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A way of communicating to thespian without using pens? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

thai

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'a way' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how one could define the other.

'communicating to thespian without using pens?' is the wordplay.
'communicating' becomes 'AM' (AM is an example).
'to thespian' becomes 'ham' (ham is a kind of thespian).
'without' is a deletion indicator.
'using' becomes 'tai' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'pens?' indicates putting letters inside (to pen can mean to contain or imprison).
'ham' with 'am' removed is 'h'.
'h' put within 'tai' is 'THAI'.

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for thai that I've seen before include "Coming from Bangkok?" , "From old Siam?" , "is concerned with an eastern country" , "Sort of massage" , "Eg, native of Bangkok" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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