| Proficiency in the language becomes more relevant if you need to work or do business as an expat.
I live and work in Germany and although the language isn't much use outside Germany (even most of its neighbours don't want to hear it), I couldn't get through a day without it.
The same applies here as in Thailand:many people don't have much of interest to say but in any emergency or dispute you're up shit creek and seriously disadvantaged if you don't command the local lingo, not to mention the handicap of finding work if you can't read the want ads. |