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KazAussie
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Hi
I wonder if anyone can recommend a good (preferably free) online resource for learning Vietnamese.
I have googled for this and there are heaps of sites out there, just wondering if anyone has any recommendations.
#1 Posted: 22/8/2009 - 16:16
KazAussie
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Whoops sorry just found this link http://www.travelfish.org/asia-language.php
#2 Posted: 22/8/2009 - 19:10
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tingers
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http://www.imtranslator.com/default.asp
#3 Posted: 24/8/2009 - 09:15
somtam2000
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KazAussie, do you mean a course or phrasebook style thing?
#4 Posted: 24/8/2009 - 09:24
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KazAussie
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I just wanted to learn a bit of the language before I get there. Just common phrases and sayings. The link I quoted above takes you to intrepid traveller but it is very very basic.
If I can't get something on line I will buy a phrase book with a cd. I think I would prefer to hear the language spoken and try and replicate it rather than get phonetic spellings of words.
#5 Posted: 24/8/2009 - 14:47
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Most difficult are tones and language varies so much from North to South even VN people often misunderstand each other! best get a phrase book and learn within each region based on local tones. Simple phrases like hello, etc. are common so simple phrasebook will help.
As a foreigner VN expect English to come out of your mouth & not their language! this is a major problem in communications in VN!
#6 Posted: 30/8/2009 - 20:05
minhnguyen1-
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Hi KazAussie
What is the language you are speaking ?
If you speak english, i can teach you Vietnamese online
Of course no fee.
i'm working at the office, so i just have a free hour everyday at noon to teach you.
How about you ?
#7 Posted: 1/9/2009 - 10:29
minhnguyen1-
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one more
I'm Vietnamese
I'm leaving in Hanoi, Vietnam
#8 Posted: 1/9/2009 - 10:31
KazAussie
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Thank you very much for your kind offer Minh, but I am looking more for something I can study in my own time.
Regards
Karen
#9 Posted: 1/9/2009 - 18:00
mattocmd
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Byki all the way. I have been using it to learn Korean and have memorized about 1700 words/phrases since April. Still a long way to go but without this program it wouldn't have been possible to get to where I am.
Download the trial version and see how you like it. If its for you the full version is like 40-50$.
Also learn how to read their characters and dont memorized the romanized verson.
#10 Posted: 1/9/2009 - 20:48
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KazAussie
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Thanks Mattocmd. I will give that a try.
Pablot thank you for your comments. I know it is a tonal language and that it can be quite different in different districts. However, I have traveled quite extensively and have learned that if you know a few simple phrases people are appreciative and much more willing to help.
I put myself in their situation, if someone came up to me in the street and started talking in gobbldy-**** (which is what a foreign language sounds like to someone that doesn't speak it), I would be much less responsive than if they said to me something like "excuse me, can you help me"... and then body and sign language can get you a long way.
So at the very least before visiting a country I try and learn... please, thank you, excuse me, can you help me, I am sorry I only speak English.
If I can also ask for directions, room costs, where is the bus station etc, that is a bonus.
I also try and learn phrases that refer to family ... is this your son, daughter, etc and if at all possible to ask them about themselves.
That is my approach, although I would love to have the time to be able to learn enough to converse, this usually only happens after months in country, so a few niceties have to suffice.
#11 Posted: 2/9/2009 - 15:17