Vietnam is one of the most fascinating countries in Southeast Asia. Its food, people and culture are unique and varied, and it’s definitely not difficult to see why so many come back for more.
However, a lot of people are scared off by the thought of learning a new language. You’ll find that many travelers speak English in Vietnam, but it definitely is not the first language. Even native English speakers can find it difficult to navigate everyday life and express themselves clearly. So if you are looking to expand your knowledge of Asia and have always wanted to visit Vietnam, here’s your chance!
In this article, we’ll teach you the best ways to learn Vietnamese fast so you can become more efficient and productive when traveling or living in the country. With only a few short years of studying, you’ll be able to understand and utilize the language to the fullest.
Vietnamese Abroad
One of the best things about Vietnam is how receptive the Vietnamese are to people from other countries. You’ll frequently see locals speaking English with foreigners, and there is definitely no lack of opportunity to get your language skills practiced. Especially if you’re in Hanoi, Saigon, or another large city, you’ll have your pick of English speaking jobs. So instead of wasting your time in Vietnam trying to learn the language, why not take the opportunity to actually USE IT?
For those looking for a new challenge, learning Vietnamese will not only increase your knowledge of Asia, but you’ll also be able to talk to the locals about their culture and show your interest in what they have to say. It’s a great way to make new connections and obtain valuable information that you might not have been able to learn about otherwise.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary is one of the key areas that put languages apart from one another. When learning a new language, you’ll find that the vocabulary is the part that you most need to focus on, as it will greatly influence the way you sound and the sentences you are able to make. It can also be quite challenging to learn the right words for the right situations.
Since Vietnamese is a heavily borrowing language, meaning many words come from other languages, it can be quite overwhelming to learn the large number of words that it contains. Fortunately, there are many tools available online that can reduce the amount of work you have to do. For example, Reverso allows you to look up the meaning of a word in a variety of different languages, while WordTree provides the opportunity to learn new words by searching for defined synonyms or antonyms.
VN Alphabet
While Vietnamese does have a script of its own, it’s almost impossible to learn to write the language. It takes a lot of time to master the complicated strokes and proper usage of this script, and for those who learn it, it will likely be their least acquired language skill. If you are aiming to learn Vietnamese, it’s better to learn to write in the Latin alphabet, as it’s the most commonly used alphabet in the country. It will also make it much easier for you to learn to read and write the language.
Vietnamese Phonetics
Vietnamese is a tonal language, which means that the meaning and usage of words are influenced by the pitch of the speaker’s voice. This is a difficult thing to learn for those who are not familiar with it, and even those who are find that occasionally words have more than one meaning that shift depending on the tone used. While this can be useful in certain situations, it can also lead to confusion when trying to learn the language or communicate with native speakers. For this reason, it’s best to learn the language using a phonetic guide, which is a method of learning based on the principle that everything can be learned as long as you have the right guide. With this method, you will identify sounds, words, and phrases that you are unsure of, and have them explained to you in detail. It’s also a great way to ensure that you are not misusing any words or phrases, as you will learn the correct way to use them, and not just remember them.
Tourism
Tourism in Vietnam is a valuable source of revenue, and one of the most popular places for tourists is the country’s museums and galleries. Many of these contain examples of Chinese culture and architecture that were brought to Vietnam as part of the country’s colonial past, and it’s interesting to see how much these influences continue to appear in people’s daily lives. In fact, many streets and buildings in Vietnamese cities and townships bear names and bear a face that is a mixture of Chinese and European influences.
Whether you are interested in learning about the country’s history or just want to use the language for general conversation, there will always be a way to connect with the locals and ensure that you have a good time.
Learn Vietnamese, Live In Vietnam!
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in a new culture, why not consider Vietnam? One of the most prolific yet underrated Asian countries, it’s definitely worth exploring! If you’re looking for insights on where to settle in Vietnam, how to get by in the local language, or what to do in the country, continue reading.
Vietnam is well connected to the rest of the world by air travel, with direct flights to major cities from Europe and Asia. There are also weekly flights from China, making it easy to connect to both countries. Visa requirements are simple and easy to meet, with most countries granting tourists a waiver. Once you have your visa, which is only valid for 30 days, you can move around the country without any problems.
Aside from its food and culture, what else will you find in Vietnam? Opportunities! If you’re a skilled or experienced worker, you will undoubtedly be able to find work in your area of expertise. With more people moving to the country every year, there is a constant need for more skilled workers. If English is your native language, you will be able to find work as an English teacher, translator, or even journalist. In Hanoi, there is a high demand for drivers and cooks, while textile factories in the country are seeking employees. If you have a skill to offer, give it some thought and you might just find a way to contribute to the country’s economic growth.
An engaging place to live, work, and play, plenty of opportunity awaits those who step off the plane and into the country! While there are plenty of ways to learn the language, this article will introduce you to some of the simplest and most efficient methods.