We get it — this isn’t your first time searching for language-learning tips. And if you’re diving into Vietnamese — often ranked among the world’s most challenging languages — it makes total sense to mentally prepare for the road ahead.
Over 12 years of operation, Tieng Viet Oi has supported thousands of students around the globe learn Vietnamese. We’ve seen it all: the excitement, the curiosity, the intense efforts, and even the small victories when students begin to truly grasp the language.
Yes, Vietnamese can toy with your head. Amidst the complex range of tones and the tangled web of pronouns lies the beauty of an endearing language to many people. Vietnam sits at the crossroads of multiple cultures; therefore, the language is filled with nuances and so much depth.
In this blog post, we’re sharing 10 pieces of advice from our outstanding students. If you’re about to embark on the journey of learning Vietnamese, we hope their stories will make you feel less alone and a lot more inspired.
It always starts with the expected question: “Why? Why Vietnamese?”
The responses, of course, tend to vary. Most have expressed the obvious need to blend in and understand local culture on a deeper level. Some enjoy the adrenaline rush, the dopamine in learning a language so different from their mother tongue. For many others, cross-cultural relationships and marriages are what bring our students to us. It’s no surprise that many students show the desire to confidently communicate with their Vietnamese partners and family-in-laws.
And then come the early challenges.
Yes, who can escape the infamous pronunciation hiccups? The 6 Vietnamese tones demand sensitivity to pitch and sound. The vowels require activating muscles you didn’t even know existed. Then all hail the complexity of pronoun” choices, which often leaves learners wondering: “If I don’t use the right pronoun, will I offend someone?” or “What age group is it appropriate to call ‘chị’?” and “What’s the subtle difference between ‘chú’ and ‘bác’?” One of our students, in their early days of learning Vietnamese, even recalled the “prolonged frustration of not being understood”.
…to moments of victory.
At the end of the day, we can approach any language learning challenges with an open perspective, our “experienced” students insisted. They credit all those tiny turning points and the little moments of victory as a source of encouragement.
More often, those unexpected breakthroughs just showed up on an ordinary day. Some students have highlighted drinking rice wine and having a casual chat with the security guard in the building as a major milestone.
And once Vietnamese learning takes students out of the classroom, where they pull off authentic conversations with the locals, it counts as a historic breakthrough. One of our students still remembers the day when he successfully ordered his drink/food in front of his partner’s family, and everyone was so impressed. A proud moment, indeed!
The wait is over! 10 Tips from Our Students & Experienced Teachers
1. It’s all about mindset!
Before diving into Vietnamese, learners were often showered with certain stereotypes. While the tonal nature and pronunciation make Vietnamese so much more challenging (we admit it!), at the end of the day, maintaining an open, positive mindset is the key. Don’t forget, for every 10 reasons why Vietnamese might seem difficult, there are just as many reasons why it’s actually easy to learn: there’s no verb conjugation, “pronouns” choices can be a lot more flexible, and the writing system is very consistent; it can be understood without phonetic knowledge. Beat the stereotypes, and you’re already halfway there.
2. Invest in a teacher (e.g., at TVO!)
While the widespread availability of language apps like Duolingo, Anki, Quizlet, etc. has greatly benefited self-learners, having a teacher to accompany you from the start of learning is essential. Their insights into pronunciation nuances and guidance on local culture will be an invaluable input for your learning progress.
3. Don’t underestimate “pronunciation”
Don’t let the challenging “tones” become the roadblock that prevents you from advancing. We understand the frustration and the grimace on your face when it comes to pronunciation exercises. Be extra patient and focus on getting them, maybe 80% right, from the start!
4. Set small, achievable goals
This works in every aspect of life, right? Large goals can overwhelm us. Break them down into small chunks, and don’t overthink about the result. Enjoy the process. You’ll be amazed at how much progress you’ve made when you look back.
5. Be diligent with vocabulary learning
Bring a small vocabulary notebook with you. Use flashcards (Check out our flashcards!). Or turn applications like Duolingo, Anki, or Quizlet into your friend. Do whatever suits your style to help you memorise and practice using words. Stay consistent. Your teacher can help you expand your vocabulary, but you take control of retaining it and practising in context.
6. Consistency is key!
Learning Vietnamese is like training for a marathon. Some days you’ll make 10 km, other days you might feel like you’re moving slower. And that is okay. But it’s all about showing up for yourself, even on the tough days.
7. Don’t be shy – Speak Vietnamese Đi!
We agree. This is so much easier said than done. But isn’t it the universal truth that speaking (and writing!) is crucial to mastering any language? Accumulating input through reading and listening is essential, and producing the language helps make sense of what you’ve learned. Express them! Either through speaking out loud or quietly, through your writing.
8. Diversify your learning resources
Whether you’re self-taught or have a teacher, use a variety of resources to stay engaged. Here are a few recommendations:
+ TVO YouTube Channel: Free, engaging content from beginner to advanced levels.
+ TVO Podcast: Conversations that provide cultural insights and practical listening materials.
+ Learn Useless Vietnamese: Fun tidbits about the language (no sponsors, just a cool page).
+ EZ Sử: For intermediate learners, dive into Vietnamese history (also no sponsors, just a cool channel!)
+ Alodayla: Your go-to source for Northern Vietnamese with audio guides and vocabulary.
+ Vietwordly: Your Vietnamese vocabulary source, in a poetic way
+ chris.tran.travels: Your go-to survival Vietnamese handbook, and insights into Vietnamese history
9. Expand your network of Vietnamese friends
Nothing beats learning from native speakers. Connecting with Vietnamese friends (or marrying one, jk, lol) will immerse you in the language and culture, offering authentic practice and insights.
10. Immerse yourself in Vietnamese media
…or simply, watch your favorite Netflix movies with Vietnamese subtitles (recommended by our students!). If number 9 is not your thing, immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture through media. Watch movies with Vietnamese subtitles, read signs in Vietnamese, or practice using Vietnamese menus while you order. Every bit of exposure counts!
Last but not least, David Coley, one of our top students and the Ambassador for Tiếng Việt ơi, shared four valuable tips for learning a foreign language on his YouTube channel. You might want to check it out here!
Closing Remarks:
This blog was made possible by the generous support of our Patrons at Patreon. We deeply appreciate your ongoing commitment to shaping TVO’s content over the years. A heartfelt thank you also goes out to all the students who participated in our survey. Your insights were invaluable and played a crucial role in shaping this blog. Cảm ơn rất nhiều!
