Canadian Culture in Thailand and Word Sounds

Tim Hortons now had eight restaurants in Bangkok, Thailand. Tim Horton was a defenceman with the Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Club a long time ago. 

If you read the above sentences, you may see what appear to be two grammatical errors. Shouldn't it be Tim Horton's? What about Toronto Maple Leaves?

Yes, in correct English, they should be, but these are 'brand' names and so, although they look odd to grammarians, they do stand out and that is what effective brand names are supposed to do.

One of Tim Hortons most popular products is 'Tim Bits' or donut holes. My wife, who is Thai, said that in Thailand, Thai people call them 'Tim Bites'. 

I thought I would explain how, if you are learning or teaching English, you can quickly decide which is correct.

English has many small words with a single vowel between consonants. Usually, the word is pronounced with a short vowel sound:

bit, can, win, kit, man, hat

The dog bit the cat.

I can read English.

The best team will win.

I have a kit to build a toy boat.

The man was tall. 

The girl was wearing a hat.

 

Listen to what happens when we add an 'e' at the end of those words.

bite, cane, wine, kite, mane, hate.

Adding the 'e' changes the vowel to a long sound.

Read these sentences and hear the differences in the sound of the words now.

The dog may bite you.

The old man uses a cane.

We had wine with dinner at the restaurant.

I like to fly my kite.

The horse has a long mane.

I hate getting splashed by cars.

As with many English rules, you may find exceptions but generally speaking, this is a good rule to follow.

If you want to see how Canadian culture is finding a home in Bangkok. watch this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPaK0FygM98