugne racism) for not being hired because of #1.
3. I'm guessing that Thailand isnt the only country that prefers to hire native English speakers to teach English...
4. When I take a language course, I look for native speakers in that language. There's nothing wrong or racist about that.
Shane *******
Me thinks ? It is because your not a native English speaker.. your Indian right? CONSIDERING your self good at anything won't get you the job over a native who has qualifications to show ?..is it cuz I is brown or black or whatever? don't have the same effect as usual?.....oh yh that 💩 dying out with the liberals .. imagine err let's say a none indian native went to India & believed they were better than natives?. & GOT THE POSITION'S?. i think the Indians would probably have something to say about this 🗡 🏃
Richard ********
Likely accent. I once translated for two people speaking English. One was a Thai bar girl the other was a German tourist. Both were speaking English, but neither could understand the other. It was pretty funny, the German guy kept getting upset saying "that's exactly what I said!". 😆
Mohit **********************
Brown and dark skinned folks are not attractive to the ladies and the student’s won’t be interested in their class. Simple! 😂
Cee ******
English needs to be taught with no defined accent
So British English
India English
etc have an accent
So British English
India English
etc have an accent
Dennis **********
Fact.
When your taught English by a foreigner
You pick up their accent. In a lot of cases those students go to an English speaking country and cannot be understood by it people.
Go to the teachers country. You stand a far better chance of being understood.🥺
When your taught English by a foreigner
You pick up their accent. In a lot of cases those students go to an English speaking country and cannot be understood by it people.
Go to the teachers country. You stand a far better chance of being understood.🥺
Dennis **********
Thais are brown skinned to.
Jason ********
I've seen vlogs from black Americans teaching in Thailand so I dont think its a skin color thing. It could be an accent issue.
Amy *********
@Ja***
- ThisReply to
Amy *********
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Sandy *******
Skin tone or accent?? You make the call. Doesn't have to be a race thing.
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sandy ******
partly race thing and latgely automatic biases I suppose. You may try it out to see for yourself.Reply to
Abhishek ******
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Jack *****
given your propensity to use trigger words.. like "innate arrogance" "entitlement" and other similar words... you expose more about yourself than anything else... you avoided the question regarding "caste system".. why is this?? could it be that you wish to avoid the mirror?? as Christopher stated... "did you ever think that maybe they're not hiring you because of something else."...
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jack ****
I ack caste system but what are you even getting at ?Leaving all things same barring the nationalities, the prejudices are REAL when seeking a ENGLISH TEACHING JOB.
Sometimes it helps to step out of the skin that folks take for granted. IT'S called empathy.
Here's an assignment for you, since you're all Enthusiastic & if you bear real spirit of enquiry.
Start applying for English teaching gigs with 2 diff resumes, ONE with good ol AMERICAN IDENTITY, & another with an INDIAN identity or say Asian , or (South African Black).
Everything for the content remains same, except the NAME & nationality and probably an ASIAN or respective photo concurrent with the alleged fake nationality.
Wherever needed the content you may tweak to best emulate nationality.
See how it goes & revert..
If you ain't interested to KNOW, then 🤚 🤚🏾🤚🏼✋✋🏽✋🏿
Jack *****
@Abhishek *****
ain't is not an English wordAbhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jack ****
words like dekko, Mulligatawny, aren't English words either & so are the ones below;"Yoghurt": (Turkish)
"Pizza": (Italian)
"Lemon": (Arabic)
"Avatar": (Sanskrit)
"Wanderlust": (German)
"Entrepreneur": (French)
"Cookie": (Dutch)
"Karaoke": (Japanese)
"Metropolis": (Greek)
"Agenda": (Latin)
"Alibi": (Latin)
"Bonus": (Latin)
"Data": (Latin)
"Veto": (Latin)
"Ad Hoc": (Latin)
"Avant-Garde": (French)
"Bona Fide": (Latin)
"Bon Voyage": (French)
"Caveat": (Latin)
"Caveat Emptor": (Latin)
"Cum Laude": (Latin)
"De Facto": (Latin)
"Deus Ex Machina": (Latin)
"En Masse": (French)
"Mea Culpa": (Latin)
"Per Se": (Latin)
"Pro Bono": (Latin)
"Quid Pro Quo": (Latin)
"Status Quo": (Latin)
"Tete-a-Tete": (French)
"Verbatim": (Latin)
"Vice Versa": (Latin)
Jack *****
@Abhishek *****
play with your selfJack *****
Jack Son I ack caste system but what are you even getting at ?
Are you seriously feigning ignorance???
Are you seriously feigning ignorance???
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jack ****
I'm using shorthand, mate. & you're just being an arse fir the sake of it. & neither are my texts here seeking your approval of my English language.You, Sire are merely trying to patronize & being a classic Infantile arse pretending to ride a moral high horse.
Reply to
Abhishek ******
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Neal *******
Thailand has no anti-discrimination laws. Too short, too fat, too bald, too old, perceived disability, actual disability, skin color, etc. Superficial judgments.
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Neal ******
thanks for being observant. Many deliberqtely are turning a blind eye to prejudicesReply to
Abhishek ******
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Gordon *******
...watches in amusement as they give the job to someone from Yorkshire! ;)
Wally ******
Its actually a stupid question. I feel its so dumb we are being baited. Are you happy now?
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wally *****
are you alright? Or do you know of the REAL world that exists outside of US UKJeff *******
@Abhishek *****
Yep we know, but prefer not to focus on forced marriages, marrying children, stoning rape victims, and beheadings for stealing a packet of crisps. But hey if you lot enjoy it you go for it, but keep it over there. CheersAbhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeff ******
hope this clip shows the hypocrisy yall stew in********************************************
Understand one thing My dear Jeff (patronising you ofcourse), humans have created boundaries & its not a Natural phenomenon. So what you claim to be natural of the OTHER you referred to, can as well be the culture of yours albeit in different ways & forms.
Point being Social ills pervade all societies of course, irrespective of the man-made borders.
The Bone I'm picking here, is something related to the appalling attitudes where English Teachers aren't solely sought based on competencies.
It's something that you'll never understand simply because you "luckily" birthed yourself in a progressive society but with an innately arrogant and regressive mind, of course.
Cheers 🍸 🍻
P.S -- you know your own hypocrisy when you have to comment from a fake A$$ account. I'm sure you have a dungeon as a basement doing all the cr@p that you have mentioned 😉
& you're so incorrect about the cultures you're trying to refer to (All Brown skin folks arent your HABIBI friends) - what a waste of time some Caucasians can be ?! (Bad apples everywhere)
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Abhishek ******
Reply
Wally ******
Accent
Gerard **************
In China years ago many India nationality were hired as English teachers.
Other countries based it on nationality as in US US Canada and South Africa.
Unsure about Thailand bylaws but I don't think it is ever racism.
Other countries based it on nationality as in US US Canada and South Africa.
Unsure about Thailand bylaws but I don't think it is ever racism.
Gerard **************
And UK
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Gerard **************
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Charlie *********
There IS a negative bias against darker-skinned people, and a positive bias for lighter-skinned people, in many parts of the world. One only need check consumer products to see it; the more skin lightening products, the more likely a higher prevalence. To ignore it, or posit that it does NOT play a role in hiring practices, is just silly denial. There is also the accent to consider, depending on who is doing the hiring. No offense, but many Indians speak English with a very heavy Indian accent that even native English speakers have to “actively listen to” to understand what they’re saying. Other Indian English speakers have a heavy British accent that takes little “active listening” to understand. Not knowing what your accent is, I couldn’t judge, but it may also be a factor.
Nigel ***********
Before of your sound, you don't speak Queen s English, need a newcastle accent or a yorkshire accent,.
เดแคลน ***********
There are a few reasons, but one of the main ones is rooted in the idea of authenticity. It's the same reason I wanted to learn Thai from someone who actually grew up in Thailand—because they’ve lived the language. Native speakers have often absorbed idioms, cultural references, and nuances that are hard to teach or fake, even at near-native levels. I know ample of people who can speak English at a near native level but when it comes to idioms they are utterly dumbfounded. Idioms are crucial for sounding natural, understanding native speakers, and grasping the richness of English expression and without the ability to understand and teach key parts of the speech it's understand why there is a preference for native speakers.
Don't get me wrong, there is an underlying tone of racism sometimes, but not all the time. I have friends who are british-indian that teach/have taught in school in Thailand.
Don't get me wrong, there is an underlying tone of racism sometimes, but not all the time. I have friends who are british-indian that teach/have taught in school in Thailand.
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@เดแคลน **********
thanks for a reasonable perspective. Appreciated. However the biases being discounted or gaslit, by many NES folks in here is beyond funny.
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Abhishek ******
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Ashi ********
It’s because you’re not native. There are plenty of Indian/turkish/african/carribean - British people who working in Thailand as teachers. Because they are native speakers.
Robert ********
Vindaloo vindaloo
Jonathan *************
deary me, deary deary me
Bruce ***********
Cause Indians wobble there head to much when there talking
Jonathan *************
@Bruce **********
four spelling mistakes in a brief note 😂😂😂😂Bruce ***********
@Jonathan ************
if you say soReply to
Bruce ***********
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Ricky ********
Thai people don’t like invasive Indians.
George *******
Probably because you wobble your head's when you talk, so people don't know if you mean yes or no 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Carolyne **********
It could be pronunciation, especially word and sentence stress. Some non native speakers find this challenging. Just being a native speaker doesn't make someone a good English teacher though, there's a lot to know about how to teach grammar and all aspects of the language properly. I certainly couldn't have done it without the relevant training and study. Do you have a TEFL or TESOL qualification? That might help.
Liam ***********
Click bait
Terry ***********
Your grasp of the English language is not as good as you would like it to be.
Gary *********
We have a similar situation on the uk I’ve been reading.
Some police forces are refusing to employ white people. Now just to come out with that statement would get people looked up if the roles were reversed !!
Some police forces are refusing to employ white people. Now just to come out with that statement would get people looked up if the roles were reversed !!
Falcon *******
can you speak English WITHOUT the Indian slang?
Aaron *********
mate, there's a typo in your post. Racism exists for sure but doesn't explain everything
Bent *************
Indian English is not good English - that’s my opinion!
Chris ***********
I would rather have a Chinese teaching me Chinese from China.
Priyanka **************
Indians are getting more into IT jobs here, or maths teacher as compare to English language teacher
I tried for the computer teacher job, but I need to have teaching license Even though I have formal training with masters in information technology
I tried for the computer teacher job, but I need to have teaching license Even though I have formal training with masters in information technology
Walt ********
English spoken by many Indians is really hard to understand hard to understand. Just returned from India and had no idea what most people were saying
Gareth ********
I teach English online. The site I work for only accept native speakers. Accent is one as it’s clear and we are born into the language. We also have a much wider range than someone who has a ‘good command of it’ idioms, casual phrases, slang (yes that’s also important when teaching ) Many reasons.
Derek *******
When i speak english in india most can not understand unless you speak slowly and need to modulate the words you use. Otherwise it is hard for a non native speaker to understand.
Harry **************
Open the door and all the rats will invade
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Abhishek ******
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Da *****
The same reason id want a Native brown skinned Indian to teach me Hindi. Its literally your accent and non native tongue.
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTERReply to
Abhishek ******
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Ralph *******
You also need qualifications. A bachelor’s degree and TEFL certification.
Ralph *******
The Indian accent can make their English difficult to understand. This is probably why.
Casa ********
Why waste your time asking such question! If your are talented than you can search in a country where people are matured and intelligent enough to evaluate tutors based on merit qualification. Not search in place where people judge you based on your nationality not talent ! I would advise u to try Middle East
Randy ******
@Casa *******
he is into kathoeysAbhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Casa *******
many a thanks for sane natured comment. I wanted to travel across Thailand & hence look for one.
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Abhishek ******
Reply
Rob *******
Ali G summed it up perfectly...
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rob ******
There's character limit for the Colored Back Banner of the post & i wanted it remain colored instead of the WHITE if one happens to cross the character limit. Folks in here would pick on the sentence formation instead of addressing the genuine spirit behind it. Its a simple gaslighting approach that they'd automatically deny as well. Apparently IF one crosses the limit one can have a WHITE background (pun intended, ofcourse - hope the comma here massaged your ego a tad bit, mate.) 😆🤣
you'd be aware of it.
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Abhishek ******
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Ellen *************
Also not for nothing, it will always be the old white man with a SEA woman on their arm who is the final authority and arbiter of all things in regard to SEA… or any discussion on any topic that may arise. He loves to snigger and try to humiliate and leave laugh emojis as evidence of his righteousness. Boring, predictable, inflated. Mediocre? Feel you’re not appreciated in your home country- move to SEA and be acknowledged and treated accordingly to your superiority. 🤮
We can say not all, but certainly well more than half - this is the landscape. Been out here a long time,
stereotypes are born from types that are a majority. Boohoo somewhere else wankers.
We can say not all, but certainly well more than half - this is the landscape. Been out here a long time,
stereotypes are born from types that are a majority. Boohoo somewhere else wankers.
Damus ***********
You’re just being divisive don’t complain be happy you’re here
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Damus **********
you think this concern is unfounded? Like really ? 😆Reply to
Abhishek ******
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Luna ********
I’m not a native speaker also I’m not white but I always land good teaching jobs. I think for Indians the accent is hard to get rid of
Jim *******
@Luna *******
In India, they have schools with with accent correction subjects.Some of my former colleagues (I am retired from a large multinational company that has maybe 30,000 staff in India) they went through that, to correct the accent.
They sound funny in concalls to the point they think more of their accent than of the actual subject.
Reply to
Jim *******
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Arnond **********
You’re asking about the irrationality of human behavior?
Ardy *********
May be accent? I mean people like Henry Kissinger, and Albright had a better command of English than most native, but they still had an accent. If one learns a socond language after age 11 won’t matter if you get a PhD. In that language, one would never lose accent. And that is just a fact. That goes for Indian, French, German, etc…
That’s my guess💁🏻
That’s my guess💁🏻
Melissa *********
Some people want to learn from someone that knows all the weird idioms that can occur in conversations
David **********
Because no Thai wants to sound like an Indian call centre when they speak English
Nikali *************
Because you're always late and difficult to manage..
Reply to
Abhishek ******
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David *******
@Abhishek *****
- there is nothing personal in what I am about to say as I do not know you. In some countries there is a negative perception of Indian men due to the mistreatment of women, and in reported cases of rape both within and outside India. It is not necessarily in any way a personal reflection on you, but it is a reflection on the cultural values of the country - India. Values which many countries do not want to import.Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@David ******
but ofcourse you've heard of stereotyping? High time we used discretion as part of educated minds discourse.David *******
@Abhishek *****
I agree. Unfortunately the stereotyping is founded in decades of experience and it will take decades of good people behaving well to turn this around 🥲Reply to
David *******
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Ali ******
I always thought because the native speakers of English are from England who are white, there was an automatic preference for them; and if not them, then someone clearly descendent of them i.e. American, Canadian, Australian, South African; if not white, then someone who was at least born and raised in one of these countries.
I wouldn't take it personally. No one would bat an eye if you wanted to teach them Hindi or some other Indian language.
I wouldn't take it personally. No one would bat an eye if you wanted to teach them Hindi or some other Indian language.
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ali *****
besides going for the automatic bias, the employers/ agents need to atleast fairly guage the competencies of the language of candidates. Often it's shut out in preliminary stages itself.Ali ******
@Abhishek *****
Agreed, but if they sense the non-white person was not born in one of those countries then they rule them out. But as someone rightly pointed out here, Filipinos teach English in Thailand, so that's interesting. I think Indian-English is not considered a preference because you sound Indian when you speak it, whereas when you learn English from a Filipino, the accent is faint, occassional, and not undesirable. There is a difference between Filipino and Indian English and Thai people prefer Filipino over Indian English. There's nothing one can do about that. People won't spend money for language lessons that they think will make them sound in an unwanted way.Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ali *****
there's too much generalization / judgements & often without the basic check / test of English language competency. Would those same folks who judge geberally judge all Indian accents as NODDINGO, believe that all MOORICANS have ComboySouthern accent?? It's impossible. So it is selective bias deliberated.
Guess I rather start an agency that hires folks purely on English competencies & Also offer at competitive prices to highlight how the Thai's may generally be going for overpriced & below average English speakers
Ali ******
@Abhishek *****
Due to social media and globalization in general, most non-English speakers can tell with a few sentences if the English they are hearing is native or non-native. They can make a quick judgement that aligns with their preferences about whether the English they are hearing is 'good' or 'bad'. You might want to have your own English analyzed to see how it sounds. If an objective person/professional says that it needs this or that to sound native, then you could invest in yourself by improving and then yes, teach it. Your writing is a bit verbose on average. I think it's obvious as some have noted her that your English skills are not at the par you think them to be. Take it as some feedback, work on making it better, and become a highly soughtafter English teacher.
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ali *****
not intending to be patronising;verbose writing is apt largely at times when spoon feeding is demanded or asked for in certain contexts like on social, as many may not comprehend fully well what could be said in a sentence or few words.
TOEFL is something I may need to take to merely back my competency, but I don't intend to be teaching English for life.
Need something to fund my travels, stay around Thailand and see how it pans out.
In case I need assistance from your Language consultancy, I shall connect. Many a thanks.
Btw, Do you hire or groom folks for language assistance in Thailand or what exactly do you do?
Ali ******
@Abhishek *****
that might be the other thing that is preventing others from choosing you to teach English -- they may sense you are not a teacher by profession, just someone who is trying earn some cash. Not gonna fly for most, mainly because there are so many dedicated language teachers they can choose from.Me? I'm an entrepreneuer, a digital nomad, dividing my time between the US, Thailand, India, China, and Japan.
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ali *****
you seem to have some presumptions already.I mean to say, I don't intend to teach English for "life" & how exactly is that a deterrent from an employers' point of view??
Has anyone ever heard of "contract of employment for life", I wonder. 🤔
Great to know of your Entrepreneurial journey. Smhw JOBS aren't wholly dignified as compared to being self employed or driving a Business atleast for folks from socalled TIER2 TIER3 countries.
Ali ******
@Abhishek *****
Well I think it's in the vibe one person has over the other. A dedicated teacher gives off a different vibe, that of dignity, self-respect, wisdom, professionalism, along with the other things, native proficiency, certification, etc. A person wanting to teach without the above, as a side gig, wouldn't be the preference for hiring. You're free to apply at as many places as you wish but what we're talking about is what it takes to be hired to teach English in Thailand. Jobs are tough. Only had two jobs my whole life, one at a company called US Robotics, near Chicago, for a couple of years, and the other as a Teacher's Assistant at the university. Oh yeah, at a lab at the university too. But for my entire adult life, self-employed. Yes, it's a good life, no doubt about that. :)
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Ali ******
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Zoe ******
It should be case by case but, most of the times people just generalize. Unfortunately a native English speaker wouldn’t have said “I have a good command over English…” this is just one of the many examples why. Also many parents want teachers with American or British accent. Learning a language from a native speaker has certain advantages and benefits.
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Zoe *****
There's character limit for the Colored Back Banner of the post & i wanted it remain colored instead of the "forceful WHITE" if one happens to cross the character limit. Folks in here would pick on the sentence formation instead of addressing the genuine spirit behind it. Its a simple gaslighting approach that they'd automatically deny as well, including you. Apparently IF one crosses the limit one can have a WHITE background (pun intended, ofcourse - hope the comma here massaged your ego a tad bit, mate.) 😆🤣
you'd be aware of it.
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Abhishek ******
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Jeff ******
Remember when Trump met Modi, modi spoke in English and had an English translator too
Tony **********
I ( Native English speaker ) find Indians hard to understand .Yes they are fluent in English but have a terrible accent .
Ross **********
Would you get a Thai to teach you the Thai language? Or somebody else. Question answered
Robin *******
My son’s English teacher is from the Philippines
Daren *********
Wow! I have read many of the comments here and most of them are poorly written to say the least.
Why on earth would you want to have a teacher who has zero to basic command of written English. Therefore, I would ascertain that their spoken English is sub standard as well.
Why on earth would you want to have a teacher who has zero to basic command of written English. Therefore, I would ascertain that their spoken English is sub standard as well.
Jonathan *************
@Daren ********
"ascertain" 🤣🤣🤣Reply to
Jonathan *************
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Iain ***********
Africans are often English teachers in Thailand.
Jim *******
@Iain **********
Often? I have to see one African teaching English.Iain ***********
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Iain ***********
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Tony *********
From my experience as a native-English business professional. My adult students chose me because of my level of English which has been acquired through years of being a business professional, and travelling the world. When you haven't grown up and worked in an native-English speaking country you may lack skills in that area. Many parents chose me for their kids because I am a business professional and a critical thinker. They are happy with the schools teaching their children grammar, but want someone with world knowledge, and an abundance of experience to teach their kids about the world we live in.
Wayne *********
Because, and I say this with respect, you probably speak it with a heavy Indian accent. Even if you don’t, without hearing you speak they’re going to assume that you do.
A heavy or thick accent can make it more difficult for those learning English to fully understand what you are saying. Even native english speakers can struggle to understand people speaking English with a thick accent, so imagine how hard it would be for someone learning the language.
It’s the same reason you won’t find many Scottish English teachers!
A heavy or thick accent can make it more difficult for those learning English to fully understand what you are saying. Even native english speakers can struggle to understand people speaking English with a thick accent, so imagine how hard it would be for someone learning the language.
It’s the same reason you won’t find many Scottish English teachers!
Greg *********
You made a mistake in your post, so perhaps your "command" is not as good as you think. 🤷🏻♂️
Brian ********
Accents and enunciation.
Even within the UK there are bias with regards to people’s speech. A few call centres are based geographically to take advantage of this.
For myself - I struggle with thick accents and close but not perfect English, due to hearing issues, I just don’t take calls - it ends up frustrating both ends of the call.
Even within the UK there are bias with regards to people’s speech. A few call centres are based geographically to take advantage of this.
For myself - I struggle with thick accents and close but not perfect English, due to hearing issues, I just don’t take calls - it ends up frustrating both ends of the call.
Kal *********
English is different from different locations or countries... Thai people want to learn spoken English..
accents vary so much;
English from England
English from USA
English from Australia
English from India
English from Ireland
Ect ..,
even from USA (as I know ) sounds different from southern states to northern states .. East and north east accents are totally different from California (west coast)
It's gonna be hard to learn spoken English from a person with thick foreign accents from many of these countries...
did u see trump had an interpreter when he met with the leader of India even tho the Indian leader was speaking perfect English 555
I cannot follow lots of Irish accent English ...
accents vary so much;
English from England
English from USA
English from Australia
English from India
English from Ireland
Ect ..,
even from USA (as I know ) sounds different from southern states to northern states .. East and north east accents are totally different from California (west coast)
It's gonna be hard to learn spoken English from a person with thick foreign accents from many of these countries...
did u see trump had an interpreter when he met with the leader of India even tho the Indian leader was speaking perfect English 555
I cannot follow lots of Irish accent English ...
Deborah *******
Its the accent that is not helpful to the students future prospects.
Allan ********
“Command of”. They probably don’t want their kids sounding like they’re phoning from a scam call centre. It’s more accents and dialects. Doubt they would hire many other Europeans with perfect English either. English, American, Australia make better and easily available options.
Danny *******
Probably a bias against skin color and accent. Thais have a prejudice against dark skin, even amongst their own ,and for their own English accent which is not the same as someone from India.
Pat *********
Native speakers also have different accents/dialects according to the region; eg. In U.K. Queen’s English, BBC English, London accent, east London accent, Lancashire male/female accent, northern accent (Lancashire/Yorkshire), and so on. (many regional accents such as areas like Scouse (Liverpool), Geordie (Newcastle), Brummie (Birmingham) etc are hard to understand… yet people prefer the “native” English speaker to teach their children…sometimes an unqualified backpacker takes this job, but things are changing.
Stephen ********
Perceived prejudice of parents.
I have met Filipinas who speak better English received pronunciation than many English born folk with strong regional accents. Yet salaries for a regional English teacher will be far higher than can be earned by a far 'better' Filipino/a.
The parents assume the English English teacher is better at teaching their child.
I have met Filipinas who speak better English received pronunciation than many English born folk with strong regional accents. Yet salaries for a regional English teacher will be far higher than can be earned by a far 'better' Filipino/a.
The parents assume the English English teacher is better at teaching their child.
Ellen *************
First of all, I might ask are you a teacher? Are you a credentialed teacher? As to the rest of it it’s just bait and I won’t take it. If you can’t connect the dots to understand why that is you definitely shouldn’t be out in the world on your own.it is absolutely wrong but I know why it exists?
Darren *******
You haven't worked that out yet .
Lucky ******
Can’t speak English clearly
Steve ********
The highest proportion of English speakers now live in and originate from India. However, being a 'native' speaker seems, anachronistically, to imply you should have been born in a country with English as the native language. This implies you should fit a particular stereotype (of which being white is one characterstic) to meet the demands of that marketplace. These prejudices are built into most capitalist marketplaces and based on false premises, since 'native' English is a marketplace invention; there are many forms of English and 'native, meaning standard, is just one small minority element in that range or field.
At the same time, teaching English requires pedagogical expertise and content knowledge; subject matter expertise. These are typically acquired via standard industry qualifications. RSA CELTA and DELTA and also Masters Degrees in TEFL and Applied Linguistics.
The assumption that you are fit to teach English simply because you speak it is equivalent to suggesting you can be a surgeon because you have peeled a potato.
At the same time, teaching English requires pedagogical expertise and content knowledge; subject matter expertise. These are typically acquired via standard industry qualifications. RSA CELTA and DELTA and also Masters Degrees in TEFL and Applied Linguistics.
The assumption that you are fit to teach English simply because you speak it is equivalent to suggesting you can be a surgeon because you have peeled a potato.
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Ellen *************
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Dave ********
It's an accent. There are many in English-speaking countries. I really don't see the problem. Apply and let the chips fall where they may. Indians master English as well as any other country where English is the educational language but the native language is different. Philippines comes to mind. Just go for it.
Brandon *****************
Because most Indians have very thick accents and nobody can understand what you say. That is why most Indians are only hired to teach math and science. Well spoken English isn't needed for these subjects.
Christopher ********
Because they wanna learn from somebody who grew up speaking the language, I don’t know why that’s a difficult concept. It’s like, they learn from listening to you and people who don’t grow up speaking English sound different than people who do.
Why is the world racist against dark skin? This is like an old thing that it’s funny because coming to Asia you really kind of learn about how it’s more of a class thing because all all the skin whitening in Korea and all the skin whitening products in Thailand, That being dark skinned is not just an issue in my home country of the United States. It’s an issue apparently all over and has been for a long time.
People have this obsession that if things are white, they are more pure for some reason, it has something to do with purity and upper class system, and a lot of other things besides race it has something to do with a race, but it also has to do with the myriad of other things
Why is the world racist against dark skin? This is like an old thing that it’s funny because coming to Asia you really kind of learn about how it’s more of a class thing because all all the skin whitening in Korea and all the skin whitening products in Thailand, That being dark skinned is not just an issue in my home country of the United States. It’s an issue apparently all over and has been for a long time.
People have this obsession that if things are white, they are more pure for some reason, it has something to do with purity and upper class system, and a lot of other things besides race it has something to do with a race, but it also has to do with the myriad of other things
David ****
Racism for one. colonialism is the other. White faces are valued while colored ones aren't. If a color person can speak English, then there must be something wrong with it.
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@David ***
thanks for seeing things as they are, without any propaganda. Many non native speakers incompetent with the language do smhw add to the chaos. The host representative(s) need to vet based on English competencies rather than merely, if "s(he) is Caucasian or not"Sylvia ********
@David ***
I know 2 English teaches in Isan who come from Cameroon, they told ne I was difficult to find work but kept trying. They also have a degreeReply to
Sylvia ********
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Kristian ***************
Your question holds the answer! Because Indians are not native speakers.
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kristian **************
but anyone can hold command over the English language reasonably well & yet not hail from Native speaking lands.Reply to
Abhishek ******
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Mic *****
Because you sound like a Indian speaking English!
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Leon ********
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Adrian *******
Probably perception of your (likely accent) potentially with a bit of racism thrown in. Sad to hear so much silly racism and silly woke in some of the responses to your post.
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Adrian ******
thanks, that was sane & reassuring. I almost bought the gaslighting 😆Reply to
Abhishek ******
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Donald **********
Without being racist, I’ve encountered many Indians in the Middle East who claim to speak English. Speaking face to face with them you could usually come to an understanding but on the phone, forget it. I’d suspect they hadn’t been taught English by a native English tutor.
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Donald *********
that's not racist at all. I know what you're getting at. These folks somehow land the job, but haven't had competent schooling over the English language. They might even think in their own local.language instead of IN ENGLISH, which is why their sentence formulation & articulation may go berserk. I hail from a town that was FIRST HILLSTATION found by the British in India. A great deal of schools that were great and continue continue be so, but none have native English speaking folks as teachers.
The Indians in middle east are largely and quite possibly cheap labor & bot necessarily put there for their competent English language skills. 🤗
Jim *******
@Donald *********
Only 10% of Indians speak English.India has 17 "scheduled languages" and cultures. India is a continent, not just a state.
In Thai, they do not want to pay for English classes if they are not taught by a native speaker, a white teacher, be it from England or Ireland, Scotland.
I read maybe 10 years ago, big Indian outsorcers, got 1.2 million jobs to cater for Western companies, Insurance, Banks, Mobile providers companies, call centres.
Out of 1.2 million positions, they (InfoSys, TATA Consulting), their leaders said "We are competent but we can not get the accents right".
They outsourced (to subcontractors) companies from the Philipines, with a neutral accent, 800 thousands of those jobs to the Philipines, from India.
Ellen *************
@Jim ******
I live in India and have traveled here extensively- that percentage is ridiculously inaccurate. I worry that won’t matter to you and will only draw your ire, but carry on.
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Ellen *************
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Brett *********
@Donald *********
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Brett *********
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Marc **********
I don't understand it neither, because native speakers are not the best teachers. What do they want? English English, Wales English (not intelligible), Scottish English, American English 😂, Australian, New Zealand, Canadian, ...
The only teachers I know who speaks a clear and understandable English, are none native speakers ...
The only teachers I know who speaks a clear and understandable English, are none native speakers ...
Dave **********
@Marc *********
what a load of bollixAbhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTERReply to
Abhishek ******
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Jason ********
@Marc *********
My gosh, I've tutored thousands of students from all over the world, and 99.9% prefer to learn from American native English speakers. You're just another jealous, sad, hater.Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Marc *********
thanks for seeing things as IT IS. Imagine my pain when a Bsckpacking Irish friend lands a English speaking gig somewhere in China easily, which funded his travels. It's not great command of the English language he held, I must say. But definitely a fun chap, I had to cut short my visits as I was not landing em easily. 😆🤷♂️ & I had to cut short the trip
Your insights are SPOT On though. Thanks
Jacq ************
@Marc *********
either; nonDaren *********
@Marc *********
Do you mean Welsh? Also non not noneMarc **********
Yes
@Da***
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Marc **********
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Brett *********
@Marc *********
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Brett *********
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Peter *******
Don't think the colour of your skin has anything to do with it. The main criteria is native speaker. Many non native speakers command of English is good but their accented English is difficult to understand. Indian call centres a good example.
Having said that native English speakers from Geordie land are not easy to understand 🤣
Having said that native English speakers from Geordie land are not easy to understand 🤣
Fritte *********
@Peter ******
exactly my 2 cents. Indians can have a total grasp of the English language in theory, grammar spelling , etc but when you reach that call center I can’t understand what they are saying half of the time.Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter ******
I get that part of accent but accents of Native speakers vary across the table, as well. It is somehow related to this bias that any competent Asian English teacher wouldn't be a great fit for it when Native speakers are available. Sort of brings that exotic/ entitlement value, TBH.
So many rich parents in Asia, without the know of the English language would blindly go for a native speaker. But when institutes & agencies do the same it's a tad bit unfair. & It's done openly 🤷♂️
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter ******
I despise those Scamming CALL Nutters as well who are largely "Indiots". 🤣Polat *******
@Peter ******
and how they manage to scam people with such an accent is one of the greatest mysteries of modern times.Reply to
Polat *******
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Mark **********
Being fluent does not necessarily mean the accent is correct.
Brett *********
@Mark *********
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Brett *********
Reply
Jon ********
Taking the high road….your accent. There are 67 countries English is the native language. But only U.K., Ireland, Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand need apply.
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jon *******
accents can be neutralized. Or accent coaching can be a different ballgame altogether cos not all native English speaking folks carry the same accent. When it come to teaching the language, competency over the language could matter more, which is not region centric.
Also not merely having been "nurtured" in the English speaking native country be an apt qualification. Its just so stupid of humans & plain simple prejudice.
Jon ********
@Abhishek *****
I can net it out for you at least in Thailand where I was an English teacher for 5 years. If you are not from the USA, U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia or New Zealand you are not 1st tier as a hire.Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jon *******
I understand... you're right about Thai... they treat n perceive tier1 Teachers from these 5 countries.& that's the discrimination ... which is pronounced while looking out for opportunities
Jon ********
@Abhishek *****
white skin blond hair blue eyes 24 slim no tattoos or facial hair is considered ideal in addition to being a NES.Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTERJim *******
@Jon *******
Fillipinos, with their neutral accent are hired at cheaper schools.Jon ********
@Jim ******
philopinos have a unique Tagalog accent. It is not neutralJon ********
@Jim ******
never met a philpino with a neutral accent other than one that was from the USA. They speak perfect English but they have a Tagalog accentLynnette *******
@Jon *******
neutral accent, from USA? How do you figure that. 🤦Jon ********
@Lynnette ******
the west coast and mid westLynnette *******
@Jon *******
nothing neutral about an American accent.Jon ********
@Lynnette ******
from the Deep South and places like Boston the accent is something that Asian parents won’t like their kids to sound like. California and the Midwest are neutral and liked by foreigners for learning purposesJon ********
@Lynnette ******
it’s the most neutral and easy to understand compared to other NES countries. Canada too.Lynnette *******
@Jon *******
it's American English, not English. Lol.Jon ********
@Lynnette ******
irrelevant.Lynnette *******
@Jon *******
it's not irrelevant. I speak English, British English. I prefer my children and grand children to speak non dialect English not American English.Jon ********
@Lynnette ******
Good for you darling. There are about 50 million people that still speak British English in a rapidly shrinking country.Lynnette *******
@Jon *******
yup. It is good for me. . . And it's nothing to do with the size of the country. Not sure what the size of Britain has to speaking English. 🤷. Maybe that's an American thing. . "size"Jon ********
@Lynnette ******
no it’s 2025. The majority of English speakers in the world have an English accent.Lynnette *******
@Jon *******
so what was your point? 🤦Jon ********
@Lynnette ******
are you a fag smoker ? Only in the U.K. is this considered an acceptable phrase. Only Brit’s eat spotted Dick lol 😂Lynnette *******
@Jon *******
I rarely use slang. So no.Jon ********
@Jim ******
50% of the Thai English teachers are Philippine and they are paid less. However, if the teach math and science they are paid an equal wage to farangs.Jim *******
@Jon *******
Impossible. How could the Philipinos even come close to teach maths or anything other than English in Thai? Thais can not teach maths , science or anything?Jon ********
@Jim ******
idiot commentReply to
Jon ********
Reply
David **********
The Answer is in the question.
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@David *********
classic gaslighting. There's character limit for the Colored Back Banner of the post & i wanted it remain colored instead of WHITE if one happens to cross the character limit. Folks in here, like you, would pick on the sentence formation instead of addressing the genuine spirit behind it. Its a simple gaslighting approach that they'd automatically deny as well.
Apparently IF one crosses the character limit one can have a WHITE background (pun intended ofcourse) 😆🤣
you'd be aware of it.
David **********
@Abhishek *****
Piffle.Reply to
David **********
Reply
Wannikea *********
Clear clean pronunciation and intonation
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wannikea ********
that's not all that there is to it. Is it now?Dave **********
@Abhishek *****
well your answer shows your written English, and command of English is very lackingDave **********
@Abhishek *****
wow....I got a gold star too!! 🤣🤣Reply to
Dave **********
Reply
Wannikea *********
@Abhishek *****
many schools prefer a certain accent for their students. Personally I find some accents hard to understand, even British or Aussie, many Indians seem to have a general higher base level tone which alters the genuine sound of the language. Some Indians have a very neutral accent and tone, probably educated overseas.Reply to
Wannikea *********
Reply
Nika ******
Hmmm, why would someone prefer to pay for native teacher? Isn’t it pretty clear?
Color is secondary but learning from a native teacher helps with accent, vocabulary etc.
Color is secondary but learning from a native teacher helps with accent, vocabulary etc.
Dave **********
@Nika *****
The Indians have an accent that many of us do not understand. 😞Nika ******
@Dave *********
exactlyJohn ******************
@Dave *********
That is reality , Dave 👍Ellen *************
@Dave *********
not all Indians!? What a weird thing to say. I live here and there are as many English dialects to be heard throughout this country as exist in any so-called native English speaking country. I would even venture to say that the majority of Indians throughout the country speak English fully from a VERY early age.I lived in Vietnam several years and have spent plenty of time in SEA- India is easier because of the English spoken here, and in many instances it’s cheaper.
Dave **********
@Ellen ************
another leftie!Ellen *************
@Dave *********
I don’t understand the desire to be so simplistic and just slap labels on everything and then try to cement them. I’m not a left anything but I’d rather be whatever I am than what you are. You personifify the problem. 🙄 the first and last argument of the fool is ridicule. Boring.Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ellen ************
exactly. Most English speakers from India are competent enough if they have had formal schooling in it. The competency can be much higher as well at times. However even they don't stand good chances when compared to an average native Eng Speaker.
The host country is biased as well and somehow has the ingrained prejudice that they will learn well if it's with Native Speakers. Imagine being OK with some Scot, Irish, Welsh Indivdual for an English teacher.
Dave **********
@Abhishek *****
why don't you just accept that don't want you. With your high education levels (sic), I'm sure you can work that out!Ellen *************
@Abhishek *****
but are you a teacher or are you someone who speaks English that wants to teach for your income? Because yeah there’s racism but also not even respecting the profession or the students and then complaining about how you’re shut out- that’s conflating two different factors and wanting to lay all the blame at the feet of racism. Racism is real 💯 but so is people of all colors that speak English deciding it’s ok for them to teach. 🤷🏻♀️Bhia, you owe me no explanation, this is just an exercise in conversation 👍🏼
Reply to
Ellen *************
Reply
Tom *********
@Dave *********
so do some Australians and Kiwis. While many dialects in the UK are very difficult to fully understand.Dave **********
@Tom ********
yes nobody knows what most Scotts,and many Irish, as well as some English are saying. As a mater of fact, when I'm talking to some Brits. My Thai wife will ask...what language were they speaking? When I say English. She says..your kidding 😆Reply to
Dave **********
Reply
Terary **********
"good command [of the] English language".
Otherwise you sound like you've conquered the English, and some may take offense to that.
(I had to edit my post a couple of times because my English sucks also)
Otherwise you sound like you've conquered the English, and some may take offense to that.
(I had to edit my post a couple of times because my English sucks also)
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Terary *********
there's character limit for the Colored Back Banner of the post & i wanted it remain colored instead of WHITE if one happens to cross the limit. Folks in here would pick on the sentence formation instead of addressing the genuine spirit behind it. Its a simple gaslighting approach that they'd automatically deny as well. Apparently IF one crosses the character limit one can have a WHITE background (pun intended) 😆🤣
you'd be aware of it
Dave **********
@Abhishek *****
by the way, in English it's coloured.. another reason they want native English!!!!Reply to
Dave **********
Reply
Mike *********
@Terary *********
I was just about to make the identical comment. Cheers!Juls ******
@Terary *********
if its the same who physically conquer the world when they can, who care if they are offended ? I mean, he kill noone, him.Tony *********
@Juls *****
no-oneDave *********
@Juls *****
Who care(s)? Well obviously people/organisations wanting native English speakers so they don't get sentences like the post?Steven ******
@Dave ********
The or they?Dave *********
@Steven *****
Good point, I'll edit that before anyone notices 😁Steven ******
@Dave ********
no worries!Reply to
Steven ******
Reply
Andrew ********
I don't think this can be truly answered without sounding racist.
Porky ******
Lawrence ********
Porky ******
@Lawrence *******
That’s pretty mild compared to what I’m used to 😎Reply to
Porky ******
Reply
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew *******
thanks for being honest. Appreciate if you'd elaborate on the situation AS IS.Mark **********
@Andrew *******
hmmm if it walks like a duck...Tony *********
@Andrew *******
Why?Johny ******
@Andrew *******
stop worrying about wot people think. Say it, if they don't like it, tough 👍🏴🇬🇧🇹🇭Reply to
Johny ******
Reply
Brett *********
Mostly predjudice. Often in Thailand the lighter the skin, the higher the status. Similar to a caste system, only colour based. You know the caste system?
Sé *****
@Brett ********
You would not learn thai from a non native speaker . Is it prejudice , or is it common sense ? 🤷♂️Dave **********
@Brett ********
absolute rubbish... they want people who can speak English without an American, Australian etc accent. It's nothing to do with prejudice.Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dave *********
hope you'd see the reality of it, stepping out of the entitled comfort zone you may have been conditioned with... 👍Dave **********
@Abhishek *****
wtaf are you talking about!!!?? The reality of what? I'm entitled because I speak English...🤣🤣🤣Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTERReply to
Abhishek ******
Reply
Brett *********
@Dave *********
if you say so. How is your accent?Christopher ********
@Brett ********
so you’re not kiddingDave **********
@Brett ********
my accent is fine. I teach English and pronunciation in Thailand. Thanks for askingReply to
Dave **********
Reply
Christopher ********
@Brett ********
do you think it’s prejudiced that they want somebody to teach a language that they grew up speaking? You gotta be kidding meAndy **********
@Christopher *******
A lot of TEFL teachers did not grow up speaking English. A lot of Indians grow up speaking English.Christopher ********
@Andy *********
that is true. But that would make them native speakers. Because a lot of people in India speak English.Andy **********
@Christopher *******
A German teaching English because he picked up a bit aged 14 is not a native speaker. There are certainly different levels of spoken English in India, with Hinglish emerging quite frequently, much like how American English can be a screwed up version.Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy *********
true Dat. Many Indians speak English growing up in schools, Hinglish does happen like tamglish or any other quirks. However there are many like me who think in English & can speak it. The accent maybe different but not the popular NODDINGO style of it 😆The biases are subtle & ingrained similar to the colonial mindset that still prevails
Brett *********
@Abhishek *****
this is trueChristopher ********
@Andy *********
American English is the preferred English and most English schools around the worldReply to
Christopher ********
Reply
Rich ************
@Christopher *******
exactly when I get a call center in India it's almost impossible to understand half of what they say, so in my opinion it has nothing to do with prejudice it has to do with the best person for the job!Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Christopher *******
does the innate arrogance & entitlement come naturally to native speakers?All competencies being equal, barring the nationalities, why is there a bias only for Native Speakers??
Does it ever get any clearer than this?
@Bret Wilkins you're not incorrect at all.. An undisclosed sense of validation is seen by seeking only native English speakers, both by employer & potential employee.
Dave **********
@Abhishek *****
say you're thick and pig headed without actually saying it!!Brett *********
@Abhishek *****
i have been to India 3 times on business. There are a lot of Indian nationals who speak English a lot more clearly than Scotsmen or a lot of Englishmen *****
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brett ********
you Know it & you're telling it AS IT IS. Wish people knew the whole spectrum of English speaking folks from Asia & also their Innate talent for multi lingualism 🤷♂️Most native English speaking people have only come across the many of the lackey call center folks with bad english & they presume the whole lot is that way.
Its As if all Americans spoke COWBOY language with southern accents ??!! 😆
Sigh.
Steve *******
@Abhishek *****
do you speak with an accent? Just guessing as to what the reason could be. If you don’t have any type of accent I’m not sure what the reasoning would be.Pe ****
@Steve ******
Everyone has an accent.Steve *******
@Pe ***
yes, and mine is that of a native English speaker.Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steve ******
they flat out discourage, even to interview or asses my English language skills - & that too for say under 11yo kids. I sense plain bias. I'm looking for competent/progressive & democratic agencies to find work in Thailand.
Darren *********
@Abhishek *****
someone who learns a language will speak it correctly. A native speaker speaks it naturally. So if you want to talk like a textbook than you are fine either way,but if you want to sound native the only way to learn it is from a native speaker.Mma *******
@Abhishek *****
go teach English in India then. You want encounter as many obsticles.Mma *******
@Abhishek *****
plenty of non natives; from all round the world. Lets be real do u need a native to teach a 5 year old. Not really.Dave **********
@Mma ******
yes, you do. For good pronunciation etcMma *******
@Dave *********
lol have you heard some UK teachers here, cannot understand them. Being clear and understood key.Dave **********
@Mma ******
examples?Mma *******
@Dave *********
2 in one school I worked- but northerners, we could not understand them, accent too thick. Brits/Aussiess/Kiwi’s can be a problem sometimes.
Abhishek ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mma ******
how I wish, though reality is somewhat different ... 👍Christopher ********
@Abhishek *****
 did you ever think that maybe they’re not hiring you because of something else?Bonnie *********
@Christopher *******
Please reread the OP. Maybe your comprehension level is sub-par.Pretty arrogant for a digital creator.
Christopher ********
@Abhishek *****
so after taking the time to explain it to you, which is actually time out of my day, you’re just gonna turn around and ask me the same question over again?I gave you my time I gave you my feedback, what else do you want from me? Do you want me to change the entire world for you?
Do you know if I had that power I would be doing it right now, but I don’t so what do you want from me?
Reply to
Christopher ********
Reply
Brett *********
@Christopher *******
maybe I am kidding you.....Charlie *********
@Brett ********
BEST. ANSWER. EVER.Reply to
Charlie *********
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